Cougars Celebrate Championship with Dominant Home Opener

The Sault College Women's Hockey team opened their 2025–26 home schedule in true Cougars fashion, sweeping the Adrian College Bulldogs with back-to-back shutouts at the Northern Community Centre.

Friday night marked a special moment for the program as the Cougars unveiled their 2025 National Championship banner, celebrating their third consecutive ACHA Women's Division 2 title. Prior to puck drop, third-year goaltender Farrah Farstad was also recognized for earning the 2025 National Tournament MVP honors.

Once the celebrations concluded, the defending champions wasted no time reminding fans why they remain the team to beat. The Cougars erupted offensively in their home opener, scoring six times in the first period, nine in the second, and three more in the third en route to a commanding 18–0 victory.

Danika West and Katelynn Jacques led the offensive with four goals each, power forward Payton Stos tallied two goals and five assists, and captain Emma Lee recorded two goals and two assists in her final home opener. Other goal scorers in the contest were Hayden Dunn, Matea Glavota, and rookies Reece Laidlaw, Abygail McDonald, and Tara Knight.

Sault outshot Adrian 55 to 7, with Farrah Farstad recording the shutout.

The Cougars carried their momentum into Saturday's rematch, completing the sweep with another convincing shutout win.

McDonald opened the scoring on the power play midway through the first period, followed by Laidlaw just minutes later. Stos extended the lead early in the second period, and Jacques sealed the victory with her seventh goal of the season.

The Cougars once again dominated the shot clock, outshooting Adrian 53 to 17. First-year goaltender Denali Forsyth earned her second shutout of the season, turning aside all 17 shots she faced.

The Cougars improve to 4-0-0 on the season following their opening weekend at home. With depth scoring across all lines and strong goaltending, the reigning national champions picked up right where they left off.

Next action for the Cougars is the weekend of Nov. 7, when they face Minnesota Duluth, Assiniboine Community College, and North Dakota State on the road.

Photo credit: Freeze Frame Photoz