Darren Turcotte knows the Waterloo Warriors will be a tough test as the Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team hosts game one of the OUA semifinals which start Wednesday night at Memorial Gardens to start the best-of-three series.
“This is going to be a great test for us," said the longtime Lakers coach.
“Waterloo is very well coached and will be ready."
The Lakers were 0-1-1 this season against the Warriors this season, falling 3-2 in overtime at CIF arena in Waterloo on January 14 and then lost 4-2 to the Warriors at Memorial Gardens on February 17.
While Turcotte has all-star offensive forward Maria Dominico leading the way offensively, Waterloo has the only two players who recorded more points than Dominico in 2022-23 in the form of Leah Herrfort and Tatum James.
“They have two of the top scoring forwards in the country," said Turcotte.
"We will have to be very aware when they are on the ice."
The Lakers though, come in with a first round sweep over the Queen's Gaels winning in two straight including a 5-3 win over the Gaels at the Powassan Sportsplex last Friday night with the friendly confines of Memorial Gardens unavailable due to a trade show.
The Warriors meanwhile, had to go the distance in their opening series defeating the Badgers in 2-1 in the three-game affair.
“At this time of the year everyone has momentum," said Turcotte.
"It is the team that takes away the other teams momentum that will get off to a great start."
Games two and three will take place at the Columbia Ice Field arena in Waterloo on March 3 and if necessary a game three scheduled the next day on March 4.
Puck drop for game one is set for 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.
