For the first time in program history, the Guelph Gryphons are U Sports women’s hockey champions.

In a storybook ending, captain Kaitlin Lowy deposited the historic goal late in the second period, propelling the Gryphons past the McGill Martlets 1-0.

“I pretty much blacked out,” Lowy said of her goal. “I haven’t had time to digest the magnitude of this, but right now I’m just really proud of this team and we’re honoured to be part of a historical championship.”

Head coach Rachel Flanagan has coached the Gryphons for the past 12 years and was understandably emotional following the win.

“You can’t win without a special group,” she said. “We had players who put the team on their back this weekend. It wasn’t just our leading scorers. It was everybody up and down our lineup.”

Flanagan was quick to recognize her on-ice leader, who suffered a separated shoulder six weeks before the tournament.

“Kaitlin is being modest and humble when she says it’s the entire group. She has a couple fifth-year captains who are with her, and their leadership this year has been outstanding.”

Fifth-year goaltender Valerie Lamenta was named a tournament all-star, recording two shutouts against Montreal and McGill during the championship.

“It’s been an amazing five years at Guelph,” said Lamenta. “But this is really a dream come true being able to say this is my last game in a Guelph Gryphons jersey.”

Guelph athletic director Scott McRoberts said Lowy’s jersey will be given to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“This has been years in the making,” Lowy said. “We talk a lot about our honour, sacrifice and legacy, and there’s been a lot of Gryphons who have come before us who have paved a path for us to succeed.”

Help Celebrate our Guelph Gryphons Women’s Hockey Champs!

Celebration parade and reception to honour 2019 National Champion Gryphon Women’s Hockey Team

Tuesday, March 19

4:30 to 6 p.m.

Gryphon Centre Arena (4:30 p.m.) and Brass Taps (5 to 6 p.m.)