McMaster Rallies in Fourth Quarter to Defeat Laurier 11–7

HAMILTON, Ont. McMaster opened its 2026 CUFLA campaign with a strong start and a finish that put the game away.

The Marauders defeated Laurier 11–7 Friday night at Alumni Field, overcoming a back and forth contest with a four goal fourth quarter to secure the victory.

McMaster established an early edge, scoring three times in the opening quarter. Caelan Mander opened the scoring before Preston Gear and Neel Cargill added to the Marauders' advantage.

Laurier answered with two goals in the second quarter, but McMaster continued to find ways to stay in front. Lincoln Gear scored twice in the second, giving the Marauders a 5–3 lead at halftime.

The Golden Hawks refused to go quietly. Neel Cargill and Preston Gear scored for McMaster in the third quarter, while Laurier added a goal of its own to keep the game within reach heading into the final frame.

That's where the Marauders took control. McMaster scored four times in the fourth quarter, with Brennan Mee scoring three times and Nick Pospisil adding another. The offensive burst gave McMaster the breathing room it needed to withstand Laurier's late push.

Laurier's offence was led by Ronan LaMarche, Nolan MacVicar, Lukas Moth ersell, Callum Stata, Ben Barton and Bradley Noble, who scored twice. The Golden Hawks showed plenty of fight, but could not match McMaster's late surge.

The goaltending numbers tell part of the story. McMaster's Neel Cargill played all 60 minutes, facing 24 Laurier shots and making 12 saves. Laurier's Matthew Fairhead also went the distance, facing 12 shots and making five saves.

For McMaster, the 11–7 victory provides an important early win in the West Division. Laurier showed plenty of fight, but the Marauders' ability to finish the game with four goals in the final quarter proved to be the difference.

The first CUFLA weekend is in the books, and both teams will now look to build on their opening night performances as the regular season continues.