GUELPH, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's hockey team opened their 2025–26 OUA season on Friday night, falling 2–0 to the Guelph Gryphons on the road.

After a scoreless opening 40 minutes, the Gryphons broke through early in the third period. Jayden Calder opened the scoring just 44 seconds in on the power play, with assists from Arielle MacDonald and Katherine Heard. Deija Houston doubled the lead less than two minutes later, set up by Alexie Olivier.

Ontario Tech goaltender Zoe McGee kept her team in the game, stopping 27 of 29 shots faced. The Ridgebacks finished with 22 shots on goal but couldn't solve Guelph netminder Sophie Helfenstein, who earned the shutout.

The Ridgebacks were 0-for-1 on the power play and killed off two of Guelph's three opportunities.

Ontario Tech will look to rebound tomorrow when they visit the Brock Badgers in St. Catharines.