The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team is entering the 2025–2026 season with momentum and high expectations. Last year’s campaign marked a return to national prominence with a mix of veteran leadership, talented newcomers and one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA). This year, the Blues are positioned to once again challenge the best programs in the country.

Review of the 2024–2025 season 

Last season, the Blues finished strong with an overall record of 17-8-1 in the OUA. They won the McCaw Cup against the Waterloo Warriors and punched their ticket to the U SPORTS Championship. There, the Blues fell to Bishop’s University in the semifinals, but bested Concordia 3–1 in the bronze medal match. 

Coaching and leadership 

Head coach Vicky Sunohara returns for her 15th season behind the bench. Her long tenure and previous success account for a sense of stability and confidence, complemented by a steady group of assistant coaches. Under Sunohara’s leadership, the Blues have consistently been among the OUA’s top programs. 

Returning players

This season, Ashley Delahey headlines the offence, having led the team in goals with nine, assists with 16, and total points with 25 in 26 games. Also returning is her twin sister, Taylor Delahey, the other half of the twin power forwards who bring grit and finesse. Netminder Lyla McKinnon also finished strong with a save percentage of .915 and four shutouts. 

Her consistency provides Toronto with one of the most reliable goaltending situations in the conference. Together, these returnees give the team a blend of firepower and leadership that few OUA teams can match. 

The Blues took bronze in the U SPORTS Championship last season. DANIELLE GAUDET/THE VARSITY

Rookies and fresh faces

The offseason saw the Blues add depth across the roster. Defenders Jaia Freer from the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL), and Olivia Brassard are expected to add physical presence to the blue line. Other newcomers who will push for depth scoring include first-year forwards Dawson Benson and Emma Lambert. Without losing their veteran core, the Blues have reloaded with a handful of other rookies joining the locker room. 

The Blues are heading into the new season as one of the top programs in the country. DANIELLE GAUDET/THE VARSITY

Challenges and expectations

Despite the excitement, there will still be challenges. On defence, there is a mix of seasoned veterans and youthful rookies, making chemistry and consistency key factors. This season, the Blues will also look for a greater push from second and third line forwards, to avoid leaning too heavily on top players like the Delahey twins. 

Between the pipes, the question is who will emerge as McKinnon’s primary tandem partner. Whoever it is will need to be able to deliver under pressure, with the help of the rest of the team’s defensive performance.

Where they stand 

The Blues are heading into the new season with a target on their backs as one of the top programs in the country. Within the OUA, rivals like Queen’s and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are expected to provide stiff competition; however, U of T’s combination of star power, depth and stability gives them an edge. Nationally, they remain among the favourites, alongside perennial powerhouses Concordia and the University of Alberta. 

With a strong returning core, coaching stability and quality additions, the Blues are back in the mix and will look to take the next step to capture more hardware. They will need to turn last year’s season into sustained success, but if the young players are able to quickly adapt and the vets perform as expected, the Blues will mount another serious run this season.