Sydney Pyburn’s Shutout Leads TMU Bold Past Brock Badgers 1-0

The Toronto Metropolitan University Bold entered Thursday night eyeing their second win of the season after a close 3-4 loss to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Nov. 1, at Varsity Arena. Facing the Brock Badgers at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the Bold were also seeking their third straight win against Brock, which would tie their longest streak against the Badgers and improve their record against them to 9–6.

The first period was tightly contested, with the Bold pressing early and earning two power plays in the opening 15 minutes but unable to convert. Halfway through the frame, the Badgers began to push back, but first-year goaltender Sydney Pyburn stood tall, turning aside all nine Brock shots.

With 3:35 left in the period, fourth-year forward Britini Yamine buried a pass from second-year defender Dayle Chinnick to open the scoring 1–0 TMU, giving the Bold momentum heading into the second. The goal marked Yamine’s second of the season and Chinnick’s second assist this season.

Photo by Tristan Morgan

The second period opened slowly, but TMU carried its momentum until a tripping penalty to Ava Caputo gave Brock a chance on the power play. Pyburn continued to shut the door. Tensions rose later in the frame when Yamine took a roughing penalty after a big collision, but again the Badgers could not find the equalizer. Despite four combined power plays through two periods, neither side managed to score as both defences impressed.

Head coach Lisa Haley said the team’s composure under pressure made the difference. “Our goalie was critical in her aspect tonight, but it was a team effort trying to control the quality of their chances,” she said.

The Badgers came out strong in the third, nearly tying the game with a shot off the crossbar before second-year forward Kaite Leroux made a diving block to deflect another chance over the glass. Brock continued to apply pressure, outshooting TMU 24–12, but the Bold defence held strong. Pyburn made 10 more saves in the third to finish 24-for-24, earning her first career shutout and TMU’s first of the season in a 1-0 win.

After the game, Pyburn reflected on what the victory meant for the team, “It gives us a little hope,” she said. “We’re now in a playoff spot, so it gives us something to fight for.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup against the Guelph Gryphons, Yamine said their confidence is growing. “Guelph is gonna be tough competition, but we always bring our best game against them at their rink. It’s anybody’s game this year, we just have to keep our heads down and keep grinding.”