Westminster's hockey team entered the Founders Cup Playoffs as the #1 seed, earning a first-round bye in the 15-team tournament. However, their road to the championship hit an early challenge in the quarterfinals, as the Wildcats fell 3-5 to Fox in Game 1 on February 3.

Westminster battled hard, with special teams playing a major role in the game. Andrew Frierdich put the Wildcats on the board early with a shorthanded goal in the first period, assisted by Cutler Fricke. Alex Stiehr delivered in the second period, scoring twice—once shorthanded off a Nathan Charnes assist and again in the final second of the period with helpers from London Jett and Cade Sadtler.

Fox responded with three unanswered goals in the third period, including a late power-play tally to secure the win.

With the best-of-three format, Westminster will look to even the series in Game 2 on Monday, February 10, at 6:30 PM at Queeny Park. A victory would force a decisive "mini game"—a 10-minute tiebreaker period with a shootout if necessary—immediately following Game 2.

The Wildcats are no strangers to postseason success, having won the 2023 Founders Cup, and they'll need a strong effort to keep their championship hopes alive. Come out and support the team as they fight for a spot in the Founders Cup semifinals!