Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Sault College Cougars women’s hockey program made history on Sunday, October 4, at the Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as the program officially opened a new chapter with its first-ever American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I matchup.
Hosting the Michigan State Spartans, the Cougars entered the contest after spending the previous four seasons competing in ACHA Division II. During that stretch, Sault College established itself as one of the dominant programs in the division, capturing four ACHA DII national championships in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026.
The Spartans arrived in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, having already played two games in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where Michigan State picked up back-to-back victories over the Lake Superior State University Lakers on October 2 and 3.
Despite facing a Division I opponent that was coming off consecutive wins, the Cougars showed they were ready for the challenge, skating to a 3-1 victory.
Spartans Strike First
Michigan State opened the scoring 6:51 into the first period when Sam Earhart scored her second goal of the season to give the Spartans an early 1-0 advantage.
Avery Hutchinson and Natalie Juhassz picked up the assists on the opening goal.
The Cougars responded just over three minutes later.
At the 10:07 mark, Katelynn Jacques scored her first goal of the season to even the game at 1-1. Materia Land and Zoe Weaver were credited with the assists.
With the game tied, Sault College continued to push and eventually found the go-ahead goal late in the opening period.
At 15:28, Lydia Steen scored her first goal of the season to put the Cougars ahead 2-1. Paige Schurer and Danika West assisted on the goal.
Sault College carried the one-goal advantage into the first intermission.
Scoreless Second Period
Neither team was able to find the back of the net during the second period.
The Cougars continued to hold the Spartans off the scoreboard while protecting their 2-1 lead heading into the final frame.
Goaltender Farrah Farstad played an important role in keeping Michigan State within reach but unable to find the equalizer.
Sullivan Adds Insurance
The Cougars came out strong in the third period and added an important insurance marker just 1:25 into the frame.
Taryn Sullivan scored her first goal of the season to extend the Sault College lead to 3-1.
Maia Hammell and Payton Stos collected the assists.
From there, the Cougars held the Spartans off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest, securing a 3-1 victory in their historic ACHA Division I debut.
Farstad Shines in Net
Farrah Farstad turned in a strong performance between the pipes for Sault College, stopping 18 of the 19 shots she faced to earn the victory.
At the opposite end, Michigan State goaltender Lucy Cantin faced 29 Sault College shots and made 26 saves.
The final shots on goal were 29-19 in favour of the Cougars.
For Sault College, the victory marked an impressive beginning to the program’s move into ACHA Division I competition after years of success at the Division II level.
The Cougars have now shown that the program’s championship pedigree can carry over as they take on a new level of competition.
Lakers Coming to Sault Ste. Marie
The Cougars will now turn their attention to another familiar opponent as they prepare to host the Lake Superior State Lakers for back-to-back contests.
Sault College and LSSU will meet on October 9 and 10 at the Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Both games are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
After making history with their first ACHA DI matchup and earning a 3-1 victory over Michigan State, the Cougars will look to continue their strong start to the 2026-27 season when the Lakers come to town.
