With 2012 now behind us, it is time for Laurier Brantford’s various extramural teams to prepare for the New Year. The second half is set to get underway, and for many teams it is their last chance to make a push to qualify for other tournaments or play for a championship. So, with this in mind there are five tournaments coming up in the New Year that Laurier Brantford should mark on their calendar and get excited about.

1. Women’s Hockey: The women’s hockey team will be looking to finish off the season with a championship in front of a home crowd at the Wayne Gretzky Centre on February 15. Thesixth ranked girls will be one of eight teams battling in the final tournament, but with a home ice advantage, the team will look to rally behind the cheers of the Laurier Brantford faithful.

2. Men’s Hockey: The men’s hockey team have had a tough go this season, facing a lot of strong competition in their previous tournaments, failing to make it to the finals in both outings. However, as with the women’s team, the men now have the opportunity to play in front of Laurier Brantford fans. The Hawks will be one of 12 teams in action on February 8 at the Wayne Gretzky Centre and will look to finish the season on a high note.
3. Co-ed Dodgeball: The dodgeball team will begin their final tournament of the year on January 24. The dodgeball team has had some successful outings this year, including a third place finish at Redeemer College. The team has entered this tournament every year since they formed and saw their best result last year when they finished second. The Golden Hawks will be looking to improve this time around and show that they are the team to beat.
4. Men’s Basketball: The men’s basketball team had a very successful start to the 2012-2013 season, highlighted by a second place finish at George Brown College. The boys have proved that they are a team not to be taken lightly, which is why their final tournament of the year on January 25at U of T Scarborough is one that everyone should get excited for. This tournament is also very important because if the team can manage to finish among the top in the tournament they may qualify for the finals in March.
5. Co-ed Soccer: Laurier’s co-ed Soccer team will take part in their final tournament of the year on March 1 at U of T Mississauga. The team started the season with a disappointing result at Humber Lakeshore, where they failed to win a game, finishing 0-3. However, before they head into their final tournament of the season they will compete in a tournament on February 8 at Redeemer College. If the team can get their game together and steadily improve during the New Year they could challenge for a first place finish in their season finale.

Heading into 2013, Laurier Brantford’s teams have a good chance to bring home some trophies. The Golden Hawks can prove that although they may be a small campus there isn’t a shortage of talented athletes and teams.