5 reasons to attend the Colonel By Classic
An Ottawa rivalry like no other
While the Panda Game might be the biggest university sports match in Canada, it's not the only chapter in the storied rivalry between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
The Rivalry Series—made up of Panda, Capital Hoops, and the Colonel By Classic—is built on three events, three sports, and over 50 years of combined history. The Colonel By Classic is the newest of the three showdowns, with the men's game established in 2016 and the women's game added in 2018. The event is fittingly named after Colonel By Drive, the historic road that runs along the Rideau Canal and connects the two universities. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this legendary piece of our university's history.
One ticket, twice the action
One ticket gets you two games. The doubleheader action isn't just a bargain; it's your chance to see two of the best games of the year, all in one ticket.
Bragging rights on the line
Carleton may have the better record on the men's side, but Ottawa is bringing something even bigger to the game: the bragging rights of being the 2024-25 U SPORTS National Champions. In a stunning Cinderella run to the title, the Gee-Gees entered the championship tournament as the eighth seed and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in U SPORTS history by defeating the two-time defending U SPORTS champions, the UNB Reds in the quarterfinals.
A historic women's matchup
The Alerts Cup, the women's edition of the Colonel By Classic, has been dominated by the Gee-Gees. The Garnet and Grey are on the hunt for their fifth consecutive victory against the Ravens. The trophy pays tribute to the rich history of women's hockey in the nation's capital. It's named after the Ottawa Alerts, a pioneering local team that formed in 1915 and became the first-ever women's world champions in 1917.
Get to know your Gee-Gees
These athletes aren't just hockey players; they're your fellow students, representing Ottawa with excellence both on the ice and in the classroom.
On the women's side, the team is led by fourth-year captain Beatrice Bilodeau, a two-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian who was also recognized as a conference All-Rookie in her first season. The team is packed with players who live up to the title of student-athlete, like alternate captain and two-time Academic All-Canadian Angelique Proulx.
Keep an eye on third-year offensive powerhouse Maelle Laplante, an OUA Second Team All-Star who had a massive four-point night against the Ravens last season. And watch for second-year standout Naomi Morin, who was named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team after her stellar debut.
The men's team enters the game as the defending National Champions, anchored by third-year superstar goalie Franky Lapenna, among others. After being named OUA East Goaltender and Rookie of the Year in his first season, Lapenna went on to represent Canada at the FISU Winter Games.
The championship roster is full of clutch players. Look for second-year forward Mitchell Martin, who scored two huge goals in the national semi-final game, and defenceman Anson McMaster, who assisted on the opening goal in the national championship final. The offense is led by second-year scoring leader Andrew Belchamber and fellow sophomore Zach Giroux, an OUA East All-Rookie team member. The team also features local talent, like Gatineau native Vincent Maisonneuve, and former Ottawa 67 Peter Stratis, who is also three-time Academic All-Canadian.
Be a part of the action
Come for the hockey, stay for the crowd. With so much on the line for both schools, the Colonel By Classic will undoubtedly live up to its name this year. The action takes place at TD Place Arena on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, with the puck dropping at 1:00pm for the women's side, and 4:00pm for the men's. Don't miss your chance to get a seat, even if you'll only use the edge.
Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/2025-colonel-by-classic-ottawa-ontario-11-29-2025/event/31006348C7D77B48