RECAP: Men’s hockey splits Stingers series, set for final regular season weekend

The University of Ottawa men's hockey team halved a vital home-and-home against the Concordia Stingers, winning the first game 5-2, before travelling to Montreal and losing 2-0. Concordia and the University of Ottawa are in a heated playoff race, with the teams level on points; Concordia currently has two games in hand over the Gee-Gees.

On Wednesday, Mar. 3, the Stingers travelled to the Nation's Capital for a date with the Gee-Gees. The Garnet and Grey were eager to build off a 2-1 win over the UQTR Patriotes the previous weekend. Concordia would start the scoring early when Gabriel Proulx found the back of the net less than three minutes into the game. The Gee-Gees would score three unanswered, with Branden Makara snapping his lengthy goal drought while Yvan Mongo and Nicolas Ouellet both netted their fourth goals of the season.

Going into the third period the Garnet and Grey held a two-goal lead. It would be cut in half within the first minute as Proulx would score his second of the night, but Mathieu Desgagnés ensured that all hope of a comeback was dashed when he potted his fourth of the season. Anthony Poulin would add the empty-net goal, his first as a Gee-Gee to close out the game.

On Saturday, the Gee-Gees would head to Montreal hoping to extend their recent run of success. Despite having 42 shots and several high-quality scoring chances, the University of Ottawa was unable to find the back of the net. First and third-period goals were enough for the Stingers to beat the Gee-Gees and draw level on points again.

"It's about finding our playoff game," said Gee-Gees' head coach, Patrick Grandmaître. "Our division is so tight and every night you can win or lose." 

The Gee-Gees head into the final weekend of the OUA regular season with two tough games. They head on the road to face off against McGill before a home date against UQTR to close out the regular season. Currently in a tie for second, the Gee-Gees are looking to take all four points and improve their playoff positioning.  

The University of Ottawa dropped their most recent game against McGill 3-1 at The Arena at TD Place. They will try and get back into the win column on Friday. The Gee-Gees hold the season series with the Redbird winning three of the four games this campaign.

The Gee-Gees beat the Patriotes on home ice for the first time this season in their last meeting. UQTR currently sits atop the OUA Far East and has won three of their last four. The season series is currently split between the two teams.

Tickets for this Saturday's game and all uOttawa varsity events must be purchased beforehand at tickets.geegees.ca. Fans planning on attending an event are encouraged to read the Tickets and Gameday Information document, which includes pertinent health and safety measures. The document can be found HERE.