RECAP: Gee-Gees fall to Gaels in physical OUA quarterfinal matchup, will be back in action with U CUP host bid
The #5 University of Ottawa men's hockey team met the #6 Queen's Gaels in the OUA quarterfinal series. An extremely physical battle, the Gaels took the series 2-0 to advance to the OUA semifinal round.
The Gee-Gees advanced to the OUA quarterfinal round with a pair of overtime wins over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks while the Gaels enjoyed a first-round bye, waiting patiently to see who they'd face in the beginning of their playoff efforts.
Queen's played host for the opening match of the series, welcoming Ottawa for a Wednesday night meeting.
Nicolas Kingsbury-Fournier and Alexis Bonefon logged the two first goals of the series, granting the Gee-Gees a 2-0 lead.
The rest of the game was all Gaels. Halfway through the second period, the Gael's cashed in on a powerplay opportunity. Five minutes later, another goal from the Gael's made it a tie game. Queen's found two more goals to build a notable lead.
Marc-Antoine Seguin found the net with just over two minutes left to play but Ottawa was unable to close the gap, losing game one by a score of 4-3.
In the Minto Sports Complex for game two, the Gaels built a 4-0 lead before Mitch Martin got the Gee-Gees on the board partway through the second period. Vincent Labelle added a goal moments later, helping the Gee-Gees chip away at their deficit.
Taking advantage of a misplay by the Gee-Gees in their own zone, Ante Zlomislic scored one for the Gaels while shorthanded. Peter Stratis only needed a minute to respond, making a 5-3 game
A powerplay draw in the Gee-Gees end gave Nolan Hutcheson the chance to strike, scoring his second of the evening to extend the Gaels' lead.
An empty net goal made it a 7-3 win for the Gaels.
The Queen's win eliminates Ottawa from the OUA playoffs. With the host bid for the U SPORTS national championship tournament, the Gee-Gees still have the opportunity to compete for the national title, the University Cup.
The Gee-Gees will be back on the ice on March 20th for the U CUP quarterfinal. Hosted by the University of Ottawa, the tournament will be played at TD Place from March 20-23.