RECAP: #9 Gee-Gees sweep Ontario Tech, advance to OUA East Quarterfinals
The University of Ottawa men's hockey team punched their ticket to the second round of the OUA playoffs in impressive fashion, sweeping the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in two straight games.
After grinding out a marathon double-overtime victory on the road to open the series, the Gee-Gees returned to the Minto Sports Complex and closed the door with a dominant shutout performance. The series sweep ensures Ottawa advances to the East Quarterfinals with momentum on their side.
Game 1: 2-1 OT win at Ontario Tech
The series opener in Oshawa was a defensive battle from the opening puck drop. Lucas Veilleux opened the scoring for Ottawa midway through the first period, converting a feed from Cam Gauvreau. However, Ontario Tech responded in the second frame to force the game into sudden-death overtime.
The deadlock lasted through the first overtime period and deep into a second. Finally, at the 8:12 mark of double overtime, William Provost played the hero, burying a pass from Maxime Seguin to end the 88-minute marathon. Franky Lapenna was steady all night, turning aside 27 shots to secure the crucial road victory.
Game 2: 4-0 win vs Ontario Tech
Back on home ice with a chance to end the series, the Gee-Gees left no doubt. Ottawa controlled the pace of play, suffocating the Ridgebacks' offense and exploding for four goals to complete the sweep.
Mitch Martin got the offense rolling in the first period. The Gee-Gees broke the game open in the second with goals from Peter Stratis and Max Grondin, before Grondin added his second of the night in the third period to seal the deal.
The story of the night, however, was about the defensive lockdown. Franky Lapenna was perfect between the pipes, stopping all 19 shots he faced to earn the shutout and slam the door on Ontario Tech's season.
Up Next: OUA East Quarterfinal vs #6 UQTR
Game 1 (@ UQTR): Feb. 25th at 7:00pm
Game 2 (@ Ottawa): Feb. 28th at 7:00pm
Game 3 if necessary (@ UQTR): March 1st at 7:00pm
Ottawa's victory over Ontario Tech locks them into a matchup with the #1 seeded UQTR Patriotes.
This presents a massive challenge for the Gee-Gees. The Patriotes were nearly unbeatable at home this season, posting a daunting 13-1 record in Trois-Rivières. To pull off the upset, Ottawa will need to find a way to steal a win in one of the toughest arenas in the conference.
Series Leaders:
- Max Grondin: 2 goals
- Franky Lapenna: 2 Wins, 0.40 GAA, .978 SV%, 1 Shutout
- Alexis Daviault: 2 assists
- Anson McMaster: 2 assists
- William Provost: 1 goal (2OT Winner)
- Lucas Veilleux: 1 goal, 1 assist
