PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Gee-Gees challenge #1 Stingers in RSEQ Semifinal

After closing out the regular season with a 3-2 win over the Bishop's Gaiters, the Gee-Gees are set to take on the undefeated, #1 ranked Concordia Stingers in the RSEQ semifinals. 

The 8-17 Gee-Gees have a tough battle ahead facing off against the top ranked team in the nation. The Stingers ended their season 25-0, defeating the Gee-Gees five times in regular season play.

Despite a losing record against the Stingers, the Gee-Gees have given the RSEQ leaders their closest games, even sending them to double overtime in November.

Ottawa is sure to be challenged by Emilie Lussier who leads Concordia with 34 points and 18 goals. Lussier is supported on the attack by Emilie Lavoie, Chloé Gendreau, and Jessymaude Drapeau who each reached double digits in scoring throughout the regular season. 

Concordia's goaltending tandem of Jordyn Verbeek and Arianne Leblanc give the Stingers options between the posts. The two have fairly similar numbers, with Verbreek earning 11 wins, a 1.18 goals against average and a 0.931 save percentage while Leblanc bolstered 13 wins, a 1.15 goals against average and a 0.946 save percentage.

Florence Lessard has picked up the pace for the Gee-Gees in the final leg of the regular season. Leading the team with 13 points, Lessard has found mesh six times while contributing seven assists. Alyssa Biesenthal is the leading goal scorer for the Gee-Gees for the second consecutive season, putting up seven goals. 

Katherine Birkby, Beatrice Bilodeau, Arianne Gagnon and rookie Maëlle Laplante each have the potential to impact the series for the Gee-Gees. 

Ottawa heads to Concordia on Thursday night for a 7:30 puck drop. Game two will be played at Minto Sports complex on Feb. 24 at 2p.m. If necessary, the series will close back at Concordia on Feb. 25 at 3p.m.