RECAP: Gee-Gees become the first to defeat the #1 Stingers, season ends with game three loss

The Gee-Gees women's hockey team matched up with the #1 ranked Concordia Stingers in the RSEQ semi-final. After finishing the regular season undefeated, the Stingers were sure to be a challenge for any team. 

Ottawa headed to Montreal for game one of the series, and the Gee-Gees quickly scored a statement goal. Only 2:33 into the opening period, Katherine Birkby logged the first goal of the best-of-three series. 

Concordia came out of the first intermission with fire, finding the net 34 seconds into second period action. The Stingers built up a 3-1 lead throughout the second period and added a pair of goals in the third to secure a 5-1 win.

Two days later, the Stingers were the visitors. The Minto Sports Complex was packed with Gee-Gees fans, and once again, Ottawa was on the board first.

Taking advantage of a scramble in front of the net during a powerplay, Jade Todd tapped the puck past the Concordia goaltender.

The Gee-Gees came away with another powerplay goal in the second period. This time, a smooth pass across the zone to a wide-open Alexe Clavelle gave Ottawa a 2-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes.

While Concordia did manage to score in the final moments of the third period, but Ottawa's lead held to the final buzzer.

The 2-1 score in favour of the Gee-Gees marked the first loss the Stingers suffered all season. 

"We're really happy to be able to capitalize on all our hard work," Todd said. "It was really exciting; we've been so close to beating them a few times this year and so finally being able to close and get that win was amazing." 

The teams were back in Montreal for game three the following day.

The Stingers came out flying, hoping to erase any concern over their loss. Their speed and energy were unmatched, and they were able to create a four-goal lead in the first period. Concordia did not slow down during the second, finding a variety of ways to score.

Concordia got their revenge over the Gee-Gees, earning a 13-0 win and advancing to the RSEQ Final.

The Gee-Gees saw their season and their time in the RSEQ come to an end. Ottawa will face a new schedule of opponents in the 2024-25 season as they join the OUA. Follow @GeeGeesWHOC for updates.