New life
photo by Alex Smyth
Die another day: The Gees’ 4-3 overtime win over Concordia on Nov. 28 kept them in the playoff hunt.
Women’s hockey snaps losing streak in overtime thriller
THE GEE-GEES WOMEN’S hockey team breathed a sigh of relief at the Sports Complex on Nov. 28 as they earned a much-needed victory. Despite allowing the visiting Concordia Stingers (1-4-3) to tie the match 3-3 in the dying minutes of the third period, Ottawa responded with the winning goal in overtime. The 4-3 victory tied the Gees with the Stingers for the final playoff spot in the Quebec Student Sports Federation (QSSF).
“As a team, [the win] was something we needed,” said Gee-Gees head coach Miguel Filiatrault following the game. “We had a two-week break, and we took the opportunity to start over.”
Ottawa took control of the match by outshooting Concordia 10-7 in the opening frame. Gees’ fifth-year defender Christine Allen scored on the power play to put Ottawa on the board. The Gees preserved the 1-0 lead into the end of the period, killing all three of their penalties.
“The penalty kill has been our bread and butter this year,” said Filiatrault. “Tonight they did a really good job.”
The power play proved to be Ottawa’s bread and butter that night as well. The Gees increased their lead to 2-0 early in the second period on another man advantage. Second-year forward Fannie Desforges took control of the puck and swerved in and out of Concordia’s slot, freezing the Stingers. She then relayed a slick pass to fourth-year forward Amber Foster, who shot it top shelf.
Concordia answered midway through the frame. A broken play in the Gees’ zone saw the puck slide under Ottawa rookie goaltender Stephanie Auger. Minutes later, the Stingers generated constant pressure, and the Gees couldn’t clear the puck out of their zone. A Concordia forward cut through the slot and fired a shot that got through traffic to beat Auger stick side.
“We kind of let up a bit,” said Gees’ fourth-year forward Taryn Brown.
Brown was able to restore Ottawa’s lead just a minute later. Streaking down the right side, Brown looked to pass but then fired a wrist shot that beat the Concordia goalie glove side.
“I was looking for the pass and it was not there,” she said. “So I got forced into the position to make the shot. I’m really glad it went in.”
In the third period, the Stingers were given two power plays early but were unable to beat Auger. She stopped several Concordia scoring chances throughout the frame.
“[Auger] gave us a chance to win,” said Filiatrault. “She made key saves in key moments.”
Late in the period, however, Concordia tied the game following a scramble in front of the net—just seconds after Ottawa killed a penalty.
The Gees regrouped and pressured the Stingers in overtime. A scramble ensued, and the puck found its way to fifth-year forward Cassandra Sparks. She beat the Concordia goalie up high and tripped over an opposing player. Though it was hardly the most elegant play, Sparks’ goal nevertheless prompted cheers and hugs from her teammates.
“It was important to get the win,” said Brown. “We’re going to show the conference that we’re a different team in the second half.”
With the win, Ottawa is 2-6-1 and tied for fourth spot in the QSSF. They next play at McGill (9-0) on Jan. 8, before returning home to face Carleton (3-5) the following night at 6 p.m. at the Sports Complex.
