RECAP: #7 Gee-Gees end regular season by claiming sixth edition of Colonel By Classic with 3-1 win over the Ravens

On Thursday evening, the Gee-Gees men's hockey team won their most anticipated game of the regular season, the sixth edition of the Colonel By Classic by a score of 3-1.

The game, played in front of over a thousand fans at TD Place Arena, was incredibly physical and adrenaline filled. Just like every game against Carleton, many colossal hits were thrown, and tensions boiled over more than once. 

It was Max Grondin who got the dance started as he sniped his 15th goal of the season only 37 seconds into the first period.

The 6'4 forward from Hearst, Ont. described the atmosphere as exciting.

"It was great to show out the way we did in front of the crowd. Their support was felt throughout the game, and it helped us keep our foot on the gas," Grondin said. "It was a very intense game and the students in the stands really helped us grab those crucial two points."

Mathieu Desgagnes snagged the game winning goal near the end of the second period, while Gee-Gees captain, Anthony Poulin locked up the game with an empty netter.

The rest of the game was marked by shutdown defence from the Garnet and Grey, as they only conceded a single goal. Frankie Lapenna continued his brilliant play and improved his already league-leading GAA and SV%, stopping 25 out of 26 shots thrown his way and coming up with clutch highlight-reel saves in the dying moments of the game.

Gee-Gees head coach Patrick Grandmaître was satisfied with his group's performance.

"Sacrifice. These young men put their body on the line every game and complement our elite goaltending. I'm very proud of our defensive processes this year and once again today we saw the result of discipline and determination," Grandmaitre said. "This game was a must-win as we needed to lock up third place. We are not concerned by the possibility of a bye, we'll be ready for anyone at any time."

The Gee-Gees end the season with a 20-6-2 record, but their final rank will be determined by the outcome of the UQTR and TMU game on February 10th. A UQTR loss would give the Gee-Gees a first round bye. In either scenario, the Gees will have home-ice advantage in their first best-of-three series of the postseason.