PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Gee-Gees matched with UQTR in OUA East semis

After a dominant sweep of the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in the OUA East Quarterfinal series, the Gee-Gees men's hockey team is set to take on the UQTR Patriotes in the OUA East Semifinals starting on Wednesday night. 

The teams met twice in the regular season, playing two lopsided games. In their first matchup back in October, the Gee-Gees came away with a 5-1 victory but the Patriotes got their revenge on Feb. 4 with a 2-0 shutout win.

The best of three series starts at UQTR on Feb. 21. Game two will be played at Minto Sports Complex on Feb. 23, and if necessary, the deciding game is back at UQTR on Feb. 25. All games start at 7p.m.

Coming off an 8-0 win to advance in the OUA Playoffs, the Gee-Gees have plenty of momentum heading into enemy territory, but home ice advantage could play a huge factor in this series. Like the Gee-Gees, UQTR only lost two games on home ice during the regular season.

Earning a first-round bye, UQTR has not had a game since Feb. 9 and should be well rested heading into their matchup with Ottawa. On the other hand, the Gee-Gees wrapped up their series with the Ridgebacks on Feb. 17.

For the Gee-Gees rookie Luka Verreault lead the team with three goals and three assists in their opening playoff series while goaltender Franky Lapenna totalled 69 saves between the two games. 

Eyes will be on UQTR's leading scorer, Simon Lafrance. With 45 points from 25 goals and 20 assists, Lafrance led the OUA in points and goals. One of these goals was against the Gee-Gees. UQTR also shines on the goaltending front as Alexis Gravel trails Lapenna closely in stats with a 1.87 goals against average and .935 save percentage.

Puck drop for all three games are set for 7 p.m. and will be streaming live on OUA.tv. Tickets for game two are for sale at tickets.geegees.ca.