GEE-GEES EARN EMOTIONAL FIRST WIN
A solid defensive effort helped the Gee-Gees to a 3-0 victory over the Carleton Ravens Thursday evening at the Ice House at Carleton University.
A solid defensive effort helped the Gee-Gees to a 3-0 victory over the Carleton Ravens Thursday evening at the Ice House at Carleton University. Roxanne Rioux and Sara Lachance got the goals, while Maude Levesque-Ryan earned the shutout.
"I thought we played outstanding tonight," said head coach Yanick Evola. "It was a rough week for us with all the circumstances, but hats off to the players to play with so much professionalism. They meant business tonight."
The uOttawa win was an emotional one, as it came just one day after the passing of former Gee-Gee Mélisa Kingsley. The team wore Kingsley's #23 on their helmets and the Ravens held a moment of silence before puck drop.
"It's amazing how hockey can bring people together," said Evola. "The community's been so strong. Even our opponents gave us respect with the moment of silence. It's things like that that make you love sports. This is why we coach hockey and play hockey because we learn so much everyday."
The Gee-Gees were in control throughout the contest, peppering Carleton netminder Katelyn Steele with rubber. The breakthrough came on their 20th shot of the contest, as Roxanne Rioux was able to slot it past Steele for her second marker of the season.
Sara Lachance doubled the Ottawa advantage only moments later. Andrea Elia, filling in on defence for the game, created a turnover and Lachance had an easy tap-in.
Lachance would get her second of the night in the third period on the power play. The Université de Montréal transfer found herself alone at the side of the goal and put the puck past a helpless Steele.
The Gee-Gees turned in a dominant defensive performance. Levesque-Ryan turned aside all 24 shots she faced, notching her fifth career shutout.
The Gee-Gees first win of the season pulls them out of the cellar of the RSEQ, although they will have their work cut out for them as they welcome the undefeated Montréal Carabins to the Minto Sports Complex on Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.