RECAP: Women’s hockey clinch playoff spot after 1-0 win over Bishop’s

The University of Ottawa women's hockey team resumed their season by booking their spot in the 2022 RSEQ playoffs, following their 1-0 win over the Bishop's University Gaiters on Friday, Feb. 18.

The game was a cagey affair with both teams showing signs of a lengthy break. The Gee-Gees and the Gaiters had not suited up for a competitive game since Dec. 5. The first period was largely uneventful with punctuated chances for the Gaiters. Angélique Pagé had the best opportunity of the period after she blocked a shot resulting in a breakaway that she fired just over the net.

The scoring would have to wait until the third period when Sophie Gareau, after winning the puck back deep in the Gaiters zone sent it towards goal where it was deflected by Kylie Lalonde. It was the Arnprior, Ont., native's first goal of the season and first in Garnet and Grey.

The Gee-Gees controlled the game for much of the period but a late tripping call on Alèxe Clavelle gave Bishop's some hope and a flurry of chances. Aurélie Dubuc was equal to them all, earning her first shutout of the year. She was not busy for most of the night, stopping all 12 of the shots that she faced. 

"We want to take one game at a time," said Gee-Gees head coach, Chelsea Grills. "Our focus is on McGill and we will continue to build off today's game."

The Garnet and Grey will hope to carry this momentum forward into their next game when they face off against the McGill Martlets on Wednesday, Feb. 23. This is possibly a playoff preview as the Martles currently sit atop the RSEQ. Their place is not secure though as they are three points ahead of Concordia with the Stingers holding a game in-hand. The puck drops at the Minto Sports Complex at 7:00 pm. 

The Mélisa Kingsley Memorial Game has been rescheduled to Wednesday. The donation link can be found HERE.