NEWS: Women’s hockey schedule released, Gee-Gees open at home

A familiar foe will be at the Minto Sports Complex for the women's hockey team's season opener.

The 2022-23 RSEQ schedule was released Thursday. It sees the Gee-Gees play an expanded, 25-game regular season against their five Quebec conference opponents.

Ticktets for all Gee-Gees home games are on sale at tickets.geegees.ca.

Ottawa's season opener pits them against the Montreal Carabins at home on Oct. 15. The Gee-Gees crosstown rivals from Carleton pay a visit to the Minto Sports Complex the next week on Oct. 21. Curiously, two of the Gee-Gees first three home games are against the Ravens, but Carleton won't be at the Minto Sports Complex again during the regular season.

Following a road trip to McGill, Ottawa will see the defending National Champions for the first time. Concordia blew away the competition at the 2022 Nationals, outscoring opponents 11-0 during their three-game run. The Garnet and Grey won two of three matchups with Concordia in 2021-22.

The jewel of the women's hockey schedule is the Alerts Cup between the Gee-Gees and the Ravens. The 2022-23 edition of the tournament is scheduled for Jan. 22 and will be hosted by Carleton. The 2021-22 edition wasn't played due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Additionally, the annual Mélisa Kingsley Memorial Game is slated for Nov. 26 at the Minto Sports Complex. Bishop's will be the opponent for the Saturday afternoon matchup. Proceeds from the game will help fund a scholarship in Mélisa Kingsley's name at the University of Ottawa.

The conference had planned to play a 25-game schedule in 2021-22, but the regular season was shortened to just 15 games due to COVID-19 delays. The RSEQ made up for it with expanded playoffs.

This season's playoffs will be back to the usual format. However, the 2023 U SPORTS National Championship will be hosted by the Université de Montréal from Mar 17-19, with the Carabins getting an automatic berth to the tournament. Traditionally, the two RSEQ finalists earn spots at Nationals, but should Montreal not reach the conference final, the RSEQ champion would get the remaining spot.

The conference semifinals begin Feb. 23, while the RSEQ final will run from Mar. 2 through Mar. 5.

2022-23 Gee-Gees Women's Hockey schedule

Oct. 15 vs. Montreal (Season/Home Opener)

Oct. 21 vs. Carleton

Oct. 28 at McGill

Oct. 29 vs. Carleton

Nov. 4 at Concordia

Nov. 6 at Bishop's

Nov. 11 at Montreal

Nov. 13 vs. McGill

Nov. 17 at Carleton

Nov. 20 at Concordia

Nov. 26 vs. Bishop's (Mélisa Kingsley Memorial Game)

Nov. 27 vs. Montreal

Dec. 2 vs. McGill

Jab. 7 vs. Concordia

Jan. 13 vs. Bishop's

Jan. 15 at Montreal

Jan. 20 at McGill

Jan. 22 at Carleton (Alerts Cup)

Jan. 27 vs. Concordia

Jan. 29 at Bishop's

Feb. 3 vs. Montreal

Feb. 5 vs. McGill

Feb. 10 at Carleton

Feb. 12 vs. Concordia

Feb. 17 at Bishop's