PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Women’s hockey gearing up for playoff run, face Toronto in OUA Quarterfinal

The University of Ottawa women's hockey team earned a first-round bye after a 15-11 regular season performance in their return to the OUA. Good for third place in the OUA East, the Gee-Gees are slated to take on the Toronto Varsity Blues (17-9) who finished second in the OUA East, also enjoying a first-round bye.

The teams met twice in October, with the Varsity Blues coming away with a pair of wins (4-2 and 3-2). In their Oct. 18 meeting, Arianne Gagnon scored both goals for the Gee-Gees while captain Beatrice Bilodeau logged both Ottawa scores in their rematch on Oct. 26.

Despite the losses, the Gee-Gees showcased strong offensive ability throughout the season. Gagnon and Alyssa Biesenthal ranked among the top five in the OUA in both points and goals. Gagnon led the Gee-Gees with 28 points, 13 goals, and 15 assists. Biesenthal followed closely with 25 points, 13 goals, and 12 assists.

Ottawa saw production from throughout the entire lineup, ranking third in the OUA with 73 total goals and 2.81 goals-per-game.

Mireille Kingsley was the go-to for Ottawa on the goaltending front, picking up 14 wins with a 1.90 goals against average and .930 save percentage.

The Gee-Gees will be looking to get their revenge on the Varsity Blues when it counts, starting on Thursday night at the Minto Sports Complex. Games two and three (if necessary) will be hosted by Toronto, set for 7:30 puck drops.

Thursday's (Feb. 27) puck-drop is slated for 7:00pm. Tickets to the game are available at https://www.showpass.com/gee-gees-hockey-fw/