NEWS: Gee-Gees women’s hockey series delayed, to now begin March 17

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees women's hockey team's upcoming RSEQ bronze medal semi-final series against Bishop's will be postponed one week to now commence on March 17.

With the health and safety of players and staff as top priority, the decision was made to shift the schedule one week to allow a number of Ottawa players to exit COVID-19 protocols and safely return to competition.

The series, originally scheduled to commence in Ottawa on March 10, will follow a best-of-three format where the Gee-Gees will host the Gaiters on Thursday, March 17, before shifting to Lennoxville, Que. on Saturday, March 19. If necessary, the third game will take place at the Minto Sports Complex on Sunday, March 20.

The winner of the Ottawa-Bishop's series will advance to play the victor of the Montreal-Carleton series, which is slated to begin this week as scheduled. The two teams that advance will play a final three-game bronze medal series commencing on March 24.

The RSEQ's bronze medal winner does not automatically earn a berth to the U SPORTS National Championship. Should either of the conference's two finalists (McGill and Concordia) be unable to participate in the National Championship, their berth would be conveyed to the next highest ranking team based on regular season record; Montreal (third) and Ottawa (fourth).

"We would like to thank the RSEQ and our fellow institutions for their hard work and flexibility to ensure our women's hockey team can return to the ice to close out their playoff push," said Roger Archambault, Assistant Director of Varsity Athletics at uOttawa.

"With significant uncertainty surrounding our next steps, we are grateful that we have arrived at a safe way to manage these difficult circumstances and give our players a chance to competitively conclude the season."

Tickets for game one will be available to purchase as of Thursday, March 10 at 9 a.m. at tickets.geegees.ca