Breakaway Gee-Gees
photo by Alex Martin
Montreal Masher: Gees’ fourth-year forward Ashley Burrill set up Ottawa’s first goal and then scored the winner on Jan. 30.
Nationally ranked Montreal meets their match
AFTER A DISAPPOINTING 3-2 loss to the Carleton Ravens (6-9) on Jan. 24, the University of Ottawa women’s hockey team redeemed themselves with a 4-2 win against the Montreal Carabins (11-5-1) on Jan. 30. The victory pushed the Gee-Gees ahead of the Ravens for the third spot in the Quebec Student Sports Federation (QSSF). Playing at the Sports Complex, Ottawa proved that they can defeat a nationally ranked team not only once, but twice, having beaten Montreal 5-2 on Jan. 16.
“It was really nice to see us starting with the lead and maintaining that lead. It was nice to see, [especially] coming off what we thought was a disappointing game against Carleton,” said Gee-Gees head coach Miguel Filiatrault after the win.
The game began slowly with both teams fighting for control of the puck. Four minutes into the first period, fourth-year forward Kayla Hottot scored a goal for the Gees, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Both teams became more and more aggressive physically, and produced numerous breakaway attempts. The Gees took two penalties for roughing midway through the frame, and the Carabins were able to score on one of the power-plays. Second-year Ottawa forward Fannie Desforges responded in the last 36 seconds of the period to give the Garnet and Grey a 2-1 lead.
“We haven’t been moving our feet out on the ice lately, and we have been working on it during practice this week. I think that it started to show,” said Filiatrault. “We still need to remind ourselves from time to time to keep moving, but we did a much better job today.”
First-year goaltender Stephanie Auger was given the opportunity to prove herself, as she saved all seven Montreal shots in the second period. A perfect pass from Hottot early in the frame to fourth-year forward Ashley Burrill led to a goal, allowing the Gees to build a 3-1 lead.
In an act of desperation, Montreal fired a long shot from centre ice that Auger easily saved. But the Carabins rushed toward the net and stopped suddenly, showering snow on the Gees’ goaltender. Ottawa fans yelled with outrage, followed quickly by joy, as a Montreal player was subsequently punished with a penalty.
“I kind of ignore it. I can’t let things get to me,” said Auger. “They may be hacking at me, but I have to let it go because the referee will call it. All I can do is keep playing my game.”
Filiatrault agreed with his netminder.
“We like to play a little more physical and get them [to be] physical. [The snow shower] just meant that we were throwing them off their game. It was a sign that [they] were getting frustrated.”
The final period was a step backwards as both teams reeled off sloppy passes. But the Gees were able to capitalize on a breakaway when Desforges pulled off a deke and slipped the puck past the leg of the Carabins goalie. Montreal made the score more respectable late in the game when they capitalized on a power play, making the final score 4-2 for Ottawa.
“Overall, our power play and penalty kills [have improved], and our positive attitude on the bench kept us going,” explained Desforges.
The Gee-Gees (6-9-1) remain in third place in the QSSF. Ottawa will go on the road and play Concordia (1-11-3) on Feb. 6.
