Despite missing numerous key players due to COVID-19, Gees survive elimination on home ice
The University Of Ottawa’s women’s hockey team managed to avoid elimination with a 1-0 win at Minto Sports Complex over the McGill Martlets. With the win, the Gee-Gees will face McGill one more time in a winner takes all match on Sunday afternoon.
On Thursday, McGill imposed themselves with a 5-1 win against the Gees.
On Saturday, the task was daunting for the Gee-Gees women’s hockey team with some players testing positive for COVID-19 before the game. This forced the Gee-Gees to play with only three lines and both teams needed to wear masks on the ice.
Despite not having a full lineup, head coach Chelsea Grills’ players imposed the momentum from the start of the game and at times, were dominating the first ranked McGill squad.
The Gee’s efforts finally paid off at the start of the third period when Ariane Aubin was sprung on a breakaway and beat McGill goalie Tricia Deguire to make it 1-0.
It was the La Baie, Que native’s first goal of the playoffs.
Speaking to the media after the game, assistant coach Greg Bowles said that this win was long overdue and that he was proud of his squad for achieving the feat despite missing key players.
“The girls gave a lot of effort. That’s the best team over there (Martlets), and we knew we had to skate hard. The girls were excited and the legs probably feel a little bit better now because of it,” said Bowles.
In the third period, the Martlets had multiple dangerous chances in the Gee-Gees zone but goaltender Marika Sarazin closed the door.
“She played outstanding. And you know, we’re a really good team and there’s a reason why there are six girls on the ice. Everyone’s got to do their job and she did a great one today,” said Bowles.
For Gee-Gees forward Alexe Clavelle, this win gives them a lot of momentum going into Sunday’s game.
“I think we’re gonna just come out strong like we did today. We know what to expect and I think we can come out on top.”
The rubber match is set for 2 p.m. this afternoon at McConnell Arena in Montreal.
