Katie Boyd
women’s hockey
The women’s hockey team swept the Guelph Gryphons last weekendon the strength of the spectacular
play of rookie goaltender Katie Boyd.
The Gaels beat the Gryphons 3-2 in overtime on Saturday and 1-0 on Sunday, giving Boyd her first shutout of the season. She turned away 50 of 52 shots over the course of the weekend. So far this season, Boyd’s record is a solid 3-0. Playing a team twice in one weekend can be challenging, especially in back-to-back games, but Boyd said she goes into the second game with the same mindset
as the first. “After the first game, I have a better idea of the key players so I try to focus on them,” she said. Boyd, ArtSci ’10, played for the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins last year. She said playing “AA” hockey prepared her for playing for the Gaels.
“It’s pretty similar.” She also said atmosphere in the dressing room helps make the rookies feel at home. “The girls are great. They’re really funny,” Boyd said. Boyd said second-year goalie Melissa John has been especially helpful. “She talks to me before games and has helped me get used to the
routine.” Boyd’s goals for the rest of the season include winning the OUA finals and getting an assist.
This weekend the team travels to Toronto for a set of back-to-back games against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
Mike Giffin
football
During Queen’s 28-9 victory over Western last Saturday, Mike Giffin rushed for 149 yards on 31 carries. It was his second consecutive 100-yard game in his second consecutive game starting at
running back after spending four weeks at fullback. His outstanding performance last weekend played a significant role in earning the Gaels the sixth and final playoff spot. Queen’s hasn’t made the playoffs
since 2003. But Giffin said he’s not feeling the pressure.
“I’m usually pretty calm,” he said. “I don’t usually get nervous.” Giffin, ArtSci ’08, is in his second
year on the team. He played running back last season and the coaches tried him at fullback this year before deciding his talents as well as his size were put to better use on the offensive line. He said the transition allowed the team to adjust its game, focusing more on keeping the ball onthe ground.
This strategy was especially effective against Western. This season Giffin has rushed for 256 yards—most of which came in the last two games—and one touchdown, putting him in the top 20 for rushing yards in the OUA. The Gaels play the McMaster Marauders in the quarterfinalstomorrow in Hamilton.
Despite their 37-5 defeat at the hands of the Marauders earlier in the season, Giffin is confident about tomorrow’s game. “I hope the offence just keeps playing like they have … if that’s the case I definitely think we can win.” He said that with the return to his original position and the change in tactics, the playoffs will be a fresh start for the Gaels. “We’ve really found a new identity.”
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