Playoffs is a whole new season, where everything you did in the regular season is moot.
The Gaels squeaked into the playoffs after two massive wins on the road to finish the regular season and leapfrog into sixth place in the OUA East, garnering the last playoff spot available. Their reward, the number seventh ranked team in the country, the McGill Redbirds. The best of three series featured game one on Feb.18 at McGill, game two on Feb. 20 at the Memorial Centre, and a potential game three at McGill on Feb. 22
Game one, the Gaels struck first with a shot from the point tipped by Gaels forward Kolton Cousins, who was streaking to the net. The Redbirds would strike back less than two minutes after the first goal of the game, tying it at one. Late in the period, Gaels Aidan Castle, ArtSci ’29, would capitalize on the power play, giving Queen’s the lead.
After a back and forth first nine minutes of the second period, the Gaels would make the Redbirds pay, scoring off a turnover and taking a 3-1 lead. Just under two minutes later the Gales added another goal off the stick of Ethan Larmand, ArtSci ’28, to extend the lead to 4-1. However, in the dying seconds of the period, the Redbirds would add one on the powerplay giving them hope going into the third period.
The third period was an all-out attack by the Redbirds who compiled 22 shots in the period as they tried to claw back into the game. They were no match for Gaels goalie Tanner Wickware, MIR ’26, who would end the game with a sensational 47 saves. Queen’s would add two more goals including an empty netter and hold back the Redbirds pursuit, taking the first game by a score of 6-2.
Game two, the Gaels rode momentum from game one, 26 shots to just the Redbirds 13 through two periods. The Redbirds goalie Nicolas Ruccia bounced back with 41 saves in the game as Queens relentless tenaciousness was evident all game long. Even though the Gaels were winning the shots on goal battle, the Redbirds struck firstearly in the third period.
The Gaels wouldn’t panic though, as they continued to play the same way and were rewarded. After their forecheck forced a turnover from the Redbird goaltender, Derek Hamilton, ArtSci ’27, passes to a streaking Michael Renwick, ArtSci ’27, who walked into a one-timer beating the goalie clean on the far side. The Gaels would continue to push but to no avail so overtime was needed.
Just 2:32 into the overtime period, Hamilton the overtime hero again, capitalizing on a broken play in the slot and sending the Gaels to the quarterfinals.
Head Coach, Brett Gibsontalked with The Journal about their recent success and upcoming matchup in the Concordia Stingers. Gibson was emphatic, even in previous interviews that he believed in his group and that it was only a matter of time until this team played to its full potential. “We’re playoff tested, it was just a matter if they believed in themselves and now they do and it’s been really fun to be a part of,” Gibson said.
As a coach, Gibson stresses preparedness, and him and his coaching staff try to make sure the players are as ready as possible for the game ahead. Gibson said of his players that it was “pure execution” in game one and that the confidence only grew in game two.
Looking ahead to the next matchup against the Stingers, Gibson was complimentary but firm with how he’s looking ahead to this series. “They are the premium team in the league, and they’ve got great players, but so do we,” he said.
The Gaels will play Game two of the best-of-three series at home on Feb.28 at the Memorial Centre, puck drop 7:30 p.m.
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