RECAP: Men’s hockey bounces back for win over Ridgebacks

The Gee-Gees men's hockey team kicked off their three-game week with a trip to Trois-Rivières to take on the undefeated Patriotes. UQTR entered the match ranked second in the U SPORTS Top 10. 

The momentum from uOttawa's three-game win streak wasn't enough to overcome the reigning Queen's Cup Champions, as the Patriots won in 5-0 fashion. The scoreboard didn't show everything this game, as it was hard fought, and possession of the puck was nearly equal. 

UQTR took command of the game in the first period, scoring three unanswered. 

Ottawa's defense was able to slow down UQTR's high-octane offense for the last 40 minutes of the game, allowing only two goals on over 20 shots. 

Goaltender Jean-Philippe Tourigny turned away 18 shots, while Anand Oberoi saved all 9 shots he faced.

Friday's matchup saw the Gee-Gees take on the Paladins, their second time facing off against RMC this season. Ottawa won decisively in the first meeting, routing the Paladins 9-2. However, the script was flipped in this one, with the Paladins taking the win 5-2.

Both teams came out of the gates firing, combining for over 20 shots in the initial frame. The home ice advantage wasn't enough though for the Gee-Gees to take the first lead, as RMC potted one in halfway through the period.

The second period didn't treat the home team very well, as the Paladins scored three goals in eight minutes of play. Ottawa had a hard time adjusting to the transition game of RMC, resulting in two shorthanded goals for the Paladins. However, the Gee-Gees were able to break through the opposing defense on a powerplay, with Max Grondin scoring his fourth on the season. 

Ottawa started the third frame with high intensity, on both the offensive and defensive end. The Gee-Gees defense held the Paladins to only 4 shots in the period, but were unable to pull off the comeback. Each team would tally one goal in the frame, with Johnny Howie of the Gee-Gees scoring his first career goal on the varsity level.

Goaltender Anand Oberoi stopped 13 shots in a period and a half of play, while Jean-Philippe Tourigny saved all 9 shots he faced in the other 30 minutes of gametime.

Ottawa was able to end their three-game week on a high note, defeating the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. The Ridgebacks were coming off back-to-back wins and had beaten Ottawa 5-1 earlier in the season, but that meant nothing to the Gee-Gees.

The first period saw Mathieu Desgagnes, fifth on the OUA goals list, put one past the Ridgebacks goalie to give the home team a 1-0 lead. 

Nearly 25 minutes of play went by before Nicolas Ouellet scored his fourth of the season, giving Ottawa a safe lead going into the final frame of play.

Ontario Tech pressed the offense in the third, but were unable to crack Ottawa's defense. The Ridgebacks pulled their keeper for the final few minutes to gain the skater advantage, but Ottawa capitalized instead with an empty net goal by Bradley Chenier.

Anthony Poulin recorded two assists in the game, giving him six total on the season – fifth most in the conference. 

Gee-Gee Christian Sbaraglia tended the net for the first time this season and skated away with a shutout. Sbaraglia rejected all 30 shots he faced on the afternoon.

Head coach Patrick Grandmaitre noted that consistency is everything in this league, and it's what the team needs to have going forward. 

The Gee-Gees start their November schedule with a home game versus the 4-2 Concordia Stingers (Nov. 4). Concordia has won three of their last four games, while Ottawa looks to build on their win against the Ridgebacks. Tickets are on sale at tickets.geegees.ca.