For the second time in three years, the Queen’s hockey Gaels have won the Ontario University Association, Eastern Conference championship.
In front of 1,100 fans last Friday at the Kingston Memorial Centre, the Gaels, coached by Brett Gibson, defeated the Carleton Ravens 4-1 to win the series in two straight games.
“We play for each other,” said captain Spencer Abraham.
The fifth year, graduating defenceman called it a complete team victory.
“Our goaltender, Justin Fazio, made 50 saves but everybody did their part in helping him out,” said Abraham, a former OHL standout with the Erie Otters.
“Every guy on that team made a save tonight. We were blocking shots, left, right and centre. Bodies were lying all over the ice trying to get in front of the puck. That’s what it takes to win a championship.”
Fazio was certainly the game’s number one star. The first year Arts and Science student from Sarnia refused to take all the credit for the team’s big win.
“They certainly did their part in helping me out,” said Fazio, a four-year OHL veteran with the Sarnia Sting.
“They blocked countless shots. It was something to see. It was a great team effort. We got the job and that’s all that matters. It’s my first year at Queen’s and I’m loving every minute of it. It’s the closest team I’ve ever been on.”
The Gaels will now play the Guelph Gryphons in a one-game showdown for the OUA championship and the Queen’s Cup, a trophy they haven’t won since 1981.
The Gryphons beat the Western Mustangs last night, 4-3 in double-overtime, winning the Western Conference championship two-games to one.
The big game is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at the Kingston Memorial Centre, starting at 7.30 p.m.
Win or lose, both teams have already qualified for the U-Sports national finals in Lethbridge, Alta.