For the first time in 38 years, the Queen’s University Gaels’ men’s hockey team has won the Ontario University Association championship.
On Saturday night, they beat the Guelph Gryphons 4-1 in front of a capacity crowd of 2,700 at the Kingston Memorial Centre. It was the largest crowd in Queen’s hockey history.
“(The spectators) were absolutely amazing,” said Gaels defenceman Patrick Sanvido.
The second-year arts and science student from Guelph, Ont., says the team really felt the support from the school and the Kingston community.
“The old barn was really rocking,” added the towering blueliner, a graduate of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves.
“I came here to win a championship, and here we are. This was a huge victory for the program, our alumni, the Queen’s community and the city of Kingston.”
For coach Brett Gibson, it was a dream come true.
“It’s not easy winning the Queen’s Cup. It’s really hard,” said Gibson, now in his 13th season behind the bench.
“We’re a young team with only three graduating players,” added the Gananoque native.
“I have a brand-new coaching staff this season and 10 new kids on the team. This is truly a special night. This is something I dreamed of when I took this job back in 2006. Sharing this trophy with the city is also a special feeling. Everyone has been talking about the Queen’s Gaels, and tonight, they showed up in droves to help us win this championship.”
Jaden Lindo scored two goals in the big win over Guelph, and the second-year arts and science student from Brampton was speechless.
“This is all I ever wanted,” said Lindo, a former star with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting.
“To hoist the Queen’s Cup in front of these fans is unbelievable. There’s no better feeling than that. This win was for anyone who ever wore a Queen’s hockey jersey,” he added.
In 1903, Queen’s University established the Queen’s Cup and awarded it to the Ontario university hockey champions. It is the second-oldest hockey trophy — behind the Stanley Cup — to be awarded on an annual basis.
The Gaels, the Guelph Gryphons and the Carleton Ravens will now represent the OUA at the national U SPORT championships later this week, from March 14 to 17, in Lethbridge, Alta.
Queen’s opens up on Friday night against the St. Francis Xavier X-Men in a sudden-death quarterfinal game.
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