Overtime Drama at the U Sports Men's Hockey Championship
Ottawa may not have a home team in this year's U Sports men's hockey championship, but for a city that bleeds hockey, Thursday's quarterfinal action was must-watch television, and it delivered.
The Saint Mary's Huskies punched their ticket to the semifinals in the most dramatic fashion possible, with forward Ethan Ritchie burying the overtime winner to edge the Saskatchewan Huskies 4-3. It was the kind of gut-punch, extra-frame finish that reminds everyone why university hockey is some of the most competitive, and entertaining, hockey in the country.
Saint Mary's Survives a Huskies Battle
It was a Huskies vs. Huskies matchup that lived up to the billing. Saskatchewan kept the pressure on through regulation, forcing things to a deadlock at 3-3 before Ritchie's overtime heroics sealed it for Halifax's Saint Mary's. The win sends the Huskies to the semifinal round, where they'll look to keep their championship dreams alive.
Windsor Lancers Also Advance
The Saint Mary's win wasn't the only story of the day. The Windsor Lancers also advanced to the semifinals, setting up what promises to be a compelling Final Four in Canadian university hockey.
Windsor has been a consistent force in U Sports hockey, and their presence in the semis adds another heavyweight matchup for fans to look forward to.
Why Ottawa Fans Should Be Watching
For Ottawa sports fans, U Sports hockey hits close to home. The capital is home to two major university programs, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens, and the pipeline between Ottawa-area talent and national university hockey is well established. Many players competing this week honed their skills in Ottawa-area minor hockey leagues and junior programs before earning their spots on rosters across the country.
Ottawa has long punched above its weight as a hockey development city, and watching the national championship is a reminder of just how deep that talent pool runs coast to coast.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
With Saint Mary's and Windsor both through, the semifinal round is shaping up to be a showcase of the best university hockey Canada has to offer. Whether you're a die-hard following every shift or a casual fan catching highlights, the final weekend of the U Sports men's hockey championship is worth your attention.
Keep an eye on the bracket, things are just heating up.
Source: CBC Sports
