Montreal, QC- It’s been a fantastic season thus far for the McGill Martletts in U Sports and RSEQ competition as they look to continue their stellar play as playoffs approach.
The team has faced stiff competition throughout the year, playing NCAA Division 1 teams such as Yale and Dartmouth, as well as the defending U Sport champions, the Guelph Gryphons. Further, cross-town rival Concordia Stingers are currently ranked #1 in the country and three of the last four matchups have ended in overtime.
The Martlets currently have an overall record of 17-8-3, and sit second in RSEQ play, with a record of 9-5-3 and 22 Points. This strong regular season can be attested to the leadership and veteran presence that exists in the locker room.
Fourth Year Forward Lea Dumais alluded to this when asked about the teams strengths, as well as crediting their speed and work ethic on the ice. Dumais, also spoke on their excellent 2018-2019 season that, unfortunately, ended in the National Championship with a 1-0 loss to Guelph, but has prepared them for this year tremendously.
“To come so close and not win the championship was heartbreaking, but it equipped us with knowledge and experience that will carry over to the upcoming playoff run, as well as serve as motivation.”
McGill’s Lea Dumais
Dumais, has vastly contributed to the team both off and on the ice, currently sitting second on the team in both goals and points. As well, the Martlets would not be experiencing this success without fellow Fourth Year Jade Downie-Landry, who has posted 16 goals and 17 assists, both a team high, in just 24 games.
Defensively, the team has leaned on their strong goaltending and penalty killing. Starter Tricia Deguire has posted a 1.75 goals against average, 0.933 save percentage and an astounding five shutouts in 21 games. Backup Amanda Hadwen has certainly held her own when called upon, posting 3 shutouts in just 6 games, and posting a 2.12 goals against average and 09.10 save percentage. Opponents do not fair much better with a man advantage, as the Martlets have conceded just 10 short handed goals on 105 penalty kill opportunities.
The Martlets upcoming schedule is crucial, matching up against the current #1 team in the country, the Concordia Stingers. Following this, they will conclude their season with Université du Québec à Montréal, who sit one place back of McGill in the standings and are ranked #7 in Canada.
Despite reaching four since 2014, Mcgill has dropped their last three national championship games, and currently stands at four Golden Path Trophy’s, second only to the eight held by the Alberta Pandas. However, the team will look to have a successful playoff run and bring a fifth championship back to downtown Montreal.