TORONTO, ON – Whether you’re a Montréal native who attended McGill decades years ago or a British Columbian who plays for the men’s hockey team in 2024, once you’re a Redbird, you’re a Redbird for life.
On Friday night, as McGill fought out a 3-2 win in the fourth quarterfinal of the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey National Championship, that couldn’t have been clearer.
With the win, they set up a rematch of the OUA East Final in the national semifinal, taking on the UQTR Patriotes on Saturday night.
A boisterous alumni contingent greeted the Redbirds men’s hockey team on Friday night, including a band that produced a brass bonanza, one of the few in Canadian university sport.
“The McGill Fight Band,” which has been around since 2006, with several predecessors, pushed the team on through an exhilarating game, one where they conceded first and surrendered 37 shots.
“It’s fantastic to have the support of the band,” said Redbirds head coach David Urquhart, who played for McGill from 2004-2008 and has been coaching the men’s hockey team since 2021. “They’ve been along with us for all the big games… and the guys feel the support, and we’re really lucky to have incredible alumni support from across the country.
“They’re not just supporting us and giving us the ability to put a great team on the ice, but they’re here physically, and they feel like part of it.”
The band performed the national anthem before the game, adding to the atmosphere that could’ve easily been mistaken for McConnell Arena. In reality, it was Maple Leaf Gardens, though the roof still nearly burst whenever the Redbirds scored.
Stephane Huard, who notched an assist earlier in the game and contributed to a solid third-line performance, sent the fans into a final frenzy in the third period, breaking a deadlock that looked destined to carry into overtime. He broke into the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 alongside Brandon Frattaroli, a first-line centre, and was trusted enough to take the shot.
The lines switched up all game, showcasing the chemistry and cohesion of this group of Redbirds. Huard knows it well. “I think it starts from the chemistry, and we know that everyone has a part in the play to win,” explained Huard. We were ready every shift, and we proved it on the ice. I mean, that’s the result we deserve tonight.”
For all the efforts of Huard and fellow Redbird goal scorers Xavier Fortin and Zach Gallant, goaltender Alexis Shank stole the show, claiming player of the game honours with a 35-save performance. Had it not been for his heroics on a UBC breakaway or parrying away countless shots when McGill went down a man, this story would look very different.
Huard also wouldn’t have had the chance to play hero, and of course, that means he’s very grateful to the man between the pipes. “We have confidence in [Shank], our goalie plays big all year long… He just gives us a chance to win every game.”
Shank laughed when asked if his teammates gave him a deserved pat on the back when he entered the locker room, and reassured the crowd of media by confirming that indeed, everyone did.
Defenceman Scott Walford, the assistant captain who hails from Coquitlam, BC, and played beside multiple Thunderbirds in his youth, has developed a good relationship with Shank, comparing him to New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin, crediting Shank’s long legs.
Walford turned in a phenomenal shift for all 60 minutes, helping prevent breakouts on offence and getting in the slot to block shots at the other end. He and partner Mitchell Prowse held strong as UBC poured on late pressure. The familiarity was an ally for Walford, who could see some plays coming before they even materialized. “I’ve played with some of those guys since I was ten years old, so I know what’s on the other side and I know how good they are,” Walford remarked.
Josh Williams and Tian Rask secured the goals for the Thunderbirds, executing some pretty passing plays alongside Jake Lee and Sam Huo, who produced plenty of chances on the top combination – only none could equalize.
The Thunderbirds needed help, struggling to create even-strength opportunities for themselves, with McGill’s depth keeping them at bay, a factor that will no doubt play into the Redbird’s favour in the semifinal against UQTR.
While the Redbirds got their lead, and held onto it, they didn’t make it easy, with defenceman Scott Walford taking a penalty in the final minutes, forcing the Redbirds to kill a critical penalty.
“The guys know they’re there for each other,” added Urquhart.
“Walford’s been there for the rest of the guys all year long. So when a guy like that takes a penalty, the team rallies around it, and they want to do well for each other. And they that if the show was on the other foot, he’d be doing the same thing for them.”
As the Redbirds faithful milled around the concourse late into the night, providing a convoy leading Urquhart and other members of the squad out of the venue, joy was in the air. You can turn on a red light because McGill men’s hockey is back.