Kingston, Ont. (August 29, 2008) - The Gaels will sport a new logo and new uniform this season, but don't let looks fool you, Queen's will see several familiar faces from a team that amassed a 6-2 regular season record but suffered an unfortunate 27-19 loss in the first round of the playoffs to the Western Mustangs. That loss won't soon be forgotten and the Gaels aim to improve their record particularly in the playoffs.
Queen's had one of the countries strongest defences last season ranking fifth in the country giving up a stingy 12 touchdowns (fourth lowest total in the nation). This year the defensive unit sees several starters return and it will be anchored by returning Second Team All-Canadian Osie Ukwuoma (Mississauga, Ont.) and senior defensive end Neil Puffer (Kingston). OUA First Team All-Star Thaine Carter (Nanaimo, B.C.) and fellow linebacker Chris Smith (Toronto) are poised to have great seasons as are defensive backs Jimmy Allin (Belleville, Ont.) and Jay Oduwole (Coquitlam, B.C.). Allin, who was recently named 2007 Athlete of the Year in the city of Belleville, should be one of the top kick returners in the OUA this season.
Offensively, First Team All Canadian Mike Giffin (Kingston, Ont.) returns to the Gaels and the question remains – what can he do for an encore? Giffin was magical last season breaking four single-season school marks last year and was drafted by the CFL's Hamilton Tiger Cats. This season his goal is on team success while chasing school career rushing records. Quarterback Danny Brannagan (Burlington, Ont.) enters his fourth season and is expected to be one of the league's premier pivots this year. Brannagan, the 2005 OUA Rookie of the Year, quietly posted impressive numbers in 2007 completing 51% of his passes for 2,015 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Graduating receiver Rob Bagg (Kingston) was successful in his bid to earn a position with the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, leaving behind some unanswered questions for the Queen's receiving core. Veterans Scott Valberg (Kingston) and Scott Stinson (North Bay, Ont.) will attempt to replace Bagg as the team's No. 1 receiver.
The offensive line proved it could run block in 2007 as Giffin collected 1,157-yards on the ground in eight games. Coaches will look for the line to protect the passer much better in 2008 and aid Queen's with a more balanced offensive attack. A seasoned coaching staff will lead the Gaels with Head Coach Pat Sheahan entering his ninth season with the team and he celebrates his 20th year as a Head Coach in the CIS. Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Pat Tracey also returns along with Offensive Coordinator Warren Goldie.
Prior to the playoff loss against the Western Mustangs, the Gaels were ranked No. 10 nationally and had high hopes for a longer run. This year, Queen's will face its toughest opposition at home with McMaster, Laurier, Western and Ottawa all visiting Richardson Stadium.
