Kingston, Ont. (January 29, 2009) – Seven games remain and the Queen's Gaels are six points out of a playoff position with the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men's hockey season coming to a close. This weekend the Gaels host two divisional rivals with an opportunity to gain ground in the playoff picture.
On Friday, the Gaels (7-13-0-2) face the last place Ryerson Rams (4-7-0-1) who hold a seven game losing streak dating back to January 4. The Gaels lead the season series against the Rams 1-0 with a 4-3 shootout victory at Ryerson on Halloween night.
Ryerson will lean on second-year forward Brent Small of Pickering, Ont. to end their losing streak. Small comes into Friday's game with six goals and10 assists for a team leading 16 points.
Friday's game is also 'Slap Shot' night where fans are encouraged to attend the game dressed as their favourite character from Slap Shot. The first 50 fans in attendance will receive Hanson Brother glasses and the Gaels will also be giving away jerseys and other movie related items for those who get into the spirit of the evening. Friday's game is set for 7:30pm at the Kingston Memorial Centre
While every game is critical, Saturday's match-up comes against Mid-East division leader the Toronto Varsity Blues (11-9-0-2). Toronto is on a two game winning streak and a loss would decrease the gap between the two teams. The season series between the two teams is currently 1-1 with this the final match on the year. Toronto can clinch the Mid-East divsion with a win Friday against the Royal Military College and a win against the Gaels Saturday afternoon.
The Varsity Blues have five players in double digit scoring with Byron Elliott of Burlington, Ont. leading the team with 30 points (13 G, 17 A). Toronto's netminder Russ Brownell of Oakville, Ont. has played 12 games and holds a 2.00 goals against average with a 5-5-1 record.
Saturday's game is also Primetime Community Hockey Day with minor hockey players from Kingston welcomed to watch the game free by wearing their team jersey. As part of Community Day, fans will be encouraged to join the Gaels on ice after the game for a free skate. Skate with the Gaels is brought to the community by KROCK (105.7), the Kingston Whig Standard and Primetime Marketing.
The afternoon contest will start at 2:30pm at the Kingston Memorial Centre and will be broadcast by Cogeco (Local channel 13).
The Gaels will counter both teams with a scoring lineup that includes rookie Scott Kenway of Calgary. He leads the Gaels with 11 points (4 G, 7A) while Pat Doyle of Smith Falls, Ont., and David Chubb of St. George, Nfld., one point behind with 10 points. Doyle was last weekend's hero with two goals (one in the shootout) in a win against RMC.
Brady Morrison of Thamesville, Ont. will likely get the call in net for both games. Morrison has started 17 games posting a impeccable 2.54 GAA and holds a 0.931 save percentage.
Saturdays game is being broadcasted on COGECO cable and can be heard live on Queen's Campus Radio CFRC in the Kingston area on 101.9 FM and via their website at www.cfrc.ca.
NOTES: The Ottawa Gee Gees currently hold the final playoff position with 22 points just six points ahead of the Gaels
