KINGSTON, Ont. (February 16, 2011) - After winning six consecutive games to earn a home playoff game, the Queen's Gaels (15-8-4) will play host to the Windsor Lancers (15-11-1) this Saturday February 19 at the Kingston Memorial Centre.
The Gaels enter the playoffs as the number four seed after a strong return from the Holiday break which saw them post a 10-2-0 record and ultimately hurdle Toronto and Windsor in the standings.
Queen's will be relying on recently named OUA All-Stars
Kelsey Thomson of Martintown, Ont. and
Morgan McHaffie of Guelph, Ont. The honour was the first for both players as Thomson finished second in the conference in scoring with 33 points in her fifth year with the Gaels. McHaffie is a second year forward with the team and posted 27 points which placed her fourth in the province.
Other Gaels forwards to look out for in the playoffs include goatenders
Mel Dodd-Moher of Stittsville, Ont. and
Karissa Savage of Calgary, fifth-year forward
Elizabeth Kench of Ganaoque, Ont., and rookies
Shawna Griffin of Redwood Meadows, Alta. and
Alex Cieslowski of Oakville, Ont.
Dodd-Moher and Savage have combined to form one of the top goaltending duos in the provine, posting 1.92 and 2.06 Goals Against Averages respectively.
Kench finished third among Gaels skaters in scoring, posting an 8 goal 13 assist season, which places here among the top 20 in the OUA.
Griffin and Cieslowski have had strong rookie campaigns for the Gaels. Both finished among the top 25 point scorers for rookies.
The Gaels opponents' - the Windsor Lancers - boast one of the stronger young teams in the conference and figure to pose a stiff test for the more experienced Gaels.
On offence, Windsor is led by veteran Candace Rapchak of Stoney Point, Ont. Rapchak accounted for 8 goals and 19 assists during the regular season for Windsor. Windsor is also aided by OUA All-Rookie team member Courtney Spoors who was an offensive threat during the season with 13 goals and 10 assists.
The Lancers took the season series against the Gaels by a 2-1 margin. The home team won all three contests in the series. Windsor's victories came by 1-0 and 5-3 scores respectively. The Gaels took the only game played in Kingston by a 3-0 score.
Puck drop is set for 8:30 on Saturday at the Kingston Memorial Centre.
