OSHAWA, Ont. (January 4, 2019) - The No.5 Queen's Gaels (13-4-0) took down the UOIT Ridgebacks (9-5-4) in a shootout in the first of a home-and-home series that concludes in Kingston on Saturday.

GAME FLOW
The Gaels first goal of 2019 came off of a chance play and a lucky bounce. Slater Doggett took a pass around the back of the net and fired a shot that deflected off of a Ridgebacks defender up over the goaltender to the far side of the net where Henry Thompson was waiting. He tapped the puck home to make it 1-0 Gaels.

The Ridgebacks tried to respond with a great chance from the slot moments later but Queen's netminder Justin Fazio flashed his glove to make a big save and keep the Gaels in front.

Late into the second, UOIT was able to tie the game up at 1-1 with a powerplay marker from Brennan Roy that found its way past Fazio.

Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the third period or overtime and the game went into a shootout.

After Slater Doggett got things started with a goal, Fazio stopped the first UOIT shooter. Next up for the Gaels was Spencer Abraham who deked UOIT goaltender Brendan O'Neill out with the goalie falling to the ice as Abraham lifted the puck into an open net off his backhand.

Another save from Fazio sealed the victory for the Gaels.

MUST SEE
Fazio flashes the glove.

M🏒 | Don't blink 👀 ... you might miss this FAB save from Fazio!
—#QUEvsUOIT #GoGaelsGo pic.twitter.com/8mTmG31VEg

— Queen's Gaels (@queensgaels) January 4, 2019

Abraham with the shootout deke.

M🏒 | 😲... he might want to check the rafters after that one 😁
—#QUEvsUOIT #GoGaelsGo pic.twitter.com/KUIGQOlrqM

— Queen's Gaels (@queensgaels) January 4, 2019

BY THE NUMBERS
35 - Saves for the Gaels rookie goaltender Fazio in the win
6 - PIM for UOIT's Mayea in the game, the total for his team
7th - Win in the last eight games for the Gaels 
1st - Win of 2019 for the Tricolour

LINDO IN THE LINEUP
Gaels sophomore forward Jaden Lindo made his return to the lineup for the Gaels skating in his first game of the season. As a rookie last year he finished with 10 points and another five in five playoff games.

UP NEXT
The Gaels and Ridgebacks are back in action tomorrow night in Kingston as Queen's hosts the second game in a home-and-home with puck drop set for 7:30 pm at the Kingston Memorial Centre. For tickets head to www.gogaelsgo.com/tickets or catch the action live on OUA.tv.

CARR-HARRIS CUP
Queen's and RMC meet for the annual Carr-Harris Cup this February 7 at 7:30 pm at the Leon's Centre. Tickets are just $12 and Queen's students are FREE. For more information visit gogaelsgo.com/chcup.