KINGSTON, Ont. (Sept. 5, 2023) – Queen's Men's Hockey will kick off their exhibition season ahead of the 2023-24 season with the annual Lou Jeffries Game on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The Gaels will take on their cross-town rivals, the RMC Paladins, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Gananoque, Ont. in the annual event honouring Jeffries, a strong supporter of hockey in Gananoque and the Queen's Gaels hockey program. Funds generated from the annual game go towards a scholarship.

Jeffries was a dedicated, community-driven volunteer for the town of Gananoque. He was recognized by his love of hockey and his involvement in the Gananoque Minor Hockey Association (GMHA). Jeffries assisted the GMHA for more than 50 years until his death at the age of 75. He is also known for his contribution in bringing Junior B Hockey to Gananoque in 1971. Over his lifetime, Jeffries worked in a number of different roles including Coach, General Manager, President and League Executive for the GMHA and Junior B Gananoque Islanders.

"This game means a lot to me, bringing it back to my hometown and honoring a man I looked up to immensely," said Queen's Men's Hockey Head Coach Brett Gibson. "The funds raised for this scholarship come directly from the businesses and citizens of Gananoque."

"It is a great way to showcase OUA hockey in a small community and playing RMC always brings the best out of us."

As a proud supporter of Queen's University hockey, Jeffries was always delighted when a player was able to improve upon their life by moving on to an academic institution or sporting team. Realizing that he played a small part in helping an athlete's dreams come true provided him with great satisfaction.

Queen's will play two other pre-season games, taking on the Acadia Axemen and Dalhousie Tigers in Nova Scotia later this month, before opening their regular season against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Thursday, Oct. 5.