Friday's 3-1 win over the Carleton Ravens will help Queen's Women's Hockey in their quest for the OUA Playoffs, but the game meant far more than the two points the Gaels earned in the standings.

With nearly 2,000 local school children from 12 different schools filling the Memorial Centre and cheering non-stop for all 60 minutes of the Gaels' two-goal win, the School Day Game delivered an unforgettable atmosphere for the team and fans alike. The energy in the building was constant and joyful, helping turn a regular season game into a celebration of sport and community.
 
Students from Molly Brant Elementary School, Calvin Park Public School, Rideau Public School, Rideau Heights Public School, Centennial Public School, Truedell Public School, Chimo Elementary School, Bayridge Public School, Welborne Avenue Public School, St. Martha Catholic School, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School, and Holy Name Catholic School attended the game.

The game meant more than the two points earned in the standings; it reflected Athletics & Recreation's mission "to make a tangible difference through shared transformative experiences in participation, play, and performance." It gave students from across Kingston an up-close look at the Gaels' high-performance Women's Hockey program, while creating a shared sense of community as they cheered the Gaels on to victory.

"The 2026 School Day Game will be a highlight for me when I look back," said Queen's Women's Hockey captain Sophie Hudson (Chemical Engineering). "Having a kid-filled arena there to cheer us made it so memorable, but it doesn't happen without so many people working behind the scenes."

The School Day Game was the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration, and Queen's Women's Hockey extends its sincere thanks to Athletics & Recreation staff, student-athlete volunteers, and campus partners who helped create a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for every student in attendance.

The day also brought Athletics & Recreation's strategic goal of Community Connectedness into focus.

A&R works to unite Queen's University and its surrounding communities through targeted outreach plans and by attracting people to campus. The department aims to enhance the vibrancy of the region by supporting local initiatives, bringing high-profile events to campus, and cultivating valuable partnerships that elevate the profile and reputation of Queen's and the broader community.

By welcoming thousands of students, educators, and volunteers into the Memorial Centre, the School Day Game strengthened ties between Queen's University and the Kingston community, showcasing Athletics & Recreation as a vibrant, welcoming space for all ages.

On the ice, the Gaels could feel that connection. Forward Mikayla Cranney (Arts & Science), who brought the crowd to their feet twice on Friday with two goals in the Gaels' win, fed off the energy throughout the game.

"The school day game was amazing," said Cranney. "I loved seeing all the activities that were set up around the Memorial Centre for the kids, as well as seeing them engage with the t-shirt toss, the chants, and chuck-a-puck."

The impact of the day resonated across the lineup. Forward Carys Collie (Life Sciences) reflected on the experience.

"Seeing all the work put in behind the scenes was amazing. It was an unforgettable experience for our team, and we're all very grateful for everything that was done to make it happen."

For forward Rebecca Thompson (Environmental Science), the excitement was contagious.

"It was great to see all of the kids come out to support us. I think it really gave the team that extra jump to win the game. Seeing how excited the kids were made it even more special."

And defence Taylor Eastwood (Commerce) summed up what made the School Day Game so meaningful.

"The 2026 School Day Game is something I'll never forget. The excitement from all the kids in the crowd made it such a special experience, and it was amazing to see how many people worked behind the scenes to make it happen."

As Athletics & Recreation continues to invest in outreach initiatives that connect campus and community, Friday's School Day Game will be remembered as a powerful example of sport's ability to inspire, unite, and create lasting memories.