Redbirds Hockey
Riding the momentum of a three-game win streak, the Redbirds (9–5–1) faced off against the Concordia Stingers (9–6) on Nov. 23, in a highly anticipated showdown between Montreal rivals. The spotlight fell on goaltender Alexis Shank, who put on a remarkable show with 22 saves in the first period alone, setting the stage for winger Charles-Antoine Dumont to score the decisive goal late in the second period. Shank’s heroics continued throughout, ultimately making 44 saves in total—a new McGill record—and securing a 1-0 victory for the Redbirds.
The Redbirds then set off filled with confidence to Thunder Bay, ON, to face the Lakehead Thunderwolves (8–7–1) on Nov. 25. In the penalty filled affair, McGill tallied up a total of 62-penalty minutes with Scott Walford taking 10-minute misconduct and Zach Gallant taking a game misconduct early in the third period. Eric Uba netted McGill’s first goal to tie the game 1-1 after Lakehead struck first. After conceding two unanswered Thunderwolves goals, McGill’s Mikisiw Awashish scored his second of the season to bring the score to 3-2. However, a slew of penalties that followed allowed Lakehead to score one last goal before the period closed, eventually culminating in a costly 5-3 loss for the Redbirds that caused them to fall from third to fourth in the Ontario University Athletics East Division.
The Redbirds will next play against the Queen’s Gaels (11–4) on Dec. 1
Redbirds Basketball
With three straight losses to start the season, the Redbirds (1–5) looked to start fresh against the Bishop’s Gaiters (4–1) on Nov. 23. A tight first quarter left McGill trailing 30-29; however, the game quickly got out of hand with the Gaiters scoring 28 points to McGill’s 10 in the second quarter. After heading into the second half down 58-39, things went from bad to worse for the Redbirds as the Gaiters outscored them 15-14 and 38-8 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. McGill ultimately fell 111-61, their worst loss of the season.
On Nov. 25, with little to lose, the Redbirds took the court again against the undefeated UQÀM Citadins (4–1). With Sean Herscovitch’s 23 points leading the way, McGill stunned the RSEQ division leaders. The Redbirds got out to an early lead, finishing the first quarter 22-10. The second quarter saw UQÀM cut their deficit down, ending the first half 36-30. McGill regained their footing in the third quarter, scoring 19 points to UQÀM’s 15; however, the final frame saw the Citadins threaten, with 19 points to McGill’s 11. The Redbirds ultimately snuck away with a 66-64 victory for their first win of the season.
The Redbirds will play their next game on Jan. 11, 2024 against the Concordia Stingers (3–1)
Martlets Basketball
On the heels of back-to-back losses, the Martlets (3–3) looked to take home a win against the Bishop’s Gaiters (2–3) on Nov. 23. Despite McGill taking home a 57-53 win in their first matchup of the season, the Gaiters were simply too much for the Martlets, burying 80 points––the most against the Martlets this season. The Martlets were down 22-9 after the first quarter, but were able to outscore the Gaiters 21-18 in the second. Down 40-30 at the half, the game quickly got out of reach from the Martlets with Bishop’s outscoring them 14-12 and 26-9, in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
Much like the Redbirds, the Martlets found their rhythm against the UQÀM Citadins (0–5) on Nov. 25 in a 61-52 victory. The win ended a three-game losing streak for McGill and brought their season record to an even 3–3. After taking an 11-10 lead out of the opening quarter, the Martlets extended the margin to 28-22 entering the second half. McGill maintained a steady pace throughout, holding a five-point lead after the third quarter and outscoring the Citadins 19-15 in the final frame. Lily Rose Chatila led the Martlets with 12 points in the game.
The Martlets play their next regular season game against the Concordia Stingers (3–2) on Jan. 11, 2023
