This past Saturday, Feb. 8, Redbirds hockey won 4-2 against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in what one could call a brawl masked as a university hockey game. The intense aggression and rigour from the Thunderwolves were counteracted by the Redbirds, leading them to a predictable but entertaining victory. 

Centre Charles Boutin, U1 Management, scored an impressive first goal 10 minutes into the first period, sneaking the puck from the goalie and taking the opportunity of a semi-open net. Shortly after, forward Brandon Frattaroli, U3 Arts, scored in the 12th minute, followed by another goal from centre Xavier Fortin,  U2 Arts, only 30 seconds later. The Redbirds ended the first period with a 3-0 lead. 

The second period opened with some great stickhandling from the players. As the Thunderwolves began their fight for a goal, the Redbirds knew they had to increase their stamina.

The first penalty of the game was handed to the Thunderbirds, this marked the beginning of many penalties to come. Luckily, this powerplay proved beneficial for the Redbirds, as Frattaroli scored his second goal of the game. The Redbirds’ sizable lead overwhelmed the Thunderbirds, and fights began to break out between the two teams, leading to several roughing penalties. The aggression became useful for the Thunderbirds, leading them to score their first goal of the game 16 minutes into the second period. However, the Redbirds continued to carry their lead into the third period, ending this one at 4-1. 

The Redbirds began the period with a penalty, which was shortly followed by another Thunderwolves penalty. The Thunderwolves scored their second goal five minutes into the third period. Penalties were handed out left and right as players continued to find themselves in altercations. The audience even pitched in to alert the referees when they noticed a Thunderwolves player slashing one of the Redbirds. While the Thunderwolves put up a good fight, the Redbirds won the game 4-2. 

Frattaroli commented on the Thunderwolves’ rigour in the third period.

“The team in the third period made a good push,” he said. “Our penalty kill was outstanding. We found a way to fight the penalties and ended up winning.”

Left Wing Stephane Huard, U2 Arts, felt confident with his team’s performance despite the challenges in the third period.

“[I feel] pretty good,” he said. “We are getting back to our game, so I am pretty happy with that.”

Redbirds Head Coach David Urquhart, also felt content with the team’s performance Saturday night.

“It’s a great win,” he said. “I thought the first two periods were outstanding and you can really see the potential in the team, and it’s a big win because that clinched the playoff spot for us.”

The Ontario University Athletics East first round of playoffs for the Redbirds begins Wednesday, Feb. 19. The location and timing of the game are to be decided. 

The Redbirds will take on Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in Oshawa, Ontario on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.. The Ridgebacks are currently ranked above McGill in the Ontario University Athletics East.  

Quotable:

“We still have two games to go, so our goal is to have home [games] in the first round, and if we can take business on our end in the next two games we will get that.” — Coach Urquhart

Moment of the game: 

One particularly notable moment of the game was the 360 flip save made by the team’s goalie, #31 Alexis Shank,  U4 Arts. The goalie was able to flip around and save a fast-flying puck coming his way. The act blew the crowd away, even some players looked surprised to see such an impressive save!

Stats corner: 

During this game, McGill took 43 shots on net, with the Thunderwolves taking 33.