February 18, 2016

Thompson OT hero with first CIS goal as Gaels defeat Ridgebacks in series opener

OSHAWA, Ont. (February 17, 2016) - Queens (1-0) topped UOIT (0-1) in overtime on Wednesday night, taking a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the 2016 OUA Playoffs. The hero for Queen's was Oshawa product Henry Thompson at the 17:14 mark of the first overtime period.

UOIT

Queen's

Final

UOIT

Queen's

UOIT

Queen's

Final

UOIT

Queen's

OSHAWA, Ont. (February 17, 2016) - Queens (1-0) topped UOIT (0-1) in overtime on Wednesday night, taking a 1-0 series lead in the first round of the 2016 OUA Playoffs. The hero for Queen's was Oshawa product Henry Thompson at the 17:14 mark of the first overtime period.

Both teams came into the first round playoff matchup with 38 points on the OUA season. The Ridgebacks took home-ice advantage with one more win in the standings on the year compared to Queen's. The teams sat 4th and 5th respectively in the OUA East standings. The Gaels had a 10-4 record on the road this year and looked for that very important game one lead in the postseason hoping to have a chance to win the series at home.

Game Flow
The teams split the season series in 2015-16, with just three goals separating them in the two games played. The best-of-three round began with the Gaels jumping out in front early in the game. With a powerplay less than ten minutes in, the visitors took advantage. With 23 goals in the regular season, Patrick McGillis (Calgary Alta.) fired one home to tally the team's first of the postseason and the game. The lead would hold the rest of the way, with Kevin Bailie (Belleville, Ont.) turning away 10 shots in the process.

The Gaels were able to nab a two-goal lead just over 20 minutes after their first marker. On another man advantage, Slater Doggett (Oakville, Ont.) put one away past the Ridgebacks goaltender Brendan O'Neill. Eric Ming (Williamstown, Ont.), the team's leading scorer, registered his second assist on the night, and McGillis also picked up a helper on the goal. UOIT was successful in killing of their next penalty, and shortly after got themselves on the board as well. Cameron Yuill cut the lead in half and made it 2-1.

The score would remain the same until 7:57 into the final period. With both teams locking things down defensively, the Gaels capitalized on a key turnover forced by Ryan Bloom (Calgary, Alta.). With a very short 27 second penalty to kill, Bloom was in deep on the Ridgebacks zone when he swiped the puck from their defence and fired home a shorthanded goal, giving Queen's a big 3-1 lead with just of 10 minute to go. It was the only shorthanded goal UOIT gave up all year.

The resilient home team did not give up though. Six minutes later, UOIT crawled within one and cut the score to 3-2. With less than one minute to go, the Gaels were on their heels defending the slim lead as the Ridgebacks pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. Jesse Stoughton tipped home a point shot with just 33 seconds left, forcing extra time. Both goalies stood tall, keeping the game close and playing very strong. Bailie and O'Neill turned away 26 and 28 shots respectively.

The overtime period was the second game this year the two teams needed extra time. Last time out, Queen's topped UOIT 4-3. The game got rougher as the 20 minute OT period went on, and each team had their fair share of odd-man rush chances as well. It took almost the entire first overtime period before things were decided. Henry Thompson (Oshawa, Ont.) silenced the crowd, scoring the winning goal for the Gaels. Playing overtime hero, Thompson secured the first-game win for Queen's giving them the 1-0 series lead as things shift to Kingston for game two on Friday night.

By the Numbers
2 - Patrick McGillis and Eric Ming both tallied two points on the night
3 - Goals by Queen's on special teams, and three by UOIT at even strength
3 - points by Ryan Bloom, one goal and two assists
1 - Point by Henry Thompson all year, playing just his 5th game, scoring the OT winner
34 - Stops by Kevin Bailie in the win
13 - Game road point streak for McGillis dating back to the regular season

Up Next
The Gaels will be at home for the next game in this first round series. Friday night will be their first home playoff game of the season at the Memorial Centre and Queen's will look to close out the opening round against UOIT. Head to gogaelsgo.com/tickets to grab your tickets and cheer on the Gaels!