Gryphons Win Bronze at UCC!
The Gryphons Ringette Team captured the Bronze Medal in thrilling fashion at this year’s University Challenge Cup, hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University.
Heading into the tournament the Gryphons were ranked #3 in Ontario. At the UCC they would compete with talented teams from 14 other universities across Canada.
In Round 1, the relegation round, the Gryphons finished first in their pool with a 3-1 record. With victories versus Nipissing, Trent and Calgary and a tightly contested 5-4 loss to Dalhousie, the Gryphons advanced to Tier 1. In Tier 1 round robin play the Gryphons also finished 3-1, defeating Laurier, Ottawa and Waterloo, with a close 6-5 loss to Western.
Advancing to the Bronze Medal final the Gryphons once again faced the talented Mustangs. U of G dominated the first period, outshooting Western, and finished the period leading 3-1. However, the Mustangs battled back and by the end of regulation time the game was tied at 4-4. The first five-minute sudden death overtime was followed by a second thrilling sudden death overtime, and there was still no victor. It then advanced to a 3 player per team shootout with U of G’s Lauren Hill in net, and when it was concluded the teams were still tied. The shootout then went to the single shooter format and in the second round the Gryphons were rewarded with a medal winning goal by Tara Jensen.
This highly-talented squad is the first U of G team to bring home a Tier One medal in the 22 year history of the University Challenge Cup.
Over 9 games the Gryphons demonstrated tenacious fore checking and a formidable defense. The Gryphons had goals from 13 different players, and in Tier 1 finished with one of the highest goals for/against averages and the second lowest in penalty minutes.
The Gryphons will compete in the Waterloo tournament January 9-12, in Guelph February 6-9 and at the Ontario University Provincial Championship in Richmond Hill March 12 – 15.