KINGSTON, Ont. - After returning to the field for the first time in one year, ten months, two weeks and three days, the Gaiters hit the ground running on the first road trip of the year in Kingston. Facing off against the Queen's Gaels, the Gaiters dominated the scoresheet, earning a 16-7 victory in the 2021 season opener.
The Gaels went up early, after winning the opening face-off - a mere eight seconds into the game - but the Gaiters stayed calm and took an 8-4 lead into halftime. Maintaining their composure, the Gaiters limited Queen's to just three goals in the second half while, offensively, the purple and silver added another eight to their total from six different scorers. Junior,
Hank Wulder (Victoria, BC/Claremont S.S.), ensured his presence was felt on the field, scoring his first hat-trick of the season. When asked about being back on the field for the first-time in almost two years, Wulder said the team channeled their excitement and used that to have a strong start to the game. "We never looked back."
Sam Firth (Ottawa, ON/Nepean H.S.) had a standout game in his first as a 2021 Gaiter Captain, totaling five goals and five assists on the day but credited the win to a team effort. "Everyone bought in and did a great job implementing the systems and culture our coaches have been preaching since the start of camp," said Firth after the win. "Our defense and goaltending did their job and shut the door and our offense fed off of that energy and rolled through the whole game."
Up next, the Gaiters (1-0) look to continue to roll into CUFLA East play next Sunday September 26 when they face the Carleton Ravens in Ottawa, Ont.
