Early challenge awaits Rams in Toronto matchup

TORONTO - In a rematch of last year's OUA semifinal and a potential early preview of a key series later in the season, the Toronto Varsity Blues will take on the Rams on Mattamy Home Ice this Friday.

This year's group of Rams are no stranger to their subway series rival as 13 current skaters were dressed in blue and gold two years ago when Toronto beat them to advance to the McCaw Cup final. Toronto continues to be a competitive squad, nationally ranked seventh in the country by U SPORTS. The Rams are right on their heels, ranked ninth.

While the Blues remain undefeated in regulation throughout their first four games this season, the well-rested Rams may be poised to hand them their first convincing defeat. Before their week off, the Rams adeptly bested the York Lions twice in a home-and-away series. Rachel Seeley and the Rams conceded just three goals while putting eight past the Lions, who were previously ranked eighth in the country.

Confidence seems to be prevailing for the Rams in the locker room as well.

"I think a lot of us are feeling confident. It's been a long time coming and I don't sense any nerves," said Brooklyn Gemmill as she sported an honourary bronze player-of-the-game helmet post-game last week. Gemmill has found the scoresheet early, netting two goals in two games.

Newcomers like Savannah Bouzide, Jamie Watson, and Megan Breen have instantly bolstered the Rams. Bouzide leads the team with four assists and sits in the OUA's top ten in points despite playing just two games. Breen and Watson have each earned an assist while rounding out the Rams' defensive pairings.

The Rams will look to contain Toronto's Gabrielle De Serres, as the defender has put up four points in four games with a goal and three assists.

Meanwhile, Rams coach Haley Irwin wanted to keep the squad ready throughout their week-long break. "We're making sure our girls stay focused," said Irwin. "We'll take the weekend off (last) weekend. But we don't take our foot off the gas."

Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. this Friday, November 19. The Rams' first teddy bear toss event will go live during the game, with a pair of Toronto Maple Leafs tickets up for grabs. All proceeds go towards the Salvation Army and Toy Mountain campaign.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill: F; 5' 4"; 4

#16 Savannah Bouzide: F; 5' 5"; 5

#23 Megan Breen: D; 5' 9"; 1

#24 Jamie Watson: D; 5' 6"; 5

#34 Rachel Seeley: G; 5' 8"; 5

Players Mentioned

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill
: 5' 4"; 4
: F

#16 Savannah Bouzide
: 5' 5"; 5
: F

#23 Megan Breen
: 5' 9"; 1
: D

#24 Jamie Watson
: 5' 6"; 5
: D

#34 Rachel Seeley
: 5' 8"; 5
: G