SMU shocked on home ice in U SPORTS men’s hockey final

The University of Québec  at Trois-Rivières shocked Saint Mary’s hockey fans at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, with winger Félix Lafrance scoring the golden goal for a 3-2 overtime victory, capping a tightly contested championship game against the hosts from SMU. 

The win secured a sixth U SPORTS men’s hockey championship for UQTR, who lifted the David Johnston University Cup before 7,386 fans, the biggest crowd to watch a Canadian university hockey final in a decade.

Off an offensive zone faceoff, Lafrance fired a shot from the blue line, which found its way past SMU goalie Marcus Vandenberg.  

The packed Scotiabank Centre went quiet when Lafrance’s shot found the back of the net in OT. SMU fans were left in silence as UQTR players threw gloves and sticks in celebration.

“I saw it went through, I blacked out, it’s the perfect moment for our team,” Lafrance said. 

The game had opened quickly as SMU forward Jake Uberti found himself on a breakaway, 90 seconds into the first period, and scored to give the Huskies an early 1-0 lead. The remainder of the period was physical and evenly contested. The Scotiabank Centre crowd was energized by the fast-paced start.  

UQTR responded by scoring midway through the second period on a scramble play by Pier-Olivier Roy. Huskies fans quieted down.  

Saint Mary’s countered less than two minutes later as Halifax native Ben Allison scored after a shot that was stopped by the Patriotes goalie, before the puck deflected off a defender’s skate and into the net for a 2-1 Huskies lead. 

UQTR pulled it back late in the period when Charles Beaudoin capitalized on a Huskies defensive miscue. Two Huskies had backed off Felix Lafrance, allowing him to make the easy pass to Beaudoin. The score was 2-2 heading into the second intermission.  

Despite late scoring chances in the third period by the Huskies, Patriotes goalie William Grimard made several key saves to keep the game tied and force overtime.  

Grimard continued his game-saving performance in overtime, making several more quality stops. He finished the game with 45 saves, earning himself a spot on the tournament all-star team with teammates Conor Frenette and Loris Rafanomezantsoa. 

Despite the loss, Saint Mary’s players emphasized how meaningful it was to play in front of their home crowd. 

“It’s always special to play in front of your family and friends, and it means a little bit more that they’re able to be here,” said Huskies forward Ben Boyd. 

Teammate Jake Uberti had expressed similar thoughts earlier in the tournament. The championship game was the Toronto-born centreman’s final university match after he had battled multiple injuries throughout the season.

“I couldn’t be more proud to play in front of the people of Halifax,” he said. “It really means a lot to us. Some of us don’t have many of these moments left.” 

Economic spinoffs

The University Cup was the first of several U SPORTS championships scheduled for Halifax in a three-year period. 

Prior to the hockey final, Halifax Regional Municipality said it expected the tournament to generate roughly $3.45 million in economic benefits for the city and create about 26 jobs, resulting in $1.2 million in wages. 

Discover Halifax spokesperson Sarah Reeves told The Signal that Halifax is becoming a major hub for sporting events such as U SPORTS championships, Sail GP, the IIHF World Junior Championship, and the North American Indigenous Games. 

“Halifax is developing a great reputation as a host,” she said.