Men’s Hockey
The Carleton men’s hockey team started their 2009/2010 season off strong with three back-to-back wins against the Royal Military College, Toronto University, and University of Ottawa. But the streak did not last long. The Ravens went 17-19 in regular season, and finished ended their playoff stint with an OUA semifinal loss to the McGill University Redmen. After defeating the number five-nationally ranked Redmen in the first of three games, the Ravens couldn’t rally together and lost the next two games to end their season in the OUA semifinals for the second straight year in a row.
Grade B
Women’s Hockey
It was nothing but victories for the Carleton women’s hockey team during its pre-season, in which they nabbed six straight wins. However, the team couldn’t carry its fire into the 2009/2010 season and finished with an 8-14 record in regular season. This was not an improvement from the Ravens’ previous season record of 8-13. The team’s season ended when the number-one ranked McGill University Marlets beat Carleton in the Quebec Students Sports Federation (QSSF) playoffs, handing the Ravens two consecutive losses in a best of three semifinal series.
Grade B-
Field Hockey
Unfortunately for the Carleton field hockey team, this season was a bit of a disaster. The women ended the 2009-10 season without a single win, going 0-14.
The team lost its final game to the University of Western Ontario, who later hosted the OUA championship tournament. This was the worst statistical season in the program’s 28-year history and marked the fifth year in a row that the team missed the OUA post-season.
Grade F
Nordic Skiing
It was all gold and silver for the men’s and women’s Nordic ski team this season. They started the season by taking an impressive six out of 12 medals at their first competition in Nipissing and continued their success at the Nakkertok competition, adding another eight medals to their tally. But it was in the post-season that the Ravens really started to dominate. At the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) competition, hosted by Guelph Univeristy, the men came out on top, winning gold, while the women captured a close second to clinch silver. The men’s team carried its momentum into the Canadian College and University Nordic Ski Championships where they also brought home the gold.
Grade A+
Rowing
Unfortunately, the Carleton rowing team did not have a great season. Both the men and women finished 10 out of 12 teams at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) competition hosted by Brock University. This is step back from last year’s sixth-place finish. However, out of the 20-person roster, 15 were team rookies. This labels the 2009/2010 season as a rebuilding year in which the team can hopefully improve upon for next year.
Grade C+
by Rizwaan Zahid
Fencing
Carleton may not be known for fencing, but the Ravens are pretty good at it and deserve credit. While the Ravens captured three gold medals last year, this year the men’s and women’s teams both won the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship title at Carleton. For the men, it was their first championship win since the 2000-2001 season. In addition, all six teams qualified for the OUA finals this year. When you win it all and also improve upon last year, you deserve a high grade.
Grade A+
Men’s Basketball
People didn’t expect much from the Carleton men’s basketball team this year. Losing graduates Aaron Doornekamp, Stu Turnbull and Rob Saunders at the end of last year left with the team with a core of young, less-experienced players. Head coach Dave Smart said all season that it was a rebuilding year, and he was right – but the team rebuilt very quickly, going 20-2 in regular season. In playoffs, the Ravens captured the OUA championship title for the third straight year and were one win away from reaching the finals at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championships at Scotiabank Place. With more experience, one hopes to see the Ravens get revenge on the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2011.
Grade B+
Women’s Basketball
Last year, the women’s basketball team went to the OUA East semifinals and this year the Ravens made it to the OUA East finals, although were unfortunately thwarted by cross-town rivals, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. The team recorded its best season in history, going 18-4 in regular season, and entering playoffs on a 10-game winning streak. The lady Ravens exceeded expectations, much in part to dedication and the coaching of Taffe Charles. High standards have been set for women’s basketball and that alone is an excellent accomplishment.
Grade A
As a side note, I’d like to thank everyone who has read my work over these past few years. It’s been one crazy ride and I hope to continue doing this work for networks and newspapers sometime in the very near future.