(Update: while both stranded teams seem to see the humour in the situation, at this writing, 1:45 a.m. on March 16, Rte. 132 which both teams would take to New Brunswick is closed. U Sports has, according to sources, turned down Queen's appeal to postpone its game against UNB, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. AT/6 p.m. ET on Thursday. So either it will be a very road-weary Queen's team hitting the ice, or no Queen's team at all.)
Due to a major accumulation of snow throughout eastern Canada, both the 5-seed Gaels and 8-seed McGill — who each play Thursday, natch — have been hampered getting to the tournament. Queen's flight out on Tuesday was cancelled due to the weather, so a bus was arranged for the team to make the trip. Then the travelling party met with highway closures. Neither will be there in time for the all-Canadian awards dinner traditionally held on the eve of the tournament.
As if facing UNB and red-hot St. Francis Xavier was not daunting enough.
Both schools' Twitter game and ability to make light of what is doubtlessly a downer is admirable. Queen's has had fun with it, with Dylan Anderson and Spencer Abraham appearing to be the merrymakers among the group stuck on the highway:
1st time since '81 the boys are off to the big dance 💃 Kudos to @Gibby72 @AHauss14 & Cimmer who built this program from the ground up! #TheQ pic.twitter.com/CH0EXkcJ6G— Spencer Abraham (@Spencer5Abraham) March 4, 2017
As the @queensgaels remain stranded in Quebec City, I spoke with @DyltheThrill12 about the situation. Listen: https://t.co/eYrQWZ8Zxr pic.twitter.com/ycBpJzfZGj— Victor Findlay (@Finder_24) March 15, 2017
Unfortunately Mother Nature has restricted our attendance. The Gala will be without @queensgaels, @McGillAthletics, & @JonRoyOfficial.— Coupe U Cup (@coupeUcup) March 15, 2017
MHKY Road Trip 1st Team All-Stars:— #ChaGheill (@queensgaels) March 15, 2017
•
1) Disco' Dave (Bus Driver): - Also named road trip M… https://t.co/OwV1r1NVUb pic.twitter.com/9yzgrfr8Fe
Calm before the storm. Queen's Road trip award banquet is looming! A lot of strong candidates for tonight's major awards!! #FindAWay pic.twitter.com/EhK2exX3RW— Dylan Anderson (@DyltheThrill12) March 15, 2017
As have the McGillians, whose Wednesday practice was held in in Rivière-du-Loup, Que., which is four hours outside of Fredericton:
That road life😑. Fighting #snowstormstella en route to #Fredericton for @USPORTS_Hockey @coupeUcup w/ @HockeyRedmen #CHAMPSZN #bannerseason pic.twitter.com/uQASYlWMTl— Samantha Rogers (@samanthalrogers) March 14, 2017
When life gives you lemons...find a local arena+skate. Making the best out of being stranded en route to @USPORTSca @coupeUcup #mcgillproud pic.twitter.com/MjD8afZUH1— Samantha Rogers (@samanthalrogers) March 15, 2017
Dibs on writing the screenplay if either/each team goes on a run this weekend. The opening puck drop is Thursday; Acadia-Alberta and UNB-Queen's, with Saskatchewan-York and McGill-St. FX on Friday.And after a small glimmer of hope that highways cleared, we're back at the hotel. Snow won't stop us from getting to @coupeUcup #mcgillproud pic.twitter.com/aNGfTTpnFo— Samantha Rogers (@samanthalrogers) March 15, 2017
0 comments:
Post a Comment