Gee Gees captaincy proud achievement for Christine Deaudelin

The pride of Beloeil, Quebec, Christine Deaudelin became a hockey star in Canada’s Capital. Competing for the Ottawa Gee Gees since the autumn of 2017, the Criminology major enjoyed 72 regular season appearances, patrolling the blueline as one of the most dependable members of the roster.

One of the most decorated Gee Gees of the last decade, Deaudelin earned a place on both, the 2018 RSEQ All-Rookie and Second All-Star teams. Fast forward to 2020, Deaudelin earned dual honours once again. In addition to a place on the RSEQ First Team, recording a career high with 17 points, Deaudelin also gained recognition as a U Sports Academic All-Canadian.

Combining strong leadership with empathy and respect, the opportunity to serve as team captain in her final season, marked a defining moment for Deaudelin. With an appreciation for the players that were bestowed the privilege of the captaincy in seasons past, it was a legacy that she worked tirelessly to honor.

“Being the captain meant that my teammates and the coaches trusted me to lead this team and to represent the values and culture that the Gee Gees represent. 

It also meant that the girls could come up to me with anything, and that I would be able to help them and to be there for them. 

I am happy that I got the chance to be part of a legacy that the previous captains left and that I could be part of that legacy.”

Among the highlights in Deaudelin’s competitive odyssey involved the dream of wearing the Maple Leaf. Participating in the 2019 Winter Universiade, held in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, the prestige of playing for Canada on the international stage saw Deaudelin share in the honor with Gee Gees teammate Maude Levesque Ryan.

Emerging with a silver medal, the privilege and achievement of a podium finish enriched such a fulfilling time. Undeniably, the only other facet that eclipsed the attainment of a medal involved the sense of exhilaration and patriotism from wearing the Canadian jersey for the first time. With the number 25 adorned on the back of said jersey, a flood of emotion overcame a jubilant Deaudelin, 

“The thing I enjoyed the most was to be able to wear the Canadian jersey. It has been a dream since I can remember. 

The first time I put it on, it just reminded me of all the hard work and dedication I put into my career to achieve that goal. Being able to put on that jersey was a reward.

I enjoyed every aspect of the Universiade, whether it was in the village, the practices or the games. It was a memorable experience and I hope that every athlete can have that opportunity.”

Undoubtedly, an impact player for the Gee-Gees, the 2021-22 season saw Deaudelin amass 17 points in the regular season, the second highest of her career. Highlighted by strong playmaking abilities with 12 assists, whenever she logged at least one point, the club enjoyed a sparkling 9-3-0 mark.

Statistically, Deaudelin’s finest performance took place in the regular season finale, providing a proud highlight. Opposing the crosstown rival Carleton Ravens, a tremendous three assist effort served as the crowning touch to her proud career.

Logging an assist in each period of play, Deaudelin helped the Gee Gees to a 4-1 lead. With the Ravens regrouping, closing the gap at 4-3, her efforts ensured that victory remained intact. 

Assisting on the last goal of the game, placed into an empty net with 67 seconds left by Meghan McGaughey, their collaborative effort proved crucial in a 5-3 final. Coincidentally, Deaudelin assisted on a second period goal by McGaughey, which proved to be the game-winning tally.

Fittingly, the final season for Deaudelin  in the paraphernalia of the Garnet and Grey resulted in a well deserved spot on the 2022 RSEQ First Team All-Stars. Leading a defense that posted the program’s lowest goals against average (2.27) since the 2004-05 season, it was fitting that goaltender Mihaka Sarrazin landed a spot on the RSEQ All-Rookie Team, symbolically serving as a bridge for the fulfillment of a distinguished career, to the launch of a promising one,

“Being a First Team All-Star is always an honour. As I am graduating, I leave my university career satisfied and accomplished. 

It is an honour that my hard work is being recognized. Also, I could not have done it without my teammates. It is a good way to finish my university career.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”