Carabins Defeat McGill 5-1, Martlets Face Bishop’s in Playoffs

MONTREAL — The Université de Montréal Carabins defeated McGill University 5-1 in a Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) women’s hockey game at McConnell Arena on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Audrey-Anne Veillette led the Carabins with a hat trick, while Jade Picard also scored in the first period and Doryane Hallé added a goal in the third. Jordyn Watson scored the lone goal for McGill.

The victory secures second place for Montreal (13-8-2) and home-ice advantage for their first-round playoff matchup against third-place Bishop’s University (9-8-5). The Carabins have now won seven consecutive games against McGill, though the Martlets still lead the all-time series with 65 wins to Montreal’s 48 over 113 games.

Veillette opened the scoring just over three minutes into the contest and added her second goal late in the first period. Picard also found the net in the opening frame, giving Montreal a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. Veillette completed her hat trick early in the second period, extending the Carabins’ advantage.

Watson scored McGill’s only goal midway through the second period, marking her seventh career goal in 58 games.

Prior to the game, McGill honored its three graduating seniors: fifth-year goaltender Sophie Lajeunesse, a civil engineering student. forward Mika Chang, a bio-engineering major; and Bridget O’Hare, a management student. Chang described the ceremony as “very special,” noting the shared history with Lajeunesse and O’Hare.

Former McGill star rearguard Elizabeth Mura, who played for the Martlets from 2021-2025, attended the game, having travelled from Calgary for the occasion. Her presence was noted as particularly meaningful by the graduating players.

Montreal outshot McGill 30-20 including a 16-6 margin in the opening period.

Sophie Lajeunesse made her second appearance of the season and first start in goal for McGill, stopping nine of 12 shots in the first period. She was later relieved by Jade Rivard-Coulombe, who saved 16 of 18 shots over the final two periods. Maude Desroches earned the win for Montreal, making 19 saves on 20 shots.

Neither team capitalized on their power-play opportunities. Montreal went 0-for-3, while McGill was 0-for-4.

Montreal will conclude its regular season at Concordia University, the division leader, on February 20, 2026. McGill (2-15-6) will travel to Bishop’s University on the same evening. McGill will then open a best-of-three semifinal series at Concordia on February 26, 2026.