The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team is set to begin the McCaw Cup playoffs with a Best-of-Three OUA quarter-final series versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees this week. 

U of T enters the postseason as the third seed in the OUA East, matching up against the Gee-Gees for the second time in as many years. U of T finished the 2025-26 season with an 11-9-1-5 record (W-L-SOL-OTL). Despite an extended losing streak in January, U of T found their footing late in the season, winning three-straight games including a 2-1 victory over nationally ranked Laurier and a 3-1 win over Ottawa in the season finale.

Leading the way for Toronto is OUA leading goal scorer Abby Whitworth. The third-year commerce student was an integral piece of U of T's offence this season finishing with 20 goals to not only lead the province, but also rank third in goal-scoring across the entire country. 2025 OUA all-star Ashley Delahey continues to shine as a playmaker in Blue and White as well. Sitting third in the OUA in assists, Delahey set up fellow Blues players 16 times in 26 games, while also playing an integral role on U of T's special teams.

Defensively, fifth-year veteran Kalie Chan looks to build on her decorated OUA resume. The two-time McCaw Cup champion has logged heavy minutes for the Blues this season and is trusted at both ends of the ice. Along with Chan, second-year kinesiology student Taylor Thompson has made her mark on the backend. Thompson scored her first goal of the season against Ottawa in U of T's home finale on Feb. 13, and she will play a pivotal role in Toronto's puck movement and defensive structure in the rematch versus the strong Gee-Gees squad this week. 

In goal, Lyla McKinnon is poised to continue to cement herself in Toronto's history books. The 2025 McCaw Cup MVP notched a 5-0 record with a .953 save percentage in the 2025 postseason. She's continued her strong play in her second OUA season, garnering nine wins with a sub-two goals against average and .926 save percentage. McKinnon has appeared to peak at the perfect time, registering 97 total saves across three consecutive wins to end the regular season making her a key cog in U of T's machine in their quest towards defending the McCaw Cup. 

For the Gee-Gees, Gillian Warren finished third in the OUA scoring race with 29 points in 26 games played. Another player to watch is Beatrice Bilodeau, with 14 points in 26 games, Bilodeau is both a passing and shooting threat and notched the game-winning goal in U of T's season opener in Ottawa. In goal, Clara Genier finished the season with 12 wins, five shutouts and a .927 save percentage.

Due to travel distance, the quarter-final showdown will open in Toronto with the Varsity Blues hosting Game 1 on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Earning the right to host two games as the higher seed, Ottawa will then welcome U of T to the nation's capital for Game 2 on Saturday, Feb. 28, and if necessary in the Best-of-Three series, Game 3 on Sunday, Mar. 2. Puck drop for Game 1 inside Varsity Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students receive free entry with a valid T-Card. The game will also be live streamed on oua.tv.  

SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 7 p.m.
Minto Sports Complex (Ottawa, Ont.)
Live Stats
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Tickets
 
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 3 p.m.
Minto Sports Complex (Ottawa, Ont.)
Live Stats
Watch
 
Sunday, Mar. 1 | 3 p.m. *
Minto Sports Complex (Ottawa, Ont.)
Live Stats
Watch
* If Necessary
 
2025-26 REGULAR SEASON STAT LEADERS
Toronto
Goals: Abby Whitworth | 20 goals
Assists: Ashley Delahey | 16 assists
Points: Abby Whitworth | 29 points
Wins: Lyla McKinnon | 9 wins
 
Ottawa
Goals: Gillian Warren | 16 goals
Assists: Maelle Laplante | 17 assists
Points: Gillian Warren | 30 points
Wins: Clara Genier | 12 wins
 
HISTORY
Last Five Games:
Feb. 13, 2026 | Toronto 3, Ottawa 1
Oct. 10, 2025 | Ottawa 2, Toronto 0
Mar. 1, 2025 | Toronto 3, Ottawa 1 (OUA QF - Game 2)
Feb. 27, 2025 | Toronto 4, Ottawa 1 (OUA QF - Game 1)
Oct. 26, 2024 | Toronto 3, Ottawa 2