Maude Desroches Stuns In U Sports Championship

Rebecca Labaj

Maude Desroches' incredible performance throughout the U Sports Championship led the Montreal Carabins to their third national title in program history. 

Entering the tournament as the eighth seed the Carabins had been underestimated starting their gold-medal run with a major upset over the UBC Thunderbirds in a shootout. In the match Desroches stopped 31 of 34 shots holding off a strong Thunderbirds offence, punching their ticket to the semi-finals. 

In their semi-final match the Carabins faced the UNB Reds, where Desroches continued to shine allowing just one goal late in the third, punching the Carabins ticket to the gold-medal game. 

In the gold-medal game it was a conference rematch as the Carabins took on the Concordia Stingers. Entering the game they were the underdog falling 10-0 to the Stingers this season. In net, Desroches was able to rally after giving up the lead late in the first period, shutting down the backend despite a heavy push from the Stingers, leading the Carabins to their first national title since 2016. 

With her performance it was no surprise, she was awarded Carabins Player of the Game and the U Sports Championship MVP. Desroches ended the tournament with only six goals allowed, facing 91 shots. Finding a picture perfect sendoff in her senior season, with a win she will never forget.