She's Back!

I will admit that I jumped the gun on Ève Gascon by stating that I thought she'd be off to the NCAA to play for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs this season. I believed it would be in her best interests based on her comments of playing at the highest level possible, and the NCAA Division-1 women's hockey schedule the Bulldogs are following does have its set of incredible teams on it. Whether one takes into account Minnesota, Wisconsin, or a number of school programs on the east coast, I assumed that she'd be off to conquer another challenge by playing her first-ever women's or girls' hockey games in her career. It seemed logical, but that's where assuming got me when it came to Gascon's career.

What I didn't account for, however, was Gascon's desire to be the best goaltender she can be at any level, and that includes men's hockey. Gascon returned to Les Patriotes du Cégep de Saint-Laurent this season to defend their net, and she's currently having a fantastic start to the campaign with a 3-0-0 record on the strength of a 2.33 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Those are solid numbers to start this season with the Patriotes.

The key in this equation is that she's a mere a two hours from Gatineau, Quebec, and you likely remember that she attended training camp for Les Olympiques where she impressed the coaching staff enough that she remained in camp until the end. Clearly, the coaches liked what they saw in Gascon, prompting the announcement today that Gascon had been recalled for the afternoon game between the Olympiques and the visiting Val d'Or Foreurs!

Starting netminder Rémi Poirier was sidelined due to an injury, and that forced the team to start Emerik Despatie in today's game. The Olympiques needed to fill the back-up role, so Gascon will don a jersey in a regular season game for the first time as a member of a QMJHL team as she gets one step closer to playing in a game!

For those looking to add a historic jersey to their collections, Ève Gascon officially wore #37 in the game for the Olympiques this afternoon. She didn't play in the game, though, as Despatie was the goalie of record in the 4-3 shootout loss to Val d'Or, but the fact that one can now own a Gatineau Olympiques jersey Gascon with "Gascon" on the back is pretty cool. 3003 people at the Slush Puppie Center on Saturday afternoon were witness to Ève Gascon in uniform for her first regular season QMJHL game!

There has been no mention from the team as to whether Gascon will get the start in tomorrow's game against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, a team she beat in the preseason, but it's very likely that Gascon will be in uniform for at least two games this weekend. Beyond that, Gascon will have to return to school at Cégep de Saint-Laurent this week, and the Olympiques don't play again until Friday, October 15. We'll see what the future holds for Miss Gascon possibly starting or playing in a game tomorrow and beyond, but I'm hoping she's embracing every second of her opportunities.

If she doesn't get to play, that should only make Gascon hungrier for her first shot at the blue paint in the QMJHL. Knowing what we know about her, that likely will drive her to be better in the Patriotes' nets, so you can't help but feel a little sorry for shooters from other teams that she plays against as she seeks that QMJHL opportunity.

The future is very, very bright for Ève Gascon on a number of fronts, and I know I can't help but be excited for this young woman. Well done, Ève, and here's hoping we see you in the blue paint sooner than later!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!