Graphic by Sean Kershaw

As the new calendars get hung on the wall, it’s time to pull out the crystal ball and see what the future holds for Concordia’s winter sports teams. Two teams can expect great things to come.

Men’s basketball

Concordia has twice flirted with conference perfection in recent memory, going 15-1 against Quebec schools in 2004-05 and again in 2006-07. This year they will achieve that elusive, perfect conference season.

Concordia will finish with a 16-0 record against an unusually weak RSEQ conference and advance to nationals for the second year in a row. Concordia will face a tough task at nationals, though. The Stingers have lost both games they’ve played against top 10 opponents. I predict that Concordia will advance to the semi-finals before bowing out and eventually winning a bronze medal.

Women’s basketball

Like the men, the women’s future also looks bright. However, I do not foresee the women going undefeated in conference play. Coach Keith Pruden is aware how difficult it is to go undefeated, having only done it once in his lengthy career. A very impressive 14-2 season is in store for the Stingers.

I predict the women to also advance to nationals after losing in the RSEQ semi-finals last season. Like the men, though, the women will be coming home with a bronze. Guard Kaylah Barrett will also take home the award for RSEQ’s most outstanding player.

Men’s hockey

Concordia is a middle of the pack team who will finish fifth in the OUA’s East conference (they currently sit in seventh place). The high scoring Stingers will play an exciting, high-scoring playoff round and upset their higher seeded opponent. However, Concordia will go home in the second round losing to a very talented McGill squad that will repeat as national champions. Concordia will pull another upset win against rivals McGill in the regular season, though.

Women’s hockey

The bleakest future of any of the winter teams. Mired in a four-game losing streak, and clinging to the final playoff spot in the conference, Concordia is in trouble. The Stingers’ woes will continue, but they will manage to stave off Ottawa and make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they will be grossly overmatched against McGill, Canada’s number two ranked team, and will be swept from the playoffs in a very lopsided series.

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