Carleton Ravens Basketball Dominates Annual Athletics Banquet: Full Weekend Sports Wrap

The spotlight shone brightly on the Carleton University Ravens basketball program during the school’s annual athletics banquet, as the institution honoured its top athletes, coaches, and volunteers. The celebration highlighted exceptional performances across multiple sports, but it was basketball that stood out, capturing the majority of major awards and reinforcing its dominance in Canadian university athletics.

Ravens Basketball Leads the Awards Ceremony

The Ravens basketball program delivered a commanding presence at the banquet, securing six of the nine major honours awarded. Among the standout winners were Aubrey Dorey-Havens and Kyana-Jade Poulin, who were named male and female athletes of the year respectively.

Dorey-Havens capped his season with a remarkable performance in the national championship game, where he sank nine three-pointers to lead the Ravens to their record-extending 18th U Sports men’s basketball title. His tournament MVP recognition and placement among the nation’s top three-point shooters further cemented his legacy.

Poulin, a key leader on the women’s team, delivered an outstanding season highlighted by multiple high-scoring games. She recorded five of the program’s top-20 single-game scoring performances and played a vital role in securing a silver medal at the OUA level and gold at the FISU Americas 3×3 championship. Her 28-point performance at the Capital Hoops Classic set a new scoring record in that rivalry.

Additional Award Winners and Recognition

Several other athletes were recognized for their achievements. Marjok Okado was named graduating male athlete of the year after surpassing 1,000 career points and contributing to multiple championship victories. Rookie honours went to Tyanne Matosas-Adderley and Tyler Brown for their strong debut seasons.

Coaching excellence was also acknowledged, with Taffe Charles sharing coach of the year honours after leading the men’s basketball team to another national title. Nordic ski coach Kevin Shields was co-recipient after guiding his teams to provincial success.

In soccer, Lauren Illman earned graduating female athlete of the year, finishing her career as one of the program’s top scorers and earning national recognition.

Volunteer contributions were celebrated as well. Hannah Shields was named volunteer of the year for her behind-the-scenes work supporting the nordic ski team, while Luigi Zagaria, Fatima Ramadan, and Chloe Lachance-Soulard received the inaugural Ravens Community Volunteer Award for their commitment to both sport and community engagement.

Individual Sport MVP Highlights

Athletes from across various disciplines were recognized as team MVPs, reflecting the university’s broad athletic excellence. These included standout performers in fencing, hockey, golf, rowing, rugby, soccer, and nordic skiing, showcasing the depth of talent within the Ravens program.

Ottawa Curling Teams Make Strong Playoff Runs

Ottawa-based teams made an impressive showing at the Canadian mixed doubles curling championship in Surrey, British Columbia. Jacob Horgan and Kira Brunton dominated their pool with six straight wins before narrowly losing in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Rachel Homan and Brendan Bottcher advanced to the semifinals but were ultimately defeated by the eventual champions, Victor Pietrangelo and Serena Gray-Withers.

Alexandra Fangeat Earns National Cycling Medals

Cycling talent Alexandra Fangeat delivered a standout performance at the Canadian U17 and junior track championships in Edmonton. Representing The Cyclery Racing, she secured a complete set of medals, including gold in the team pursuit, silver in the individual pursuit, and bronze in the Madison event.

Academic and Athletic Excellence Recognized

Beatrice Bilodeau of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees was honoured with the Marion Hilliard Award for her exceptional contributions both on and off the ice. A medical student and team captain, she has demonstrated leadership through consistent performance and extensive volunteer work, including crisis response and mentorship initiatives.

At the national championship level, the Université de Montréal Carabins claimed gold in women’s hockey, with contributions from several Ottawa-area players, while Concordia University secured silver.

Sportsmanship and Professional Achievements

Gatineau’s Conor Frenette earned the U Sports men’s hockey sportsmanship award, highlighting his respect and integrity in the game alongside his strong offensive production. His achievements include multiple championships and international success with Team Canada.

In professional sports, Ottawa’s Jesse Luketa signed a reserve/futures contract with the New England Patriots after previous stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.

Additional Highlights and Community Events

The weekend also featured notable developments across various sports. Speed skating stars, including Olympic medallists, are set to participate in a national tour, while ski cross athlete Hannah Schmidt added another World Cup medal to her season tally.

Meanwhile, grassroots and youth sports continue to thrive, with events like the All Canadian Games and the RBC Training Ground program providing opportunities for young athletes to develop and showcase their talent.

Conclusion

This weekend’s sports recap highlights the strength and diversity of athletic talent in Ottawa and across Canada. From Carleton University’s dominant basketball program to national-level achievements in cycling, curling, and hockey, the region continues to produce elite athletes and inspiring performances. The recognition of both athletic excellence and community involvement underscores the importance of sports not just as competition, but as a platform for leadership, development, and connection.

FAQs

1. Which program dominated the Carleton Ravens banquet?
The Ravens basketball program won six of the nine major awards, making it the most recognized program at the event.

2. Who were named athletes of the year?
Aubrey Dorey-Havens and Kyana-Jade Poulin received male and female athlete of the year honours.

3. What achievements stood out in curling?
Ottawa teams reached the playoff stages of the Canadian mixed doubles championship, with strong performances throughout the tournament.

4. Who is Alexandra Fangeat?
She is a junior cyclist who won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the national championships in Edmonton.

5. What is the RBC Training Ground program?
It is a national initiative that identifies and develops future Olympic athletes in Canada.