Two Sport Stars Prevalent on Ottawa Gee Gees Roster

In Canadian Interuniversity Sport women’s ice hockey, the Ottawa Gee Gees roster boasts several two sport stars. The most recognizable may be Fannie Desforges, who became the first Canadian woman to win the Red Bull Crashed Ice world championships.

Desforges is joined by two other Gee Gees players. Alicia Blomberg and Dominique Lefebvre have also competed in Red Bull Crashed Ice.

As the first three Canadian women’s Red Bull Crashed Ice championships were held in Quebec City, it was an opportunity for Lefebvre to go home again.

“I went to the events in Quebec City," Lefebvre said.  "That is where I went to school, at Cegep Limoilou. I got to enjoy the competition every year for three years.”

“We had talked to (then) head coach Miguel Filiatrault. He is now an assistant with the Carleton Ravens.  Back then, we asked him if we could try it when it (Red Bull) came here. (Former Gee Gees player) Kayla Hottot and I competed together,” added Lefebvre. “We pushed everyone to come and see us. That first year, Fannie (Desforges) and Alicia (Blomberg) came."

Blomberg said the first time they went to the Red Bull Crashed Ice championships, they went as spectators, but they wanted to try out.

“There was a system. A draw was held to see who would participate and I was not accepted," Blomberg said.

In December 2012, Blomberg, Lefebvre and defending world champion Fannie Desforges participated in the Red Bull Crashed Ice at Niagara Falls, Ontario.

“Niagara was good fun. It was different than Quebec City," Blomberg said. The track was really difficult. It was a more technical track. For some participants, trying to get speed and stop was a bit too dangerous.” 

Blomberg added, “It was the most technical track ever made.” Of note, Desforges claimed first place in the Niagara Falls Red Bull competition.

For Lefebvre, one moment stands out as the greatest in her career with the Gee Gees. “Winning against McGill (in the playoffs) last year. That was a good influence on us.”

In addition to Red Bull, Blomberg is also a member of the Canadian national ball hockey team. Blomberg, a fifth year player with the Gee Gees is pondering her future.

“Coaching is something that I would want to do," Blomberg said. "I am not sure exactly where yet. I would also like to keep playing hockey for fun. I have been playing my whole life.”

As two of the veteran players, both try to be leaders on a very young Gee Gees squad,

“For sure. I try to support our team,” Lefebvre said.

“We definitely try to be,” Blomberg said. “For me, everyone on the team should be a leader.”

This season, Blomberg was named an alternate captain.

“It is an honor to be alternate captain," Blomberg said. "I show up every day and try to lead. It is what I do.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”