�Ӱ�ԭ�� University Ravens Reclaim Pedro in Panda Game Victory

In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 23,000 fans at Ottawa’s TD Place stadium, the �Ӱ�ԭ�� University Ravens football team reclaimed Pedro the Panda with a thrilling 20–14 victory over the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees in the 56th annual Panda Game.

The Panda Game, one of Canada’s most storied university rivalries, brought students, alumni and supporters together in a celebration of tradition and connection.

�Ӱ�ԭ�� Ravens football players charge onto the field through smoke and flags during Panda Game. — Photo by Marc Lafleur

A , the Ravens overcame an early deficit, executed key plays in the second quarter, and held off a late Gee-Gees rally to secure the win.

“To see the character of this team, to watch them come together, believe in one another, and deliver the outcome our community has been waiting for is truly inspiring,” said Wisdom Tettey, �Ӱ�ԭ�� University president.

“Our students thrive through all sorts of endeavours, and sport is one way they build spirit and a sense of community,” said Tettey. “They are the greatest ambassadors on and off the field, achieving this win through their own dedication and hard work, guided by a network of coaches and the support staff.”

Leadership and Teamwork

Head coach Corey Grant, who has led the Ravens since 2022, praised the team’s resilience and composure.

“Ottawa is a strong opponent and plays the full 60 minutes, so we wanted to make sure we finished the right way,” he said.

�Ӱ�ԭ�� Ravens players raise the Panda Game trophy high in the locker room surrounded by cheering teammates. — Photo by Marc Lafleur

Third-year quarterback Elijah Barnes delivered a standout performance, completing 13 of 19 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, helping lead the Ravens’ offence. Wide receiver Frederick Hachey contributed six catches for 107 yards and the crucial two-point conversion. Special teams players like Joey Sciandra and Nash MacDonald also played key roles, demonstrating the depth, skill and focus that come from a program built on developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Grant credited the team’s preparation. “We played better as a full team — offence, defence and special teams. That’s what happens when we play complementary football.”

Community and Camaraderie

For �Ӱ�ԭ�� students, the Panda Game is more than a football matchup. It’s a rite of passage — a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with classmates and alumni, united by a shared sense of belonging. The energy from campus to TD Place is unmatched, with Ravens fans proudly wearing black and red as generations come together to celebrate what it means to be part of the �Ӱ�ԭ�� community.

Excited fans wearing red and maroon cheer and wave in packed stands during the Panda Game between �Ӱ�ԭ�� and uOttawa. — Photo by Marc Lafleur

For Barnes, the atmosphere was unforgettable. “The adrenaline still hasn’t worn off,” he said. “Seeing the fans rush the field — the right way this time — it’s pretty amazing. I’m still taking it all in.”

While fierce on the field, the rivalry between �Ӱ�ԭ�� and the University of Ottawa is built on mutual respect and shared pride in the city both institutions call home. Students from both universities fill the stands, united by the excitement of the game and the traditions that make Ottawa’s university community so vibrant.

Representatives from �Ӱ�ԭ�� University and uOttawa stand with the mayor of Ottawa after the Panda Game. — University of Ottawa President Marie-Eve Sylvestre, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and �Ӱ�ԭ�� University President Wisdom Tettey celebrate the 56th Panda Game

The collaboration between the schools, the City of Ottawa and event organizers ensures that the Panda Game remains not only a highlight of the athletic calendar but a safe, spirited celebration of student life. From tailgates to post-game gatherings, the day brings together two campuses that thrive on competition, camaraderie and community engagement.

Pride, Performance and the Student Journey

Behind the Panda Game win are student-athletes who balance demanding training with academic and extracurricular commitments. They are athletes, and they are also scholars, leaders and contributors to their communities, developing skills and values that extend beyond the field. Their dedication, discipline and teamwork drive the success of �Ӱ�ԭ�� athletics.

uOttawa Gee-Gees kicker attempts a field goal while �Ӱ�ԭ�� Ravens defenders leap to block during an intense play. — Photo by Marc Lafleur

The win reflects the effort of the entire program, from players to coaches and support staff, whose guidance helps student-athletes perform at their best. The program is recognized nationally for excellence across sports, from championship basketball to Nordic skiing, soccer, hockey and curling.

Pedro’s return celebrates the collective effort of students and staff, and the culture of resilience, collaboration and commitment that defines �Ӱ�ԭ��. The Panda Game highlights how athletics fosters not only performance on the field but leadership, engagement and growth across student life.

Several people inside the CKCU radio station studios.

February 13, 2026

CKCU 93.1 FM: Community Radio at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University

As Canada’s first campus-based community radio station, CKCU 93.1 FM has been a staple of Ottawa-Gatineau’s airwaves for 50 years, amplifying local voices, emerging artists…

Three athletes accepting medals on a podium.

February 9, 2026

Once Ravens, Now Olympians: Chasing Gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Former Ravens will hit the ice and the slopes in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, as elite athletes from around the world gather in northern Italy…

February 3, 2026

Global Champions: Ravens Win Basketball World Cup

Under the sweltering heat of Brasília’s mid-November sun, four members of the Ravens women’s basketball team took to the international stage at the 2025 FISU…