With the schedules for all varsity sports now released, the Gaels are playing host to some of the top athletic schools in the country. Here’s some dates worth circling on your calendar for Queen’s biggest visitors of the fall athletic season.

Women’s hockey
Key matchup: Nov. 21 vs. Western

The defending CIS and OUA champions, the Mustangs, lost only four games last season, which included a 2-1 defeat at Kingston’s Memorial Centre at the hands of the Gaels. At the CIS championship the Mustangs surrendered only one goal in their three games played. Men’s hockey Key matchup: Nov. 28 vs. McGillOne of the Gaels’ most historical rivals, Queen’s looks to avenge a second-round series loss in the 2015 playoffs to the Redmen, where they were swept 2-0 in the best-of-three affair. Queen’s nearly defeated the Redmen in their opening game last year, before conceding the deciding goal in the game’s final minute.

Women’s soccer
Key Matchup: Oct. 2 vs. Ottawa

The OUA regular season and playoff champions, Ottawa finished the season with a bronze medal at the CIS championship. The Gaels were defeated twice by the Gee-Gees last season, with 1-0 regular season and 3-0 playoff losses.

Men’s soccer
Key matchup: Sept. 6 vs. Ryerson

Ryerson led the OUA East last season with 36 points to Queen’s 32, who came third. The Gaels split a pair of games against the Rams last season, losing 1-0 in Toronto before picking up a 2-1 victory at home.

Women’s rugby
Key matchup: Sept. 13 vs. McMaster

The contest with the Marauders will be the first of just two home games for the Gaels this coming season. McMaster was the only regular season team to beat Queen’s last season by a 21-20 score. 

Men’s rugby 
Key matchup: Sept. 13 vs. Brock 

The Gaels will take on the Brock team who finished third in the OUA last season. Queen’s defeated the Badgers 24-17 last season, which was actually their smallest margin of victory in a 7-1 season where blowouts were commonplace.

Women’s basketball
Key matchup: Nov. 20 vs. Guelph

Before the men’s basketball matchup later that night, the Gaels will take on a McMaster team who finished with a 15-4 in the 2014-15 season. Last season, the Gaels fell 74-45. 

Men’s basketball
Key matchup: Nov. 20 vs. McMaster

The Marauders finished last season with a 16-3 record, good enough for third in the OUA East. McMaster defeated Queen’s 71-49 last season in Hamilton.

Football
Key Matchup: Oct. 3 vs. Guelph

The matchup against Guelph will see Queen’s out for redemption after a disappointing result last year. The Gaels were embarrassed 66-0 last season by the Gryphons after defeating them twice during the 2013 season.

Poll: Which fall sports event are you most likely to attend?