The ice surface at TD Place has an unusual shape with really sharp corners and end boards that give funny bounces. TD Place ice is 200x85 but it feels smaller. I believe that teams coming from larger ice surfaces (MRU) will struggle, much as we saw Calgary struggle last year (both Calgary and MRU play on Olympic ice at home).
TMU is not an elite program ... the OUA West is just weak. Now, TMU may sneak past MRU owing to the game time and ice surface, just TMU did versus Calgary in 2024, but they will then get demolished in the Semis if they advance. I give MRU the edge, but neither MRU or TMU will advance to the Finals.
Ottawa does not belong and will get pasted by UNB, sadly.
I believe the Sask-Queens and Conc-Moncton games are toss-ups. Sask is better than Queens but Queens is close to home and their OHLers will be familiar with TD Place.
I think Concordia-Moncton will be the best game of the QF.
Barring a miracle I don't see anyone other than UNB hoisting the Championship.