This year’s installment of the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team may have had a tough time during the regular season, but showed that when everything was on the line, they were more than capable of taking care of business.
After battling all regular season with the Queen’s Golden Gaels for the top spot in the Ontario University Association’s (OUA) Mid East Division, the Varsity Blues ended the regular season in first place, ensuring themselves a first round bye in the playoffs. As Queen’s and the RMC Paladins faced off in the semi finals, U of T was afforded a much needed break.
The first hurdle in the race to the national championships came in the form of a best-of-three series against division rival Queen’s. A large contingent of U of T fans were on hand to witness a strong effort by the home side last Wednesday night, as the Blues soundly defeated the Golden Gaels, 9-3. Excellent play by the line of Tyler Middlebrook, Tristan Senior, and Simon Barg helped the Blues offensively, with a strong showing by net minder Ryan Grinnell making a difference on defense.
A one day rest and a two hour trip down the highway brought with it the next battle between these two squads. Though this game was more competitive, with the Gaels playing with a strong sense of desperation, in the end the Blues proved too much for their opponents, clinching the series with a solid 5-3 victory.
Two goals from leading scorer Ian Malcolm proved to be the difference, and the ever-steady team of defensemen kept the Queen’s snipers at bay. Team captain Mark Hynes cited “team unity, and having trust in the guy next to you,” as the keys to the Blues victory. This is Darren Lowe’s fourth consecutive division championship as coach of the Varsity Blues. Next up for men’s hockey is a meeting with the no. 2 ranked Western Mustangs on Friday, March 12, at the provincial championship Queen’s Cup.
