The Blues defeated the University of Windsor Lancers this past Friday with a score of 5–2, notching the team’s 18th win and clinching their first-place spot in the Ontario University Athletics West division.
Toronto started the match off with a slew of aggressive offensive plays, leading the shots on goal throughout the first period. After a close shot from forward Joey Manchurek in the 12th minute and a series of aggressive breakaways by David Thomson, Ontario Hockey League veteran Kyle Potts found the back of the net, assisted by Nathan Hudgin and Hunter Atchison. The goal seemed to wake up the Lancer offense though, with a quick redemption goal scored by Windsor forward Brennan Feasey.
In the final minute of the first period, Windsor forward Connor Logan pulled the Lancers ahead. However, the Blues did not allow their opponents to stay comfortable for too long into the second period, with Thomson feeding the puck to Hudgin to score the tie-making goal. Keeping up the momentum, Chase Olsen scored a crowd-pleasing wrap-around to secure the lead, followed quickly with an assurance goal from Manchurek to start the third period with a 4–2 lead on the scoreboard.
Despite the Blues’ dominating offense, the final period found the Lancers deeper into the Toronto end as they fought for redemption, racking up shots on goal. However, goalkeeper Alex Bishop held his ground and stopped every Lancer shot. In the last few minutes of the match, Manchurek passed the puck to Kyle Clarke, who found the back of the Lancer net for the fifth Toronto goal of the evening. The crowd left the stands satisfied with a high-energy game and another Toronto win in the books.
The Blues will continue their effort to hold the top spot in their division when they face off against the University of Western Ontario Western Mustangs this Wednesday at the Varsity Arena.
