The Varsity Blues men’s hockey team edged out the Guelph Gryphons with a 3–2 overtime win in their exhibition match at Varsity Arena on September 11. The victory avenged their last matchup, when the Blues fell 4–3 in Guelph on November 22, 2024.

What happened?

Both teams hit the ice with fierce determination, trading hard hits, great shots, and multiple punches. Within the first 10 minutes, four penalties had already been called for fighting and hooking. Guelph broke the ice when forward Nolan DeGurse scored almost 15 minutes into the first period. The Blues tried to respond, peppering the net with shots in the final five minutes, but went into the first intermission down 1–0.

The second period began much like the first, with three more penalties in quick succession. Both teams exchanged shots for the first 10 minutes until Blues forward Brandon Santa Juana scored, tying the game 1–1 and swinging momentum in the Blues’ favour. 

The Gryphons’ defense faltered when Nolan Roberts took a cross-checking penalty at the 11th minute, giving the Blues a power-play opportunity — yet the Gryphons scored a shorthanded goal to regain a 2–1 lead. Blues goalie Rayce Ramsey faced a barrage of shots, making impressive saves throughout. With 52 seconds remaining in the period, Blues forward Eddie Yan’s shot ricocheted off Gryphons goalie Olivier Ciarlo and crossed the goal line, ending the period tied at 2–2.

The Blues and Gryphons were aggressive on the ice, and many penalties were handed to players on both teams. KATE WANG/THE VARSITY

Toronto dominated the start of the third period, applying early pressure on the Gryphons. However, the period was defined by penalties, including a tripping call on Gryphons’ DeGurse, a slashing call on Gryphons’ forward Julian Vander Voet, 10-minute misconducts for Gryphons’ defenceman Nathan Allensen and Toronto forward Mason Reeves for inciting, and roughing penalties on Gryphons’ Roberts and Toronto’s defenseman Aiden Reeves. 

Another 10-minute misconduct was issued to Guelph’s defenseman Ethan Casper for checking from behind. The period ended with the score still tied, sending the game into overtime. 

Just over a minute into overtime, Blues forward Zack Smith fired a wrist shot that found the back of the Gryphon’s net. The Blues secured the win to the delight of the home crowd.

What’s next?

The Blues played again at Varsity Arena on September 12, where they took on the Laurier Golden Hawks. With a 4–2 win, they extended their win streak to two against the Golden Hawks, following another 4–2 win when they last faced off on January 16. The Blues start their regular season on October 2 against Brock University.