The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s hockey team continued its hot start to 2026 in a thrilling shootout win against the Waterloo Warriors, 4–3 on January 8 at Varsity Stadium. In a game defined by its physicality and show-stopping heroics, Toronto showcased its potential as one of the better teams in a tightly-contested Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league.
What happened?
Waterloo forward Cole Fraser kicked off the scoring 14 seconds into the game, putting Toronto behind early. After the shaky start, however, fourth-year Blues goaltender Rayce Ramsay settled in for the remainder of the game, delivering several key saves.
The teams put on a feisty display, delivering crunching checks along the boards. The Blues maintained their discipline, displaying solid defensive structure and offensive zone entries. Following a Waterloo penalty for roughing, third-year forward Rylee Hlusiak delivered his 10th goal of the season for the Blues to tie the game with a slick wrist shot from the faceoff circle.
The Blues had a sloppy start to the second period with a too-many-men penalty, where they were punished on the penalty kill to go down 1–2. The team’s sustained offensive pressure and transition game continued to pay off, and 71 seconds later, first-year forward Ryan Evenhuis levelled the score with a rebound off the boards. Sam Marit kept the offence buzzing with another goal to give Toronto its first lead of the game.
The game remained highly physical and fast-paced, with multiple scuffles ensuing between the players after whistles. The Blues got into penalty trouble throughout the second period, committing two 10-minute misconducts. Fortunately, the penalty kill stood tall after giving up the earlier goal, and Toronto sustained a 3–2 lead heading into the final period.
The third period was a nip-and-tuck, but still a highly entertaining affair, with both teams showing high energy on both ends to keep the game within reach. Waterloo forward Jayden Reyers slipped past multiple Blues defenders and levelled the game at 3–3 with a little over 12 minutes left in regulation.
From then on, Ramsay slammed the door on the Warriors’ offence, delivering multiple clutch saves to keep the game deadlocked. Toronto had its own share of big chances to score the winning goal, but Waterloo’s defence refused to break. The score remained tied at the end of regulation.
Overtime continued to deliver drama, with chances on both ends to seal the game. Toronto had long periods of possession in the offensive zone, setting up the cycle and keeping Waterloo on its heels. Warriors goalie Matt Onuska would not fold, however, forcing the game into a shootout.
After the first four attempts of the shootout were saved, Waterloo’s forward Emmett Pierce applied pressure on Toronto by putting the puck past Ramsay. Blues forward Zack Smith maintained his composure and kept his team alive with a score, setting up second-year forward Sean Clarke to ice the game in back-to-back contests with the dramatic shootout winner, ending the game at 4–3.
The Blues had it all in this contest. They were energetic on offence, thriving on rush chances and sustained zone pressure. They had a disciplined defensive gameplan, and their goaltending was stout, with Ramsay registering 30 saves in the win. Most importantly, when adversity arose, the squad stayed resilient and delivered in the clutch.
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