The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s hockey team came away with a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, January 3 at Varsity Arena.

The Blues came out flying in their first game of 2009. Third-year defenceman Ed Snetsinger (Ajax, Ont.) opened up the scoring on Toronto’s first powerplay opportunity as his point shot trickled past Ottawa goaltender Riley Whitlock (Calgary, Alta.). Less than two minutes later Markham, Ont. native Joel Lenius tipped a Stephen Duffy (Toronto) shot directly into the Gee-Gees net for the Blues second goal of the game.

Kyle Ventura (Scarborough, Ont.) would add a short-handed marker as he deflected his shot off an Ottawa player and into net, giving the Blues a three goal lead after the first period.

Snetsinger added his second goal of the night in the second period as he sent a booming shot into the top corner of the net on another Blues powerplay. Toronto was up 4-0.

Just 16 seconds into the final period, Robert Kay (Orono, Ont.) capitalized on a rebound for the Blues fifth goal of the game but Ottawa would finally get on the board with six minutes to go. First-year forward Sean Smyth (Clarence Creek, Ont.) sent a centering pass to Kevin Glode (Quebec City, Que.) to beat Toronto goaltender Russ Brownell (Oakville, Ont.). Two minutes later the Gee-Gees would add another when Ryne Gove (Cornwall, Ont.) rushed up the ice and dropped the puck back to Phil Devault (Ste. Anne De La Perade, Que.) who roofed it into the Blues net.

However, it was too little, too late for the visiting Ottawa squad and assistant captain Joe Rand (Hamilton, Ont.) would add some insurance for the Blues with just over a minute left, walking out of the corner and roofing the puck over Whitlock’s shoulder.

Snetsinger was named the Blues player of the game for his two goal and one assist performance. Toronto captain Brendan Sherrard (Toronto) recorded his 50th regular season career point on Snetsinger’s first goal and added another on his second.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow night as they host the Western Mustangs at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.