The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s hockey team dropped a 4-2 decision to the Carleton Ravens on Friday, October 23 at Varsity Arena.

The Ravens got into penalty trouble early and the Blues took full advantage, scoring on a five-on-three advantage 4:05 into the first period. Team captain Brendan Sherrard (Etobicoke, Ont.) and forward Byron Elliott (Burlington, Ont.) worked the puck around the outside to find Ed Snetsinger (Ajax, Ont), who showed great poise as he sent a booming wrist shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

Toronto continued to hold the play and tallied their second goal of the game with just over four minutes remaining in the first period. First-year defenceman Matt Walters (Winnipeg, Man.) sent a low shot from the point on net and fifth-year veteran Joe Rand (Hamilton, Ont.) was there to bury the rebound.

The Blues held a 2-0 lead after the first period of play.

Carleton came out flying in the second period and finally got on the board as Derek Wells (Alymer, Que.) finished off a quick passing play with teammates Mark Smith (Stittsville, Ont.) and Mike Byrd (Kemptville, Ont.).

With Rand in the penalty box for an interference call, the Ravens took advantage and evened the score as Brett Halstead (Burlington, Ont.) sent a low shot from the blue line through traffic to beat Blues goaltender Andrew Martin (Mississauga, Ont.).

The game was tied at 2-2 heading into the final frame.

Both teams picked up the pace in the third period, exchanging scoring opportunities and searching for that go-ahead goal. The Ravens would be victorious, scoring on another powerplay opportunity when Byrd capitalized on a Christian Bourdeau-Miffen (Ottawa) rebound midway through the third period.

Carleton added an insurance marker less than four minutes later as Ryan Berard (Niagara Falls, Ont.) shot the puck off the end boards and Yves Bastien (Dowling, Ont.) picked up the rebound to give his squad a two-goal lead.

Despite their best efforts, the Blues were unable to find the back of the net again and fell 4-2.

Martin made 44 saves for U of T, while Carleton goaltender Ryan Dube (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) posted 26 saves in the victory.

Sherrard received Varsity Blues player of the game honours for his solid defensive effort on the night.

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

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.