The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s hockey team will look to remain undefeated in 2010 when they host the Ryerson Rams and Queen’s Gaels this weekend at Varsity Arena.

The Blues (8-7-3) are sandwiched between the fourth-place Gaels (10-8-1) and sixth-place Rams (7-10-2) in the OUA East division, making four points this weekend a necessity if U of T is going to move up in the standings. Toronto hosts Ryerson on Friday, Jan. 15 night and the Gaels on Saturday, Jan. 16 with the puck set to drop at 7:30 p.m. on both nights.

The Blues defeated the Rams 3-1 in their first meeting this season on Oct. 18. Similarly, Toronto came away with a 7-3 victory over the Gaels last weekend (Jan. 8) in their first of three games of 2009-10.

Hamilton, Ont. native Joe Rand was named the Varsity Blues athlete of the week (Jan. 4-10) as he tallied three goals and five assists in two big road wins over the Gaels and Nipissing Lakers last weekend. The fifth-year forward has recorded 12 points in only six games played this season, quickly establishing himself as an offensive threat in OUA action.

Blues leading scorer Byron Elliott (Burlington, Ont.) scored a hat trick versus the Gaels on Jan. 8 and is now ranked seventh in the OUA with 12 goals and 15 assists, while Andrew Martin (Mississauga, Ont.) has a 0.920 save percentage - second among OUA goaltenders.

Cory Konecny (Stoney Point, Ont.), Matt Schmermund (Calahoo, Alta.) and Michael Paolo (Mississauga, Ont.) lead the Rams (7-10-2) with 13 points apiece. Ryerson is winless in the last three games, when they recorded a victory over the Carleton Ravens (Nov. 28).

First-year forward Jordan Mirwaldt (Winnipeg, Man.) leads the Queen’s Gaels (10-8-1) with 10 goals and 15 assists in 19 games. Sudbury, Ont. native Joey Derochie, Jeffrey Johnstone of Etobicoke, Ont. and Payton Liske (Kingston, Ont.) have all recorded 22 points this season.

Queen’s has recently added Steele De Fazio to their roster. The second-year goaltender is 2-1 in three games and holds a 0.908 save percentage.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and non-U of T students, U of T students and children 12 and under are free. Advance sales are available through http://www.ticketbreak.com or by calling 1.866.9.GET TIX (943-8849).

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