Byron Elliott was the shootout hero as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s hockey team held on for a 6-5 victory over the Ryerson Rams on Thursday, January 21 at George Bell Arena.

The Blues leading scorer, Elliott (Burlington, Ont.) was the only player to score in the shootout as Toronto improves to 11-7-1 and earns their sixth consecutive win.

The game was a chippy affair right from the get-go, as the two teams locked horns for the second time in less than a week.

Ryerson forward Brent Small (Pickering, Ont.) opened the scoring only 1:10 into the first period. Depsite a couple of powerplay opportunities, the Blues were unable to solve Rams goaltender Louie George (Waterloo, Ont.) and were down 1-0 at the first intermission.

The Blues opened the flood gates in the second period, with fifth-year veteran Joe Rand (Hamilton, Ont.) tying the game just 1:07 into the frame. First-year forward Brent McGrail (Mississauga, Ont.) banged home a rebound to put the visitors up 2-1 at the 12-minute mark, however, a Matt Schmermund (Calahoo, Alta.) goal would briefly tie things up at three.

Toronto’s attack began to take over late in the period. Although George tried to maintain his first-period form, shaky defensive coverage by the Rams led to goals from Elliot and Tyler Turcotte (St. Catharines, Ont.) as the Blues built a 4-2 lead heading into the third period.

The game was far from over, however, as the third period was a full of offence and controversy. Dan Brewer (Cambridge, Ont.) netted his first goal of the season to give U of T a 5-2 lead early in the period, however the Rams began to rally.

Ryerson defenceman Julian Zamparo’s (Woodbridge, Ont.) goal at the nine minute mark would bring the Rams within two and set the stage for a dramatic comeback.

Schmermund potted his second goal of the game at the 11-minute mark to narrow the gap even further and Andrew Buck tied things up with just over six minute remaining in regulation.

A back-and-forth overtime solved nothing as the Rams and Blues headed to a shootout where Elliott would secure the win for Toronto.

The Blues outshot the Rams 35-31 in the contest which saw the teams combine for 10 goals for the second-straight game. Martin claimed the win for Toronto, making 26 saves to go along with three in the shootout.

The Varsity Blues return to action tomorrow night (Jan. 22) when they host the RMC Paladins at Varsity Arena. Game time is scheduled for 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.