The RMC Paladins scored four third-period goals to come away with a 5-2 victory over the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team in their last game of the regular season on Saturday, February 13 at Constantine Arena.

The Blues finish the season with a 15-9-4 record in third place in the OUA East, while the RMC Paladins move into ninth with a 6-18-4 record. Toronto will now host the sixth-place Ryerson Rams in a best-of-three quarter-final series starting this Wednesday at Varsity Arena.

Rookie forward Kyle Paige of Richmond Hill, Ont. got the Blues on the board just 1:31 into the contest with a goal assisted by Claudio Cowdrey (Mississauga, Ont.) and Sean Kliewer (Brunkid, Man.).

Toronto extended their lead to two 20 seconds into the second frame when Joel Lenius (Markham, Ont.) fed Bryden Teich (Toronto) a pass, who found a way past Paladins netminder Matt Beirnes (Barrie, Ont.).

RMC finally got on the board on a four-on-three advantage with a goal off the stick of Justin Lacey (Sudbury, Ont.). The Blues led 2-1 heading into the final frame.

The Paladins evened the score early in the third with a goal from Mitchell Smith (Calgary, Alta.) and Michael Soros (Ottawa) put his squad ahead less than two minutes later with the eventual game-winner. 

Landon Lavictoire (Kirkland Lake, Ont.) would add another even-strength tally at the mid-way point of the period to gain the two-goal lead before Ken Morin (St. Prosper, Que.) added an empty-netter with 21 seconds remaining to secure the three-goal victory.

The Varsity Blues will host the Rams in game one of the best-of-three quarter-final series on Wednesday, February 17 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.