The Varsity Blues men’s hockey team recorded their second consecutive shootout loss, falling 4-3 to the RMC Paladins on Saturday, January 8 at Constantine Arena.

U of T remains in eighth place with a 5-8-5 record, while RMC celebrates their second win of the season.

The Paladins scored two goals in the first 14 minutes of the game to gain a quick advantage. Toronto chipped away at the deficit for the remainder of the game, starting with rookie forward Anthony Bergin’s powerplay marker with a minute to go in the first frame.

RMC increased their lead to two midway through the second period and carried that 3-1 advantage into the third.

The Blues offence finally sparked in the last 10 minutes of regulation as assistant captain Dan Brewer of Cambrdige, Ont., tallied the second powerplay goal of the night. Toronto native and captain Andrew Kizito evened the score with just over a minute to go with a goal assisted by Sean Kliewer and Blake Boddy to force overtime.

After a scoreless five-minute overtime period, the game headed into a shootout. Tied 1-1, RMC’s sixth shooter Colin O’Rourke was the hero as he beat Blues rookie goaltender Garrett Sheehan for the game-winner.

The Blues out shot the Paladins 44-21, with Sheehan recording 18 saves in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to the ice next Friday, January 7 when they host the Queen’s Gaels at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

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