First-year Varsity Blues goaltender Brett Willows recorded his second straight shut out as the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team squeaked by with a 1-0 win over the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday night at Varsity Arena.

A native of Rivers, Man., Willows posted 36 saves in his second career shut out in the Blue and White.  The win leaves Toronto tied with the Carleton Ravens with identical 13-8-1 records for fourth place in the OUA East division.

“We played very well at even strength and our penalty killing was outstanding,” commented Varsity Blues head coach Darren Lowe.  “Although we scored on the powerplay, we need to make some adjustments. Both goalies were outstanding tonight.”

Fifth-year veteran Dan Brewer (Cambridge, Ont.) registered what would be the only goal of the game, his sixth goal of the season and third in the last two games.

The Blues jumped on the Gaels early, outshooting Queen's 14-10 in the first period, and capitalizing on their opponent’s lack of discipline. With Gaels defender Stephane Chabot in the penalty box on a double-minor for spearing, Brewer deflected home a point shot from Winnipeg native Matt Walters to open the scoring. Second-year forward Anthony Bergin (Scarborough, Ont.) also assisted on the powerplay goal.

Queen's had several chances to tie the game late in the first, but Willows stood tall, denying a short-handed break, and making a miraculous glove save on a 2-on-1 rush with 2:04 left in the opening frame.

The Blues ran into penalty trouble of their own in the second period, but with the help of Willows, they were able to kill off two separate 5-on-3 powerplays.

The Gaels would play their best hockey in the final period, outshooting the Blues 12-6. But Willows was up to the challenge, making several key saves, including stopping Queen's forward Tyler Moore on a one-timer from the slot, and sliding across the crease to rob Ben Munroe on a powerplay chance.

With Gaels goaltender Riley Witlock out of his net in the final minute of play, the Varsity Blues held strong and did not allow the visiting team with a solid scoring opportunity.  It looked as though Blues leading scorer Byron Elliott would notch the empty-netter, but Gaels defenceman Stephane Chabot dove into the net and cleared the puck at the last second.

The Varsity Blues return to the ice next Saturday, February 4 as they host the Nipissing Lakers at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

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