Fourth-year forward Byron Elliott scored two powerplay goals in leading the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team to a 2-1 victory over the Nipissing Lakers on Saturday night (Feb. 4) at Varsity Arena.

Toronto’s fourth straight win lifts them into fourth place with a 14-8-3 record, just three points back of Nipissing (15-7-4) with a game in hand.

A native of Burlington, Ont., Elliott opened the scoring 6:32 into the contest on the man advantage with a goal assisted by Kyle Ventura and Paul Van De Velde.

Elliott then put the Blues up 2-0 seven minutes into the second frame with another powerplay marker off passes from team captain Andrew Kizito and Ventura.

Toronto went 2-for-8 on the powerplay, while Nipissing was unable to convert on seven attempts.

Nipissing’s Kevin Flather would spoil the shut out and bring the game within reach early in the third period; however, Blues netminder Garrett Sheehan stood on his head and turned aside 15 third-period shots to secure the win.

The Varsity Blues return to the ice tomorrow afternoon as they head across town to take on the Ryerson Rams at George Bell Arena. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

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