The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team opens their 2017-18 regular season this Friday, October 13 as they travel to Waterloo, Ont., to take on the Warriors.
 
The game will be streamed live on OUA.tv with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
 
Under first-year head coach Ryan Medel, Toronto's mantra will focus on putting defence first, a high compete level and hard work. With nine first-year players on their roster, Medel will call upon U of T's veterans to help the rookies acclimatize to OUA caliber hockey.
 
"We're looking forward to getting our season underway," said Medel. "We know we're in a tough division but are excited for the challenge. Our attention to detail will be crucial on a nightly basis. We have a fairly young group but that also means we have a lot of guys with something to prove. As a group, we are focusing on trying to get better each day."


 
The Blues will look to returning forwards Aidan Wallace and Matt Campagna to once again lead the offensive charge this year. The duo combined for 47 points last year, with Campagna leading the squad with 18 assists and 25 points and Wallace finding the back of the net a team-leading 14 times. Rookie Scott Kirton has turned heads in the pre-season while playing alongside Wallace and Campagna.
 
Veteran forwards Casey Knight and Dean Klomp return for their fifth and final years in the Blue and White, while third-year forwards Max Lindsay and Ryan Kirkup will be relied upon for their solid two-way play in 2017-18.


 
Toronto's defensive corps will once again be led by team captain Charlie Connell. The Toronto native led the Blues D with 15 points in 2016-17. He will also call upon fellow fifth-year veteran Corey Jackson and third-year standout Josh Hanson to help bolster the blue line.
 
U of T returns two fifth-year goalies in Andrew Hunt and Michael Nishi, while also welcoming Frederic Foulem from the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QJHL. All three netminders will challenge for time between the pipes this season.
 
The Varsity Blues return to Varsity Arena next Friday, October 20 as they host the Queen's Gaels in their 2017 home opener at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale here.

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