The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team overcame an early three-goal deficit to upset the No. 4 nationally ranked Ryerson Rams, 5-4, on Thursday night (Nov. 29) at Mattamy Athletic Centre.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Rams got out to an early lead, scoring three goals within 2:18 of each other midway through the first period. After a time out called by head coach Ryan Medel, the Blues regrouped in a big way.

Third-year defenceman Evan MacEachern got U of T on the board with 5:42 remaining in the first period, wiring a shot from the point past Rams netminder Garrett Forrest on the powerplay.

MHKY: TORONTO GOAL! Evan MacEachern scores on the PP to get the Blues on the board. Toronto trailing Ryerson 3-1 with five minutes to go in the first. pic.twitter.com/F8vzLNi19p

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) November 30, 2018

The Blues brought the game within one just over two minutes later as Scott Kirton forced a turnover and created a tic-tac-toe play with Kyle Clarke and Louis Kereakou, who banged home a cross-crease pass. Toronto was trailing 3-2 after 20 minutes of action.

MHKY: GOAL! Louis Kereakou finishes off a nice pass from Kyle Clarke as the Blues bring the game within one (3-2) late in the first period! pic.twitter.com/00Vp6xZLcP

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) November 30, 2018

U of T took charge in the second frame, scoring three goals to take the lead for good. First, veteran forward Ryan Kirkup forced a turnover and scored on a short-handed breakaway 5:09 into the period.

MHKY: TORONTO GOAL! Ryan Kirkup scores on a short-handed breakaway to even the game at 3-3 at Ryerson! #WeAreTO pic.twitter.com/UqZN3DjHdg

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) November 30, 2018

Then, less than two minutes later, third-year forward Kevin Lavoie scored his second goal of the season, banging in a second rebound off a Max Lindsay wrap around.

MHKY: AND ANOTHER! Kevin Lavoie buries the rebound as Toronto takes a 4-3 lead at Ryerson after being down 3-0! pic.twitter.com/XiidsHS6YD

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) November 30, 2018

With less than five minutes remaining in the second period, fourth-year defenceman Matt Heffernan potted what would stand as the game-winner as he fired a booming shot from the slot into the back of the net.

MHKY: GOAL!!! Matt Heffernan snipes from the high slot to put Toronto up 5-3 at Ryerson late in the second period! #WeAreTO pic.twitter.com/7qItXdRawT

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) November 30, 2018

The Rams brought the game within one, scoring on a 5-on-3 advtange 4:14 into the third period, but that was all they could muster as the Blues came away with their third straight victory and second consecutive over a nationally-ranked opponent.

First-year netminder Alex Bishop posted 31 saves in the win.

UP NEXT: The Blues close out the fall semester as they host the Waterloo Warriors this Saturday, December 1 at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.