The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves 7-4 on Friday night (Oct 25) in Thunder Bay.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Thunderwolves got off to a fast start scoring two goals in the first two minutes of the game. Dexter Kuczek and Brett Wolframe recorded the early tallies. Lakehead would add another in the frame from Josh Laframboise. The Blues didn't let a three goal deficit discourage them. They answered back with three of their own. Toronto's leading scorer David Thomson got things started on the power play for the Blues. This was followed by defenceman Brendan Bornstein scoring his second of the season, and Joey Manchurek then wrapped up the first period with a short-handed goal with just over 30 seconds left in the frame.

The Blues looked to use their first period momentum to take the lead in the second. Toronto found themselves with a power play opportunity and Oliver Benwell was able to capitalize to give the Blues their fourth unanswered goal. Lakehead was finally able to answer back with a goal from Jordan Larson to tie the game back up.

It was all U of T in the third period. Manchuek and Benwell each scored their second goal of the game to solidify the Toronto victory. Kevin Lavoie would score his first of the season on the empty net.

Manchurek recorded four points (2G, 2A), Benwell (2G, 1A) and Thomson (1G, 2A) each tallied three, and Alex Bishop made 34 saves in a winning effort.

UP NEXT: The Blues will look for another win against the Thunderwolves tomorrow night (Oct 26) when they play game two of a back-to-back in Thunder Bay.

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