The No. 6 University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team extended their winning streak to eight games by defeating the York Lions 3-2 on Thursday afternoon (Nov 14) in their annual School day game at Varsity Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED: A fast paced first period saw the Blues and Lions both get quality scoring chances. Toronto opened up the scoring on the powerplay when Joey Manchurek's shot took a defection off a Lion and beat York goalie Mack Shields. Manchurek didn't stop there, tipping in a Riley Bruce shot to put the Blues up by two after 20 minutes.

The physical play of both teams continued in the following frame. Off of an offensive zone face-off, Nathan Hudgin forced a York turnover, which popped up in front of the goal for Hunter Atchison, who made no mistake to extend the Blues lead to three. Toronto and York exchanged some physicality as the horn closed out the second period.

York would get on the board five minutes into the final period. Peter De Coppi picked up a rebound and beat second-year goalie Alex Bishop. The Lions continued to apply pressure and forced the Blues to play strong defence. The Lions pulled their goalie with two minutes left and Jack Goranson would cut the lead to one. York's late surge wouldn't be enough as the Varsity Blues would hold them off in the final minute to solidify the win for the electrifying school day crowd.

Bishop made 31 saves in the win to improve the Blues record to 10-2, which places them in first in the OUA west division. 

UP NEXT: The Blues are back at Varsity Arena on Saturday night (Nov 16) at 7:00pm, when they battle the Western Mustangs.

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