Box Score The University of Toronto Varsity Blues hockey team came up just short against the Lakehead Thunderwolves, dropping a 6-4 contest in Thunder Bay on Saturday, November 20.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Thunderwolves struck early in this matchup, scoring two goals before the midway point of the first period. Rookie forward Ben Baldalamenti was able to take advantage of a rebound in front of the net to score his second goal of the year. Less than three minutes later, Lakehead added a powerplay goal off of the stick of captain Jordan King. Baldalamenti, the Michigan product, was not finished there, adding another with 7:07 left in the initial frame.

Toronto was hoping to change their fortunes in the second period, and they were able to get a boost from Peterborough, Ont. native Quinn Hanna. The first-year defenceman was able to fire a shot from the point that got through Lakehead goalie Brock Aiken. Just over two minutes later, the Blues were able to take advantage of a 5-on-3 powerplay as David Thomson jumped on a rebound. The Blues tied it up at 3-3 when Billy Moskal scored on a two-on-one to get his first goal as a Blue. The Thunderwolves answered right back as Baladalamenti got a hat trick, scoring his third goal of the night at the 15:54 mark. With 14 seconds left in the second, first-year forward Tyler Ho restored the multi-goal lead for Lakehead.

The Blues showed their resilience in the third as they tried to mount a comeback. Toronto took advantage of a powerplay when Owen Robinson, a first-year forward, blasted a shot past Aiken to narrow the gap to one. With just over a minute left, the Blues pulled their goalie Jett Alexander in hopes of tying up the contest. The Thunderwolves were able to score an empty netter to seal the game.

Alexander, a rookie goalie, got the start behind the pipes and made 36 saves in the loss, while fellow newcomer Cole Purboo made his presence felt, finishing the game with two assists.

UP NEXT: The Blues will look to bounce back against the Rams at Mattamay Athletic Centre on Thursday, November 25. Puck drop is at 6:00 p.m.

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