Looking to bounce back from a pair of tough losses to the York Lions, the Toronto Varsity Blues returned to the ice on Thursday, February 24 on Pride Night at Varsity Arena. Despite a strong effort from the Blues, which included out-shooting the Rams 40-27, in the end, it was the visitors leaving with a 3-2 OT victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED: It did not take very long for the Blues and Rams rivalry to re-ignite. Facing each other for the first time in a regular season setting since November 25, 2021, both sides quickly reacquainted themselves with each other. Playing in what was also the first game on campus in 2022 with fans in attendance, it did not take the home side very long to give their crowd something to cheer about. With the game just over a minute old, Danny Katic scooped up a loose puck and deposited it past Rams goaltender Garrett Forrest. Despite Toronto carrying a lead and much of the early play, the Rams were able to shift the tide near the midway point of the frame. In fact, just shy of the halfway point, the Rams got themselves on the board with a goal from Jesse Barwell.

With the score knotted up entering the second period of play, the Blues began to shift the play back towards the Rams zone. Getting rewarded for their efforts, Toronto regained the lead when Billy Moskal's shot had just enough on it to squeeze through Forrest and across the goal line. Like they did the first time though, the Rams would once again battle back. With 10:27 to play in the middle frame, David Miller put the visitors back on even terms.

Despite chances for both sides throughout much of the third period, neither side was able to find the go-ahead goal before the buzzer sounded bringing an end to regulation.
In the overtime session, the Rams found the game-winning goal. Even though Alex Bishop was able to stop Zachary Shankar on his breakaway attempt, Shankar was able to follow up on the rebound to secure the extra point for the Rams.

Toronto finished the game going 0-6 with the man-advantage, while the Rams converted on one of their four attempts.

In goal for the Blues, Alex Bishop stopped 24 of 27 shots.
           
UP NEXT: The Blues will pay a return visit to the Rams on Friday, February 25 with the two teams finishing up a two-day home and home series. Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m.  

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