The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team will face off against the TMU Bold in a best-of-three series in the first round of the OUA playoffs starting this Thursday night (Feb. 16) at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
 
Series Schedule:
Game 1: Thursday, February 16 | Toronto at TMU | 6:00 p.m. | Mattamy Athletic Centre
Game 2: Saturday, February 18 | TMU at Toronto | 5:00 p.m. | Varsity Arena
*Game 3: Sunday, February 19 | Toronto at TMU | 4:00 p.m. | Mattamy Athletic Centre
(*if necessary)
 
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"We expect this to be a close and tight-checking series," said head coach Ryan Medel, who is in his sixth season with the team. "We've had some games down the stretch here in the regular season that have helped prepare us for the playoffs. Now it's about being able to raise our game to a new level. It's a new season with new opportunity and we're excited to get started."

The Blues finished the regular season in fifth place in the OUA West division with a 14-10-3 record. In 27 games, the Blues had the second fewest goals allowed (68) in the OUA West, sitting just behind TMU (65). 

The Varsity Blues were 1-2 against the Bold this season. The Blues fell to the Bold 6-1 on Oct. 15, before dropping a 2-1 contest on Oct. 20 at Mattamy Athletic Centre. Most recently though, Toronto came out on top, 3-2, on Jan. 28.  
 
The two teams have faced off nine times in the post-season, with the Blues holding a 5-4 head-to-head advantage.  
 
Fourth-year forward Owen Guy led the way for the Blues offensively this season. Playing all 27 games, the Kemptville, Ont. native recorded eight goals and 14 assists for a total of 22 points. Finishing right behind Guy was second-year forward Cole Purboo, who led the team in goals (13). Purboo finished the season tied for ninth in OUA goals scored. 
 
In his first season starting for the Blues, second-year goalie Jett Alexander was a master in the crease. After starting 22 games, Alexander posted a .927 save percentage and 2.21 goals against average. 
 
The TMU Bold finished the regular season in fourth place with a 16-9-2 record. Second-year forward Kyle Bollers led the team in scoring with 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. Bollers finished fifth in OUA scoring. 
 
Rookie Kai Edmonds started 19 games for the Bold this season, with a 14-5-1 record. Edmonds finished second in the OUA in save percentage, .934, and goals against average, 2.00.