The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 5-4 in overtime on Thursday (Feb. 1) night in Oshawa, Ont. 

The Blues opened the scoring in the first period, with second-year forward Nicholas Wong grabbing his 12th goal of the season. Minutes later, captain Cole Purboo put the Blues up by two only ten minutes into the game. 

Although the Blues obtained an early advantage, the Ridgebacks were quick to respond, scoring their first goal just a minute later with a goal from Gabriel Bernier. Ontario Tech forward Sam Gillis scored a second goal for the Ridgebacks and evened the score at 2-2 heading into the second period. 

The second period unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with both teams engaging in back-and-forth play. A late goal from the Ridgebacks, followed by a Blues penalty, gave Ontario Tech the momentum they needed to score yet another goal seconds later. The Ridgebacks went up 4-2 going into the third period. 

With minutes left in the game, third-year defenceman Nick Grima scored his fifth goal of the season to bring the Blues within a goal of tying the game. Grima also picked up three assists in the Blues comeback performance.

With five seconds left in the third period, third-year forward Owen Robinson's shot from the point squeaked past Ridgebacks goalie, William Desmarais, to send the game to overtime.

Just over a minute into overtime, second-year forward Zack Smith potted the game-winning goal, scoring the Blues third goal in a row to complete the comeback.

Blues goalie Jordan Fairlie recorded 20 saves in the contest to pick up his fourth win of the season. 

The Blues make their way back home for a matchup against their Toronto rivals, TMU, on Friday (Feb. 2) night at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at varsityblues.ca/tickets, with the game being streamed online at oua.tv