The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 5-3 to the Laurier Golden Hawks in Game 2 of the first round of the OUA playoffs on Saturday (Feb. 17) night in Waterloo, Ont.

The first period was marked by a closely contested match, but it was the Golden Hawks who struck first, finding the net just six minutes after puck drop, with a goal from Thomas Lenart. The Golden Hawks held the momentum for the remainder of the first period, which continued into the second period. 

Laurier's offence continued to dominate in the second, scoring three straight goals. Conor Ali and Nick Giunta recorded a goal each within the first two minutes of the period, before Evan Benwell scored in the final five minutes. However, the Blues managed to break through with a late second period goal from second-year forward Nicholas Wong, giving the Blues hope with a score of 4-1 going into the final frame. 

With an early goal in the third period from third-year forward Billy Moskal, the Blues edged closer to tying the game. Yet, the Golden Hawks capitalized on an empty net chance, extending their lead to 5-2. 

Despite a late effort from third-year forward Owen Robinson, the Blues fell short in the playoff series, concluding the game with a 5-3 score in favor of the Golden Hawks.