The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 4-1 on Friday (Jan. 17) night at Varsity Arena.

A back-and-forth first period saw chances at both ends of the ice from the Blues and the Ridgebacks as both teams fired nine shots on goal. Despite quality scoring chances at both ends of the ice, first-year Blues goalie Lyla McKinnon and Ontario Tech's Zoe McGee were strong between the pipes to keep the game scoreless after the first frame.

The second period saw the Blues open the scoring with a tally by Emma Irwin. The fourth-year forward gained possession in the offensive zone and banked a pass off of an Ontario Tech defender to herself, firing a shot into the back of the net as her fourth goal of the season gave U of T a 1-0 lead.

The Ridgebacks tied the game up midway through the second period as Kayla Welk found the back of the net. Despite Ontario Tech tying the game, U of T put their foot on the gas pedal as they looked to regain their lead. Third-year forward Kaitlyn McKnight retrieved a loose puck in the offensive zone and drove to the net, cutting from her forehand to her backhand and sending the puck over McGee's shoulder and into the back of the net, giving the Blues a 2-1 lead after two periods of play.

U of T played their brand of hockey in the third period as they were relentless in the offensive zone, looking to keep momentum on their side. Second-year forward Taylor Delahey finished off an excellent display of passing on a Blues power play, picking up her sixth goal of the season as she one-timed a pass from Aili McKeown into the back of the net for a 3-1 Toronto lead.

McKnight gave U of T some insurance with a shorthanded goal for her second of the game, capitalizing off of a Ridgebacks turnover as the Blues took a commanding 4-1 lead.  

As the final buzzer went off the Blues got back in the win column, with McKinnon capping off a great all around performance for the Blues as she made 19 saves in the victory.

The Blues are back in action at Varsity Arena on Saturday (Jan. 18) evening as they host the Carleton Ravens. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.