The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team lost 4-1 against the Ottawa Gee-Gees in their Friday (Jan. 31) game on the road in Ottawa, Ont.  

Ottawa struck early in the first, opening the scoring in the first minute of the game on a powerplay goal by Vincent Labelle. The early deficit forced Toronto to quickly adapt to Ottawa's pace, and the rest of the period saw a tough back and forth. Blues second-year goaltender Jordan Fairlie came up big with a couple of ten-bell saves to fight off Ottawa's chances and keep the Blues within reach. In the final minute of the period, a power play for the Blues lit a fire under Toronto's skates. With 40 seconds left fourth-year forward and assistant captain Billy Moskal released a beautiful shot from the circle that beat Gee-Gees goaltender Franky Lapenna to even the score.  

The second period saw another strong performance from Fairlie as he turned aside a series of high-danger chances to keep the game tied. Toronto pushed back with opportunities of their own, but the Gee-Gees defence held firm. The Gee-Gees finally broke through in the final minute of the frame, with Labelle sneaking one past Fairlie to reclaim the lead heading into the third. 

Ottawa doubled the lead to 3-1 in the first minute of the third, with Labelle netting a hat trick. The Blues fought hard, generating chances and maintaining pressure, but Lapenna and Ottawa's defence stood tall, keeping Toronto from finding the back of the net. Despite their best efforts, Toronto couldn't break through, and Ottawa sealed the win with an empty net goal to bring the score to 4-1. 

This loss puts the Blues record at 14-10, but keeps them in contention for first place in the OUA Western Conference. The Blues will be back again on Saturday, Feb. 1 against the Carleton Ravens in Ottawa, Ont. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the game can be streamed online via oua.tv.