The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team won 5-4 in overtime against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks in their home game on Thursday (Jan. 9th) evening at Varsity Arena.

Eager to test themselves against Ontario Tech, the Blues grabbed the first goal of the game within minutes. A misplayed bounce behind the net sent the puck off Ridgebacks goaltender Beckett Langkow's pad and straight to Mason Reeves, who sliced a clean short-side shot underneath Langkow's glove. Ontario Tech was quick to respond, however, with Justin Svenson tying the game only two minutes later with a sharp top-corner shot that beat Jordan Fairlie. Though the rest of the period remained an evenly matched battle, Svenson grabbed his second goal with a shot from the blue line that just snuck past Fairlie's pad, putting Toronto down by one going into the second. 

A goal disadvantage and an early penalty in the opening minute only fueled the Blues fire. Billy Moskal broke past both Ridgeback defensemen on a breakaway, pulling off a slick move and a backhanded snipe to beat Ontario Tech's goaltender for a shorthanded goal. Shortly after, a penalty against Ontario Tech gave the Blues a chance to ramp up their pressure. A defensive giveaway in front of the Ridgebacks' net set up Cooper Way perfectly to drive the puck home, putting the Blues ahead. Later, Moskal struck again on another breakaway, firing a far-side shot for his second goal of the game and extending the lead to 4-2. Despite the Blues finding their rhythm, Ontario Tech responded with their third goal midway through the period, as James White converted off a clean assist from Duston Hutton. 

The third period saw constant back-and-forth action as the Blues worked to fend off the relentless Ridgebacks, who were determined to even the score. Midway through the period, Ontario Tech's Justin Svenson broke through, firing an unassisted goal to grab a hat trick and tie the game at 4-4. Despite several close chances on both ends, neither team could find the go-ahead goal in regulation.  

In a thrilling overtime finish, Nicholas Wong netted the game-winning goal only thirty-five seconds into the extra period to secure victory for the Blues. Wong's confident puck possession and decisive shot in the extra period sealed the 5-4 win.  

With this win, the Blues improve to 10-8 on the season. The Ridgebacks fall to 11-7.

The Blues will be back for another exciting game on Saturday, January 11th against the Brock Badgers as they look to bring their win streak to three games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Varsity Arena. Tickets are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, and the game can be streamed online via oua.tv.