The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 3-2 to the St. Lawrence Saints in an exhibition game in Canton, New York.

In a strong showing against an NCAA opponent the Blues were firing out of the gate. Despite the strong start, St. Lawrence struck first with Cayden Casey found the back of the net. Midway through the first period, U of T responded with a goal from third-year forward Rylee Hlusiak. Sam LeDrew's regained the lead for St. Lawrence.

St. Lawrence extended the lead in the late stages of the second period with a goal from Cooper Pierson. On the play, Casey notched his third point of the game and LeDrew picked up his second. U of T responded 75 seconds later as third-year defenceman Owen Luik set up fourth-year forward Eddie Yan to make it a one goal game going into the third period.

In the final 20 minutes of play, the Blues pushed hard for an equalizer as they out shot St. Lawrence 11-0. Puck luck wasn't on Toronto's side in the period as the score was unchanged at the final buzzer.

Fourth-year goaltender Rayce Ramsay was strong between the pipes with 30 saves.

The Blues will return to OUA competition on Friday (Oct. 31) night when they host the Windsor Lancers at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students get free entry with a valid T-Card. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.