The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team's 2024-25 season came to an end with a 4-0 loss against the Queen's Gaels in the OUA Bronze medal game on Saturday, Mar. 15 Kingston, Ont.
 
The first period of the third-place game between the Blues and Gaels ended in a scoreless tie, with both teams battling hard but unable to find the back of the net. Strong defensive play kept chances limited, while both goaltenders came up big to shut down any dangerous opportunities. The Blues pressured early, but Christian Purboo stood tall for the Gaels in goal, turning away key shots from U of T. At the other end, Toronto's netminder Jordan Fairlie was just as sharp, keeping Queen's off the board. With neither team able to break through, the game remained wide open heading into the second period.
 
The Gaels broke the deadlock in the second period when Queen's leading goal-scorer Nolan Hutcheson capitalized on a breakaway, slipping a backhander past Fairlie on a break off the rush as he was pressured by the Toronto defense. Moments later, a screened Fairlie had little chance on Nathan Ribau's point shot, which found its way through traffic to double the Gaels lead. Midway through the second, Hutcheson struck again, jumping on a rebound in front to make it 3-0, putting the Blues in a tough spot as they looked to mount a comeback. Toronto continued to push back, generating chances and pressing hard in the offensive zone as they fought to shift the momentum, and went into the third looking to grab their first goal.
 
With their season on the line, Blues continued to press in the third period, but the Queen's defense held firm, effectively shutting down Toronto's offensive attack. With just under four minutes remaining the Gaels sealed the win, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 opportunity as Ante Zlomislic fired the puck past Fairlie to make it 4-0.
 
Despite a hard-fought effort, the Blues came up short in the bronze medal game, closing the book on a strong season. Toronto showed resilience until the final buzzer, battling through adversity and leaving it all on the ice. With a talented roster and a season full of standout moments, the Blues have plenty to build on as they look ahead to the future.