The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team lost a 5-4 in Game 2 of their OUA semifinal series against the TMU Bold on Friday (Mar. 7) night.

With a berth for the OUA Queen's Cup and U SPORTS national championship within reach, the Blues took the ice ready to deliver in front of their home crowd. Despite Toronto controlling the pace early, TMU capitalized on a turnover, intercepting a Blues defensive zone pass and slotting it into an open net. Moments later, Kevin Gursoy managed to beat Rayce Ramsay with a sharp shot top corner, giving TMU an early two-goal edge. But the Blues weren't rattled - they responded with authority. Emmett Serensits let a shot fly from the blue line, catching Bold goaltender Kai Edmonds out of position, and Owen Luik buried the rebound to get Toronto on the board. With momentum shifting, Dylan Wightman stepped up and unleashed a rocket of a slapshot moments later, picking the top corner to bring the Blues even. 

TMU kept up the pressure and regained the lead early in the second period as Daniil Grigorev redirected a point shot past Ramsay, but the Blues had the perfect response. Ben Woodhouse outpaced the TMU defense to a loose puck and ripped a shot far side, beating Edmonds to bring the game to an even three apiece. The Blues put on a passing clinic on a power play later in the frame, working the puck around before Owen Robinson sliced a shot past Edmonds to give Toronto the lead heading into the second intermission. 

The third period proved to be a test for the Blues as TMU clawed their way back into the game and series, pouring shots on Ramsay, who ended the game with 46 saves. Slava Melikov found the back of the net to even the score early in the final period, and William Portokalis capitalized on an opportunity to give the Bold the lead just moments later. Despite Toronto's relentless offensive pressure - firing 36 shots on goal - Edmonds stood tall between the pipes, turning away every late push. The Blues battled until the final buzzer, but TMU held on to secure a 5-4 victory. 

This result will push the OUA semifinal to a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday, Mar. 9. The series moves to the Mattamy Athletic Centre, giving TMU the home ice advantage. With the series tied, the Blues must win to keep their championship hopes alive. Puck drop is set for 6:15 p.m., and the game can be streamed online via oua.tv.