3 GOAL SECOND PERIOD LEADS BLUES PAST LAURIER

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 4-2 in an exhibition game on Friday (Sept. 12) night at Varsity Arena.

In the first period, both teams traded chances with U of T generating strong offensive pressure, out shooting Laurier 13-9 after 20 minutes of play. The Golden Hawks struck first as Lucas Chard found the back of the net in the opening frame, sending the Blues into intermission trailing 1-0.

Toronto's offence came alive in the second period with three goals in a 12 minute span. Third-year forward Rylee Hlusiak opened the scoring for the Blues with a power play goal. Hlusiak's shot went top shelf, finishing off a pass from third-year defender Owen Luik. Less than two minutes later Hlusiak struck again, capitalizing on offensive zone pressure from first-year defender Isaiah Peters and second-year defender Ethan McFarland.

U of T extended its advantage as the power play struck again. The Blues passing game was on full display as fourth-year forward Zack Smith found second-year forward Dylan Wightman down by the goal line. Wightman sent a pass to the slot to third-year forward Julian Recine, who fired a shot past Laurier goaltender Tristian Malbeouf to give U of T a 3-1 lead. The Golden Hawks responded late in the period as forward Travis Verbeek narrowed the U of T lead to 3-2 after two periods of play.

In the third period, Third-year Blues goaltender Jordan Fairlie made some of the best of his 32 saves to keep the Blue and White ahead. The Blues added to their lead with less than three minutes of play remaining, first-year forward Ryan Watt found the back of the net to secure the win.

The Blues are back in action on Thursday (Sept. 18) night in a road game against the TMU Bold. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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