The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 4-1 to the UNB Reds on Friday (Sept. 26) night in Fredericton, N.B.
The opening frame was tightly contested with both sides generating chances. Toronto's third-year forward Rylee Hlusiak and second-year forward Dylan Wightman tested UNB goaltender Remi Delafontaine. Meanwhile, third-year Blues goaltender Jordan Fairlie stood tall against UNB's offence, making 18 saves in the first period.
UNB broke through early in the second period when Camaryn Baber converted just over two minutes in. The Reds added to their lead midway through the middle frame when Michael Petizian buried a feed from second-year forward Cole Huckins. Less than four minutes later Nick Blagden extended the lead to 3-0.
Toronto responded in the third period with second-year forward Nicholas Athanasakos finished off a pass from second-year forward Sean Clarke just past the 10-minute mark to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Blues pressed with the extra attacker in the final minutes but an empty net goal from Thomas Larcouche secured the win for the Reds.
Fairlie was strong between the pipes for U of T making 43 saves.
The Blues will wrap up the preseason on Saturday (Sept. 27) afternoon facing the Reds once again in Fredericton. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. est and the game can be streamed live on austv.ca.
