The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 5-2 to the UNB Reds in an exhibition game on Saturday (Sept. 27) afternoon in Fredericton, N.B.

The opening frame featured plenty of back-and-forth action as both sides traded chances early. Toronto nearly struck first when third-year forward Brandon Santa Juana rang a shot off the post on the power play. UNB responded with pressure of their own and finally broke through late in the period, with Camaryn Baber scoring with a shorthanded goal giving the Reds a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

The second period saw a surge of offense. The Reds doubled their advantage less than three minutes into the period. The Blues answered back with two quick power play markers. Third-year forward Rylee Hlusiak capitalized, finishing a setup from second-year forward Dylan Wightman and fourth-year forward Zack Smith. Midway through the period, third-year forward Eddie Yan tied the game off a feed from third-year forward Owen Hollingsworth. UNB pushed back regained their two-goal advantage after 40 minutes of play with goals from Stuart Rolofs and Nick Blagden.

In the third period, Toronto pressed for a comeback with several looks on goal, including a pair of chances that hit the post but couldn't get the puck into the back of the net. The Reds extended their lead with less than five minutes remaining in the game when Justin Nolet made it a 5-2 game.

First-year goaltender Nick Surzycia made 22 saves.

The Blues will now turn their attention to the regular season, beginning on Thursday (Oct. 2) night when they travel to St. Catharines, Ont., to face the Brock Badgers. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.