The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 3-1 to the Western Mustangs on Friday (Jan. 16) night in London, Ont.

In a tight and physical first period both teams traded chances but neither team could solve Western's Jack McNaughton or first-year Blues goaltender Nick Surzycia through 20 minutes of play.

The Mustangs broke through early in the second period Jaden Yearwood converted on the games opening goal. The Blues pushed back as the period progressed and were rewarded for their effort late in the frame as fourth-year forward Eddie Yan notched his third goal in his last four games played to even things up before intermission.

Both teams traded chances in the third period as neither team wanted to give an inch. Western put themselves ahead late in the frame with Dean Warrow's second goal of the season. U of T battled until the final buzzer but an insurance marker from Zach Power solidified the win for the Mustangs.

Surzycia finished the game with 22 saves.

The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Jan. 17) night when they host the York Lions at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.