The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 6-3 to the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday (Jan. 30) night in Thunder Bay, Ont.

In a tight contest between two OUA West teams, the Thunderwolves scored the opener as Olivier Pouliot found the back of the net. The Blues were able to respond with two quick goals midway through the period. Third-year defenceman Thomas Gangl got the scoring started for the Blue and White when he flew down the wing and fired a shot past goaltender Christian Cicigoi to even the score. The Blues power play gave them the lead when third-year defenceman Owen Luik tipped in a shot by first-year forward Ryan Evenhuis for Luik's first goal of the season. Lakehead was able to answer with a power play goal from Dalton MacGillivray to tie the game at 2-2 before the end of the period.

Midway through the second period, Lakehead regained the lead as Nicolas De Grazia capitalized on a scoring chance. As Lakehead made their presence known in the offensive zone, fourth-year goaltender Rayce Ramsay held the fort throughout the remainder of the period to keep the Blues at a one-goal deficit heading into the third period.

In the final 20 minutes of play, second-year forward Dylan Wightman found the back of the net, converting in the slot off of a pass from first-year forward Ryan Watt. The goal was Wightman's seventh of the season and his second point of the night. The Thunderwolves responded when Zane Rowan scored his first goal of the season. The Blues played hard and looked for an equalizer as the period progressed but MacGillivray and Pouliot both notched their second goals of the game late to secure the win.

Ramsay finished the game with 32 saves.

The Blues and Thunderwolves will have a quick turnaround, facing each other again in Thunder Bay on Saturday (Jan. 31) afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.