University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the TMU Bold 5-3 on Friday (Oct. 23) night at Varsity Arena.

Fourth-year forward Brandon Santa Juana came up clutch with a two-goal performance, helping the Blues earn their third straight win. Toronto's offensive depth was on full display, scoring five goals for the third consecutive game. Meanwhile, fourth-year goalie Jordan Fairlie was stout between the pipes with 37 saves.  

In an intense battle between the two downtown Toronto rivals, intensity was high and the tone was set when third-year forward Cooper Way came up big with a blocked shot before Fairlie slide across his crease to make a save with his mask. Way's strong defensive play translated offensively, breaking the ice midway through the first period as he parked himself in front of the net and finished off fellow third-year forward Sean Clarke's pass. Toronto would double the lead with 59 seconds left in the period as Santa Juana found the back of the net with third-year forward Ryan Gillespie and second-year defenceman David Brandes drawing assists.

TMU flipped the script with a strong start to the second period, scoring two goals in the opening four minutes as Brendan Tomilson and Marko Djordjevic evened the score. Unphased by the two goal, Santa Juana stepped up again with his second goal of the game. The Blues continued to build off of their momentum and would restore the two-goal lead late in the period as fourth-year forward Rylee Hlusiak finished off third-year forward Dylan Wightman's pass, sending the teams to their locker rooms with the same scoring margin as 20 minutes prior.

The third period saw both teams battle for control as Fairlie maintained his composure in net with key saves to keep the Blue and White ahead. With less than two minutes remaining and goaltender Mason Beaupit to the bench for the extra attacker, Jack Rimmer roofed a shot to cut the lead to one-goal.

With Beaupit still on the bench and TMU pushing for an equalizer, first-year forward Massimo Fazio's empty net goal sealed the deal for U of T.

Next up, U of T travels to St. Catharines, Ont., to take on the Brock Badgers on Thursday (Oct. 29) night. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.