University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team began the 2026-27 season with a 5-2 win over the Western Mustangs on Friday (Oct. 9) night in London, Ont.

On a night of first, three different Blues scored their first OUA goal. Meanwhile, second-year defenceman David Brandes and second-year forward Ryan Evenhuis each recorded a three-point game. Meanwhile, fourth-year goalie Jordan Fairlie was strong between the pipes with 21 saves.

Toronto wasted little time establishing its offensive presence as third-year forward Ryan Gillespie broke the deadlock midway through the first period with a power play marker for the first goal of the 2026-27 season and the first of his OUA career. Less than three minutes later, Brandes, who drew an assist on Gillespie's opener made his mark in the goal column to double U of T's lead. The Mustangs responded late in the period as Darius Bachler cut the deficit to one-goal after 20 minutes of play.

38 seconds into the second period, the score drew even with a power play goal from Nicholas Yearwood. The Blues were quick to regain control of the game with second-year defenceman Isaiah Peters connecting with Evenhuis for his first goal of the season and the eventual game-winning goal. The Blues would restore their two-goal cushion midway through the second stanza as first-year forward Massimo Fazio notched his first OUA goal, while third-year forward Jeremi Tremblay drew the assist for his first OUA point.

In the third period, the Blues maintained their lead, holding off Westerns attempts to narrow the deficit. Fairlie remained steady in goal, making some of his best saves of the game. The Mustangs attempted to claw back until the final buzzer and a final push game with goaltender Liam Sztuska to the bench for the extra attacker but with one second left on the clock, Brandes scored his second goal of the game to bring the final score to 5-2.

After beginning the regular season on a winning note, the Blues now turn their attention to their home opener when they host the Brock Badgers on Friday (Oct. 16) night at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. All U of T regular season games will be streamed live on oua.tv.