The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 4-1 on Friday (Feb. 6) night in Waterloo, Ont.

The opening period was tightly contested as the Blues and Golden Hawks traded chances looking to establish the pace of the game. The Blues broke through late in the period when fourth-year forward Zack Smith found the back of the net off of a feed from second-year defenceman Ethan McFarland. Toronto was able to control large stretches of play in the period, using their forecheck to generate zone time and limit Laurier's opportunities in transition.

Laurier responded in the second period with a power play marker from Justin O'Donnell. Despite the equalizer, Toronto stayed composed and continued to generate pressure offensively. Meanwhile, first-year goaltender Nick Surzycia was steady through 40 minutes, making key saves to keep the game tied going into the third period.

In the final 20 minutes of play, the Blue and White took control of the game. Second-year forward Dylan Wightman restored the lead when he finished off a set up from third-year defenceman Owen Luik for his eighth goal of the season. Less than two minutes later, the Blues gave themselves a two-goal cushion as third-year forward Christian Stevens scored his fifth goal of the season and McFarland added his second point of the game, drawing the assist.

Toronto continued to push the pace as the third period wore on, limiting the Golden Hawks chances and controlling possession in the neutral zone. With Laurier pressing late, Wightman sealed the game with an empty net goal.

Surzycia was strong between the pipes turning aside 26 shots.

The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Feb. 7) night when they continued the road trip in Windsor, Ont., against the Windsor Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.