The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team began their preseason schedule on Friday (Sept. 18) night in Huntsville, Ont., defeating the Carleton Ravens by a final score of 5-1.

The neutral-site showdown had a slow start as both teams worked to feel the other out in the first real action for the 2026-27 campaign. With physical play all-around, neither side was able to find the back of the net. Carleton would hold a slight shot advantage of 10-6 after the opening 20 minutes.

Shifting to the second period, the Ravens opened the scoring just past the midway point of the frame. Carleton would finish the period with another 16 shots added to their total but Blues second-year goaltender Nick Surzycia proved to be up to the task of keeping Toronto within striking distance. His strong effort allowed U of T to respond right before the end of the second as fourth-year forward Rylee Hlusiak notched an unassisted shorthanded goal to draw even with just 90 seconds left in the frame.

Carrying the end of period momentum into the third, Toronto dominated the final 20 minutes in Huntsville. Second-year forward Ryan Evenhuis took the lead with a goal for Toronto less than 60 seconds into the third courtesy a turnover by the Ravens in front of their own net. Evenhuis would finish the night with three total points, adding assists on two more U of T goals. Less than two minutes into the third, third-year forward Ryan Gillespie made it a two goal advantage for U of T utilizing a nice second effort off a strong rush. Second-year forward Alexander Dimitriadis scored another for Toronto closing in on the final five minutes, while Hlusiak notched his second of the game with an empty-net goal. 

The preseason action will continue from Huntsville as the Blues and Ravens get right back on the ice Saturday (Sept. 19) afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Following the neutral-site doubleheader, U of T will host back-to-back exhibition games at Varsity Arena beginning with McGill University on Friday, Sept. 25, followed by MacEwan University on Saturday, Sept. 26. Tickets for both preseason games are available for purchase at varsityblues.ca/tickets.