The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team fell 2-1 to the Carleton Ravens in an exhibition game on Saturday (Sept. 19) afternoon in Huntsville, Ont.

In the finale of their neutral sight showdown, the Blues got off to a strong start to the game, outshooting the Ravens 16-10 in the first period with multiple scoring chances. Between the pipes, Ravens goaltender Dylan Meilun and fourth-year Blues netminder Jordan Fairlie were up to the task as the score was unchanged after 20 minutes of play.

The fast-paced action continued throughout the second period and midway through the frame, the Ravens scored the icebreaker as Nicolas Papineau set up Charles Poudrette on an odd man rush. The 1-0 score stood until both teams went into the dressing rooms ahead of the third period.

The two continues continued to put on a show for the Huntsville crowd as the third period progressed. Late in the final frame, Joey Vetrano gave the Ravens a two-goal lead after a goal on a tight angle. Battling back, the Blues were able to take advantage of a late Carleton penalty. On the ensuing power play, fourth-year forward Brandon Santa Juana cut the deficit to one-goal, finishing off a strong display of puck movement from fellow fourth-year forward Rylee Hlusiak and second-year defenceman David Brandes.

In an even contest, U of T pushed until the final horn but weren't able to net an equalizer before the end of the game. In goal, Fairlie put forward a strong performance with 31 saves.

U of T will now shift their focus to the McGill Redbirds when their Old Four rival makes the trip to Varsity Arena for an exhibition game on Friday (Sept. 25) night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets.