The York University Lions men's hockey team played their home opener on Friday night (Oct. 14) at Canlan Ice Sports against their cross-town rival Toronto Varsity Blues. After three periods of play York escaped with a nail-biting 1-0 victory.
 
The first two periods of the game were scoreless for both teams even with 24 shot attempts by the Lions. In the first two periods York outshot Toronto 24-10; this would lead to good fortune in the third and final period of the game when once again the Lions outshot the Varsity Blues 10-5.
 
Early in the third period the Lions' endless barrage on Toronto goalie Andrew Hunt paid off when Kyle Campbell (Halifax) snuck the puck past the goaltender off of an assist from Bryce Milson (Miramichi, N.B.). Campbell's goal would prove to be enough offence to deliver the Lions their first victory at home as their defence was an impenetrable iron curtain.
 
Rookie goalie Mack Shields (Saskatoon) earned his first career shutout with 15 saves to obtain the win.
 
With the victory the Lions obtained their first victory of the 2016-17 campaign and rose to 1-2 on the season with two points, while Toronto drops to 1-2-1 with one point.
 
The Lions have a quick turnaround and an opportunity to start stringing together victories when the Laurier Golden Hawks will travel to Toronto to play the Lions at Canlan Ice Sports on Saturday night (Oct. 15) at 7pm. The Golden Hawks currently hold the third overall spot in the OUA West standings and have defeated the Lions once already this season.