The York University Lions men's hockey team exploded for five goals in a big 5-1 victory over the cross-town rival Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday night at Varsity Arena.
 
The win was the team's second in a row and ninth of the season, improving their record to 9-4-2 on the year and keeping the Lions comfortably in second place in the OUA West standings. The Blues, who have struggled all season, fell to 1-12-2 and are at the bottom of the division.
 
The Lions used quick starts in each of the first two periods to take a commanding lead they would not relinquish.
 
Greg Milner (Watford, Ont.) opened the scoring just 2:27 into the contest with his ninth goal of the year, and less than five minutes later Kyle Campbell (Halifax) found the back of the net to give the Lions a 2-0 lead after the first period.
 
The Lions dominated the period, outshooting the Blues 14-2.
 
The two-goal advantage quickly became four early in the second period as the Lions scored twice in the first two minutes of the frame to make the score 4-0. Steven Janes (Etobicoke, Ont.) scored at 1:06 and Campbell netted his second of the night at 1:50.
 
The Blues finally got on the board mid way through the third period on a power play goal by Aidan Wallace, who capitalized on a rebound to put the puck away. However less than one minute later the Lions restored their four-goal lead on a goal by Derek Sheppard (Ajax, Ont.) to round out the scoring.
 
Rookie goaltender Mack Shields (Saskatoon) continued his tremendous start to the season with just one goal allowed on 15 shots. His counterpart, Michael Nishi, made 26 saves in the loss.
 
The Lions have one more game before the end of the fall semester and will return to home ice at Canlan Ice Sports on Saturday night (Nov. 27) to take on the Windsor Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm.