The York University Lions men's hockey team hosted the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks for the second time this season on Friday night at Canlan Ice Sports in the first of a home-and-home series between the two clubs. Coming off their first win of the season against the Windsor Lancers last week, the Lions were looking to build some momentum, while the Ridgebacks aimed to extend their seven-game win streak.

York struck first in the opening period, with forward Harry Clark scoring 5:27 in off an assist from Mason fellow rookie Chase Sandhu, and Brandon Walker. The Lions held the Ridgebacks scoreless in the first, with solid defensive play and goaltending from Matt Tovell, who turned away all seven shots he faced in the period.

However, Ontario Tech came out strong in the second, leveling the score just 1:45 into the period with a goal from Justin Svenson, assisted by Alex Drover. The Ridgebacks quickly seized the lead, adding another goal at 4:38 from Gabriel Bernier, with assists credited to Kyle Leonard and Ben Diamond, to put Ontario Tech up 2-1 heading to the third.

Svenson netted his second goal of the night at 3:44, extending their lead to 3-1. Despite some key saves from Tovell, York's got into some penalty trouble in the third, making it difficult for York to find its footing down a pair. Ontario Tech adding an empty-netter courtesy of Andrew Suriyuth at 17:24 to make it 4-1. The Lions managed to respond just 28 seconds later at 17:52, as Hunter Brown scored off assists from Connor Senken and Keeton Oakley to narrowthe gap to 4-2, but it wasn't enough, as Ontario Tech secured the 4-2 win.

Lions goalie Matt Tovell made 31 saves for the Lions in what was a solid performance in a losing cause.

LOOKING AHEAD: 
The Lions will look to bounce back in the rematch against Ontario Tech on Saturday, November 2, 2024, with puck-drop set for 7:00 pm.