The York University Lions men's hockey team hosted their third annual Colts Crusade Game on Sunday afternoon against the RMC Paladins at Canlan Sports. The event – spearheaded once again by York men's hockey alum Michael Douglas (2019-24) and dedicated to raising funds for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and Research Institute – featured a ceremonial puck drop by para hockey player Colton Hagarty and an intermission para hockey game with local youth players.

Additionally, Hagarty joined the Lions in their dressing room pre-game to announce the starting lineup.

The Lions entered this matchup looking to avenge their opening-night loss to RMC back on October 4, which marked the Paladins' only win of the season. With at least one win this weekend, York would surpass their win total from the 2023-24 season—and they did just that with a 3-1 triumph.

The game opened with a scoreless first period, despite York leading in shots 12-6. The Lions broke through early in the second period when Chase Sandhu found the back of the net at the 40-second mark. Bryan McAndrews got back in transition to break up a partial RMC breakway, which sprung a counter-attack which led to Sandhu ripping one past RMC goaltender Michael Davis. The marker, assisted by Thomas Lacombe and Brock McLeod, was Sandhu's second in as many games and fourth on the year.

RMC quickly responded with a power-play goal from Noah Matulu at 3:24. Matulu cut in from the corner to the front of the net and finished off a pretty Nathan Fox pass to tie the game, with Isaac Pascoal drawing the secondary assist.

However, York regained the lead just minutes later, courtesy of Lucas Eagle's 2nd goal of the season at 7:15, as he was left alone in the slot and one-timed a Brendan McCarthy feed past Davis.Aiden MacIntosh registered the other assist on the big forward's go-ahead goal.

The Lions entered the final frame holding a narrow 2-1 lead, as the Paladins searched for an equalizer. York held strong under pressure, and with RMC pulling their goaltender late in the period, the Lions took full advantage. Mason Svarich sealed the victory at the 18:34 mark with an empty-net goal, capping off a hard-fought 3-1 win and securing York's first Colt's Crusade victory.

Carter Serhyenko stood tall in net for York, making 28 saves on 30 shots, while RMC's Michael Davis faced 35 Lion shots, stopping 33 of them.While York was unable to capitalize on any of their five power-play opportunities, their strong play at even strength proved decisive. 

LOOKING AHEAD:
With this win, the Lions surpass their win total from the 2023-24 season. They now head on the road to face the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday, January 23, with puck drop set for 7 pm.