The York University Lions men's hockey team was looking to rebound at home on Sunday afternoon against the TMU Bold after a 7-3 loss to the Western Mustangs in London on Saturday. The Bold were riding a two-game win streak, with York still eyeing its first win of the year.

After a scoreless first period, the Bold struck first 5:01 into the second period. Gavin Grundner opened the scoring, going five-hole on Dawson Smith. Carter MacAdams and former Lions defenceman Klim Georgiev drew the assists. Just 24 seconds later, Ian Martin doubled the lead off a setup from Grundner and goalie Kai Edmonds.

York responded at 6:16, with rookie Nich McKee finding the back of the net with his second goal of the season, assisted by Ethan Strik and Hunter Brown, to cut TMU's lead to 2-1. TMU regained a multi-goal lead midway through the period when Joseph Ianniello scored a power-play goal at 10:53, putting the Bold up 3-1 heading into the final frame.

The Lions did not go quietly in the third period, however, as Harry Clark scored a power-play goal at 5:56 with assists from Brandon McCartney and Brown, who earned his second assist of the day. Clark's second goal this season narrowed the margin to 3-2. Despite creating multiple scoring chances and matching TMU shot-for-shot – 9-9 in the third and 25-25 in the game – York was unable to find the equalizer, and fell 3-2 to their downtown rivals.

Smith made 22 saves for York, keeping the Lions within striking distance, while TMU's Kai Edmonds turned aside 23 shots to secure the win.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Lions will look to regroup on the road as they travel to Thunder Bay to battle the Lakehead Thunderwolves for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday night. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:00 pm.