Matt Tovell made 30 saves for his first career OUA shutout and Harry Clark had his third multi-goal game of the season as the the York University Lions men's hockey team downed the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday night for their first win of the 2026 calendar year and their second win over their neighbours from the North this season.

On this the Lions Roar for the Cure game  run alongside the annual U SPORTS Shoot for the Cure campaign, the Lions were looking to build off a solid effort in a 4-2 loss to the Brock Badgers on Sunday afternoon against a Thunderwolves team that entered play second in the OUA West at 13-6-1. The one OT loss for Lakehead was against the Lions, a 5-4 decision in Thunder Bay back on Oct. 24.

York got off to a quick start, as some early pressure led to Harry Clark hammering a one-timer home past Christian Cicigoi off a setup from Keeton Oakley. Raphael Denis drew the second helper on the game's opening goal just 1:20 in. A Thunderwolves slashing penalty sent the Lions to a power play shortly after, but they were unable towiden the lead. York then killed off two Thunderwolves power plays midway through the first with a pair of strong saves from Matt Tovell. Then a double-minor for high sticking to Jayden McCarthy late in the period put the Lions down a man again, but they again killed it off and led 1-0 after 20 despite almost eight minutes of out-manned hockey.

Back to even strength with one man from each team in the box to begin the second, the Lions then quickly grabbed a powe rplay early off a Lakehead holding penalty, but weren't able to do much with it. Another York tripping penalty, this one to David Mabey later put them back on the kill 6:35 into the second, but York again stood tall, killing off their  Nich McKee, returning to the lineup nearly doubled the Lions lead late in the period, but rang it off the post. An extremely physical second period did not result in a goal for either side, and York carried their 1-0 lead heading into the final frame.

York got another chance to extend the lead with just under six minutes gone in the third with their fourth power play of the night, but couldn't get set up in the offensive zone, with the Thunderwolves ramping up the pressure on the penalty kill. Near the midway mark of the third, a lead pass sprung Chase Sandhu all alone on the breakaway, but his shot was turned away by Cicigoi, as tensions started to rise on both sides.

With 1:52 left on the clock, Lakehead pulled Cicigoi for the extra attacker, where the Lions made their final stand, shutting down any further Thunderwolves attack. Clark broke in alone towards the empty with 28 seconds to play, and was wrestled down by a Lakehead player, and was awarded his second of the night as a result, solidifying in a strong 2-0 Lions win.

Although the Thunderwolves outshot the Lions 30-19, Tovell's impressive shutout performance and Clark's two tallies were ultimately the difference Friday evening.

LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will wrap up a four-game homestand against Windsor Lancers on Saturday night on Colt's Crusade night at Canlan. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm. You can get your tickets here or stream the game live on OUA TV.

Greybrook.  Exclusive Sponsor of the York Men's Hockey Program.  greybrook.com