The York Lions Men's Hockey team took a 5–1 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday afternoon at Canlan Ice Sports. Despite a strong push in the second and third period, York was unable to contain Toronto's opportunistic attack. Â
Toronto dictated the terms of the opening period, striking early on the power play at 3:09 when Rylee Hlusiak converted off a pass from David Brandes. The Varsity Blues doubled their advantage at 13:58 as Ryan Evenhuis found the back of the net to give the visitors a 2–0 lead entering the first intermission. Â
The Lions found their rhythm in the second period, elevating their offensive pace and out shooting Toronto 13–9 in the frame. However, Toronto goaltender Eric Young turned away every opportunity, keeping the score locked at 2–0 through 40 minutes of play. Â
The action accelerated in the final period as Toronto extended its lead to 3–0 at 2:12 on a marker from Ryan Watt, assisted by Owen Luik. York answered back shortly after at the 5:40 mark, as Bryan McAndrews beat Young off an assist from Marcus Regina to get the Lions on the board at 3–1. Â
Despite the momentum shift, Toronto quickly regained control. Aiden Reeves found the back of the net at 8:24 with assistance from Brandon Santa Juana, and Dustin Renas capped off the afternoon at 11:30 to secure the 5–1 final for the Varsity Blues. Â
In goal, Adam Manji stopped 23 of 28 shots for York, while Young turned aside 20 of 21 shots to earn the victory for Toronto.
