OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey fell to the Carleton Ravens in front of over 300 fans at Blue & White Night on Thursday night at the Campus Ice Centre.
 
Despite the loud cheering from the first-ever UOIT student section, the Ridgebacks lost to the Ravens 4-3 in a shootout.
 
In the first period it looked to be anyone's game as both teams were very physical on the puck and had their fair share of chances on net. Malik Johnson (Montreal, Que.) was the one to give the Ridgebacks the opening lead when he deked the puck around Francois Brassard and scored on the forehand.
 
The second period got off to a quick start for the Ravens as Jared Steege tied the game just 36 seconds into the frame, with his 16^th goal of his rookie campaign. That said, the Ridgebacks were able to quickly regain their lead when Kyle Locke (Aurora, Ont.) blasted a slapshot into the back of the net three minutes later for his first of the season.
 
In the final period, Josh Carrick (Stouffville, Ont.), who also recorded an assist on Johnson's goal, was able to capitalize on a Carleton turnover and jam home a wraparound to give the Ridgebacks what seemed like a safe two-goal lead.
 
As time wound down the Ravens began to apply the pressure in the offensive zone and were able to score two late period goals. Josh Burnside scored at the halfway mark in the period and Dakota Odgers banked one home just 1:30 later to tie the game.
 
An extra period of overtime went scoreless and the game was forced into a shootout, resulting in Adam Chapman's game winner for the Ravens – the only goal through eight shooters (four aside).
 
"Both teams battled hard out there tonight and when you go in to a shootout it really can go either way," said head coach Curtis Hodgins.
 
Despite the Ridgebacks loss, Brendan O'Neill (Ilderton, Ont.) had an outstanding performance making a total of 44 saves and his coach had great things to say about him afterwards.
 
"O'Neill played fantastic for us tonight, making a ton of key saves for us, we were hoping to win it for him, but things just didn't go our way," said Hodgins.
 
The Ridgebacks will remain at home for their next game on Saturday against the first-place McGill Redmen. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre.
 
Thursday's inaugural Blue & White Night saw a crowd over 300.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 17-12-1
Conference Record: 15-9-1

Next game: Saturday, Feb. 3 vs. McGill Redmen (7:30 p.m. – Campus Ice Centre)