Blues edge Rams in Downtown Showdown

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team defeated the Ryerson Rams 3-2 in their annual Downtown Showdown Hockey School Day on Tuesday, January 27 at Varsity Arena.

Over 3,600 students came out to watch the Toronto rivals. 

With the win, Toronto's third straight, the Blues improve to 11-11-1 and remain in fifth place, only two points back of the Rams (12-10-1).

Ryerson's Mitch Gallant scored the lone goal in the first period and the visiting Rams held a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of action.

That didn't last long as fourth-year forward Paul Van De Velde sent a quick shot into the back of the net just 32 seconds into the second period.

The Rams regained the last four minutes later with a goal off the stick of Michael Fine, but U of T defenceman Corey Jackson answered the call, showing great poise along the blue line before firing the point shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

Blues assistant captain and leading scorer Michael Markovic notched the eventual game-winner with just over two minutes remaining in the second period. The Scarborough native banged in a loose puck on the powerplay for his 14th goal of the season.

U of T netminder Brett Willows was phenomenal between the pipes, making several game-saving stops in the final minutes of the third period. Willows posted 34 saves in the win.

The Varsity Blues are back at it this Friday, January 30 as they travel to Kingston, Ont., to take on the RMC Paladins. Game time is set for 7 p.m .

Source: Toronto Varsity Blues