Rams shut out Lions 1-0 in OUA.tv Marquee Matchup

TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams climb back into playoff contention after a nail-biting 1-0 win against the York Lions Thursday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The catch? They'll have to wait at least another day to find out if they'll make it to the post-season. 

Both Nipissing and Waterloo could make their way up the standings within the next two days, but a win tonight was vital for the Rams to keep their playoff dreams alive.

"Anything can happen, but I think we have good karma on our side this time," said Rams forward Emma Rutherford (Kanata, Ont.). 

A slow start to the game saw the Rams without a shot on net until the midway point of the first period. Later in the frame, momentum would soar as Rutherford banked in her ninth goal of the season off the rebound. Her linemates, Melissa Wronzberg (Thornhill, Ont.) and Kayla Karbonik (St. Andrews, Man.) were credited with the assists. 

The second and third frames saw plenty of back and forth action, but ultimately it was Rams goalie Alex Armstrong (Toronto) who stole the show, shutting down Lions forward Rianna Langford on a breakaway and shutting down Lisa Stathopulos, the league leader in goals.

"Alex knew what to expect," said head coach Lisa Haley following the win. "She watched enough video to know what [the Lion's] favourite moves are, so she was always a step ahead. 

Armstrong earned her second shutout of the season, stopping all 30 shots on net. 

The Rams finish 2014-15 with a 13-10-1 record, which sets a new team mark for wins in a season. It's also the first time Ryerson has posted a winning record.

Source: Ryerson Rams