AROUND OUA: Third period goals give Rams win over Guelph
TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams improved their record to 2-1 to start the season with a character 2-1 win over the defending Queens Cup Champions, Guelph Gryphons.
SCOREBOARD
Third period goals give Rams win over Guelph
TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams improved their record to 2-1 to start the season with a character 2-1 win over the defending Queens Cup Champions, Guelph Gryphons.
Rams Troy Passingham (Mississauga, Ont.) won his second game in as many starts and was not outdone by his counterpart, Gryphons starter Andrew D'Agostini.
After a scoreless and neutral first period controlled by the play of the two stellar goaltenders, both teams would pour on the pressure early in the second period.
A weak point shot from Gryphons defensmen Peter Soligo snuck its way through a number of legs, before deflecting twice off of bodies and on to the stick of Dylan Gilbert, who beat a sprawled out Passingham on the door step to take the 1-0 lead.
The Rams first line of Mitch Gallant, Michael Fine and Luke Cairns looked to tie this one late in the second period, but D'Agostini remained unbeaten to maintain the 1-0 lead heading into the third.
The Guelph lead wouldn't last much longer as the Rams, only 4 minutes into the third frame, finally solved D'Agostini. Rams third line centre Aaron Armstrong (Teeswater, Ont.) streaked down the left wing before dishing a perfect placed passed to an open Joel Wigle (St. George, Ont.) for the tally, marking the first CIS points for both rookies.
Ten minutes later Armstrong was at it again, this time pouncing on a loose puck before deflecting it off Gryphon defensemen Mark Raycroft and in. The ugly goal would turn out be the game winner and for Armstrong, it marked his first career CIS goal.
"I found it pretty comical" Armstrong answered when asked about his fluke game winner. "They always ask about how your first one went it and that's what I was honestly thinking about, but that goal never happens without my line mates."
The line of Wigle, Armstrong, and Vince Figliomeni have been counted on a number of times this season to be a shutdown line defensively, but proved tonight that they can chip in on the offensive side of things as well.
"I think our line has a little bit of everything," said Armstrong. "Its only our second game together and the more we play, the more we practice, it's just going to get better and better."
The Rams remained strong until the final buzzer as Passingham steered aside all but one for the victory. In his first two starts, Passingham has stopped 76 of 78 shots he has faced.
The Rams look to continue their winning streak when they take to the road for the first time this season. Saturday's game against the Western Mustangs will be held at Thompson Arena in London, Ont. at 7pm.
Source: Ryerson Rams
Petaccio, Woodcroft score two in Ridgeback victory
OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey team doubled up the visiting Brock Badgers 4-2 Thursday night in OUA men's hockey action.
The Ridgebacks picked up their second straight win after recording three third period goals that included two by James Woodcroft (Milton, Ont.) who scored the game winner and empty net clincher.
The final frame started with Alex Derlis (Campbellcroft, Ont.) streaking down the ice on a 2-on-1, putting the puck between his legs and sending it over to linemate Mark Petaccio (Sicklerville, N.J.). With the goaltender fooled by Derlis' stickwork, Petaccio was able to slide the puck into the empty net giving the Ridgebacks a 2-1 lead.
Three minutes later, Woodcroft would be on the receiving end of a cross-ice pass from defender Jeff Braithwaite (Ennismore, Ont.). The UOIT senior would make no mistake, slapping it past Real Cormier to put the Ridgebacks up by two goals.
Brock would cut the lead to one but with their goaltender pulled looking for the equalizer, Woodcroft took advantage of a Badger turnover and scored his second of the night.
Petaccio also had a two-goal night giving him four in his first three games with UOIT. His first goal of Thursday's game came 5:46 in to the first period.
Sammy Banga and Chris Maniccia were the goal scorers for Brock, as UOIT goaltender Brendan O'Neill (Ilderton, Ont.) made 36 saves in his second straight win.
Cormier suffered the loss for Brock, allowing three goals on 38 Ridgebacks shots.
The Ridgebacks (2-1-0) will have Friday night off before hosting the York Lions (0-0-1) on Saturday. Game time at the Campus Ice Centre is 7:30 p.m. York is in Kingston against Queen's on Friday.
Source: UOIT Ridgebacks
