November 30, 2002

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MEN'S ICE-HOCKEY

Toronto Varsity Blues - 7, Ryerson Rams - 4

The game was a show for Minor Hockey Night with raffles for interesting hockey memorabilia, including items signed by Alexander Mogilny. Free Bagels with creamed cheese were available for the taking! 

The Rams opened the scoring with their first shot on Jamie Bruno just after the first minute of hockey. It took a power play for Ian Malcolm to even the score at the five minute mark. 

Problems with the ice and even with the puck, it seems, made for a scrappy game. Although the Blues skated fast, passes were just not connecting, and the puck always seemed to be rolling. So despite an overwhelming advantage on shots on goal in the first two periods (42-15), the Blues held a slim 4-3 lead going into the third. The Rams goalie Braeden Deane made a few spectacular saves, especially on George Trifon.

Finally at 12 minutes into the third, the Blues persistence began to take its toll on the Rams with goals by Steve Hoar and then by Frank Pallotta. Mike Nason ended the scoring on an empty net in the last minute of play. Shots on net in the third again favoured the Blues for a total of 55 against the Rams 21. 

The player of the game was definitely Ian Malcolm (2 goals, 3 assists) who continues to find the net by hook or by crook. But Mike Nason was right there as well, almost equaling Ian's output with 2 goals and 2 assists. 

The first half of the season is over with 12 games played, and the Blues have notched up their best first half  effort (7 wins, 2 ties, 3 losses) since as long as I can remember! So, this bodes well for the second half when they are usually sharper and more eager! Catch the Blues over the Holiday Season for games they play at the Lakehead Tournament from December 27th-30th. 

Michael Kolarcik