Ridgebacks spoil the party in Laurentians' first home opener in 13 years

OUA Men's Hockey: UOIT defeated Laurentian 5-4

SUDBURY, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey team earned a last-second victory over Laurentian as the Ridgebacks won by a final score of 5-4. Friday's game marked the Voyageurs first home opener in 13 years as they made their return to hockey in 2013.

With the game tied at 4-4 in the third period, UOIT freshman Mitch Bennett (Fenelon Falls, Ont.) scored his third goal of the night with 19 seconds left on the clock, shocking the sold out crowd at Countryside Arena.

Earlier in the period, Bennett and Laurentian freshman Nick Esposto each scored two goals apiece to level the score at four's with seven minutes to go in the game. Bennett would get the last laugh as he scored with seconds left on the clock, giving UOIT their first win of the year.

Bennett's hat-trick marked his first three goals in his OUA career. He is averaging a point per game this season with three goals and two assists in five games.

James Woodcroft (Milton, Ont.) and Luke VanMoerkerke (Tillsonburg, Ont.) were the other goal scorers for UOIT, while Cameron Yuill (Wellington, Ont.) had a multi-point game with two assists.

Esposto would finish the night with three goals and one assist, as he was in on all four Laurentian goals. With five goals and three assists this season, the first-year forward is fifth in OUA league scoring.

Colin Dzijacky (Thunder Bay, Ont.) was busy in net as he stopped 42 of 46 Laurentian shots for his first win of the season. Charlie Millen made 32 saves on 37 UOIT shots on net.

Laurentian was 2-for-3 on the power play while UOIT did not have a single opportunity with the man advantage.

The Ridgebacks are 1-3-1 this season and will continue their northern road-trip on Saturday against Nipissing. The Lakers have struggled early this season as they are winless in five games.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 2-9-1
Conference Record: 1-3-1

Next Game: Sat. Oct. 26 @ Nipissing

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