Dzijacky shines in a shutout over his hometown team
OUA Men's Hockey: UOIT defeated Lakehead 1-0
Post-Game Interview: http://youtu.be/pKL1AyzTe64
OSHAWA, Ont. - The UOIT men's hockey team defeated the nationally ranked Lakehead Thunderwolves 1-0 Friday night at the Campus Ice Centre.
Lakehead entered the game on a seven-game winning streak and ranked sixth overall in the CIS while the Ridgebacks looked to end a three-game losing streak.
The Ridgebacks received an exceptional performance from rookie goaltender and Thunder Bay native Colin Dzijacky who earned his first career shutout stopping all 37 shots he faced, including several from hometown friends.
"It's our first home win, first shutout in the CIS, couldn't ask for anything more," said Dzijacky after the victory. "I know a majority of the guys here on the Lakehead team to so it's nice to get it against them."
The lone goal for the Ridgebacks came late in the second period as James Diminie (Cobourg, Ont.) was able to find James Woodcroft (Milton, Ont.) in front of the net and after a few attempts, Woodcroft was able to find the back of the net for his second goal of the season. The crowd erupted in a fury of excitement after the Woodcroft goal as the Ridgebacks took the unexpected lead over the nationally ranked opponent.
The line of Diminie, Woodcroft and Nate Mitton (Kitchener, Ont.) worked hard throughout the game displaying a strong forecheck and accounting for several of the Ridgebacks scoring chances.
Late in the third, the Thunderwolves pulled their goalie for the extra attacker in an attempt to even the score but the strong play of Dzijacky continued as several scrambles in front were able to be covered up allowing for the Ridgebacks to complete the shutout effort.
UOIT (4-7-1) jumps into a tie for sixth place in the OUA eastern conference with Concordia, as both teams have nine points and are three points ahead of Nipissing and Laurentian. With only their second loss of the season, the Thunderwolves allow Windsor and Toronto move into a tie for first place in the western conference. All three teams have 18 points.
Dzijacky and the rest of the Ridgebacks will look for a repeat performance as they take on Lakehead again tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. to complete the back-to-back match-up.
The Ridgebacks would like to thank all of the fans who supported the campus holiday food drive.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 4-13-1
Conference Record: 4-7-1
Next Game: Sat. Nov. 23 vs. Lakehead
