UOIT goes on a scoring spree against Laurentian

OUA Men's Hockey: UOIT defeated Laurentian 6-1

OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey team had a season-high six goal performance in a five-goal victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs Thursday night at the Campus Ice Centre.

The win helps UOIT in their push for the playoffs as they are now seven points ahead of the Voyageurs with four games remaining in the regular season. The Ridgebacks are in seventh place with a record of 7-14-3, five points ahead of the eighth place Nipissing Lakers (5-15-2).

Jesse Stoughton (Bobcaygeon, Ont.) played a big role in the UOIT victory as he notched two goals and two assists. After a three-point first period Stoughton capped off his night with a shorthanded breakaway goal with five minutes remaining in the second period, giving the Ridgebacks a 5-1 lead. This was only his fifth game of the season due to injuries.

Freshman defender Jeff Braithwaite (Ennismore, Ont.) recorded his first career OUA goal as he posted three points in the win while Matt Paul (Penetang, Ont.) and Mitch Bennett (Fenelon Falls, Ont.) each had a goal and an assist. Paul displayed great hands and plenty of patience as he dragged the puck around Laurentian goaltender Alain Vallquette at the top of the crease to score late in the first period.

Brendan Wise (Stouffville, Ont.) was the other goal scorer for UOIT as he recorded his 30th career goal.

Jordan Carroll cut into the 3-0 Ridgeback lead early in the second period as he scored his ninth goal of the season on a Laurentian power play.

Colin Dzijacky (Thunder Bay, Ont.) made 22 saves to earn his sixth win of the season. Shots would finish 47-22 in favour of the Ridgebacks.

The Ridgebacks were also in a giving mood as they fundraised money for the SickKids Neurosurgery Division. UOIT would like to thank all of the fans for their support of the foundation.

UOIT will have their final home game of the regular season on Friday night when they host the Carleton Ravens (16-5-1) at 7:30 p.m. The Ravens defeated UOIT 4-1 in Ottawa last Saturday night. The Ridgebacks have been strong on home ice this season as they have recorded points in eight of 13 games at the Campus Ice Centre.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 7-20-3
Conference Record: 7-14-3

Next Game: Fri. Jan. 31 vs. Carleton (7:30 p.m.)