OSHAWA, Ont. – The true winners weren't determined on the ice this weekend at the Campus Ice Centre – it was Team Emma and SickKids – who the UOIT women's hockey team were fundraising for during Pink at the Rink.
 
Last season the Ridgebacks joined Team Emma to help raise funds for her and her family. This year they joined forces to raise money for SickKids.
 
"Overall it was a fantastic weekend at the Campus Ice Centre," said UOIT head coach Justin Caruana. "Thank you to everyone who came out to support a great cause. We were extremely happy with how the fundraising went and it was fantastic having Emma here on Sunday to speak to our team and drop the puck for such an important weekend for our program."
 
On the ice, after losing 2-1 to the first-place Guelph Gryphons, UOIT fell 6-2 to the York Lions on Sunday afternoon at the CIC.
 
Christina Chin scored twice, alongside Tegan Duncan to give the Lions a 3-1 lead through one period of play.
 
Shanelle Doucette (Bowmanville, Ont.) had the lone goal for UOIT in the opening frame.
 
Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) cut the lead to one goal with her 12^th of the season at the 15:46 mark of the second period, with an assist to Mikaeli Cavell (Edmonton, Alta.).
 
Unfortunately, the Lions were relentless and bounced right back with goals by Kelsey McHolm and Amy Locke before the end of the second to take a 5-2 lead into the final 20 minutes.
 
The final goal of the game came from Dana Somerville, on an empty net with 1:20 to go in the third.
 
Brier Hughes (Thornton, Ont.) allowed three goals on six shots in the loss for UOIT, while Cassie Charette (Ottawa, Ont.) made 14 saves on 16 shots over 43 minutes of play for the Ridgebacks.
 
Eva Hall earned the victory for York, turning aside 30 Ridgeback shots.
 
Up next for UOIT is a Friday night matchup against the Queen's Gaels. Puck drop for the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre. The game is also Bell Let's Talk Night, which the Ridgebacks will use to raise awareness about mental health, a partnership all U SPORTS conferences made with Bell during the off-season.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 8-9-4
Conference Record: 7-6-3
 
Next game: Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Queen's Gaels (7:30 PM – Campus Ice Centre)