OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT Ridgebacks defeated the RMC Paladins 5-4 in a nail-biting home opener Friday night.
 
Ridgebacks defenceman, Brennan Roy (Iroquois Falls, Ont.), had himself a night - earning a total of three points in his first Ontario University Athletics (OUA) game. One of the three points came from his power-play goal, scored nine minutes into the first period. This may have been his first regular season game since finishing junior hockey, but you couldn't tell by his performance.
 
"It felt good to get three points, especially all three coming on the power play," said Roy. "We came out on top with the win and that's what is most important."

 
Fifth-year centre, Ben Blasko (Kingston, Ont.), netted the second power play goal for UOIT late in the first period, assisted by Roy, to put them ahead 2-0.
 
The Ridgebacks continued to apply pressure in the second period, as veteran Mike Robinson (Stouffville, Ont.) scored just four minutes in. His goal, again coming on the power play, was assisted by Roy.
 
"It's obviously been a change with the guys being a lot bigger and faster, but the five exhibition games we played have really helped me to adjust," said Roy on how he was adjusting to U SPORTS hockey.
 
RMC started to push back as they scored their first of the game midway through the second period off a goal scored by Deric Boudreau.
 
The Ridgebacks responded with two more goals of their own. The first was a shorthanded goal scored by third-year forward, Anthony Latina (Scarborough, Ont.). The second one came from Jordan Ross (Kronau, Sask.) just two minutes into the third period. This was also Ross's first goal as a Ridgeback.
 
As UOIT began to let up in the third period, RMC responded with three goals cutting the lead to just one. Goals were scored by Dean Kiriacou, Nicholas Boddy and Bennett Huber.
 
With RMC closing the gap to just one, the game began to get physical, with 24 total penalty minutes in the third period alone.
 
Tyson Teichmann (Belleville, Ont.) picked up the victory in goal, making 22 saves for the Ridgebacks. Daniel Vautour started the game for the Paladins, allowing four goals on 30 shots before Austin Hannaford allowed the game-winning goal on 11 shots in the third period.
 
The Ridgebacks' victory marks the first time they have won back-to-back home openers in program history.
 
Looking ahead, the Ridgebacks will hit the road as they head to Kingston to take on the Queen's Gaels on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 3-3-0
Conference Record: 1-0-0
 
Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 14 vs. Queen's Gaels (7:30 PM)