OSHAWA, Ont. – Friday night the UOIT men's hockey team played game one of a two game back-to-back series against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. With their 3-1 victory over Lakehead, the Ridgebacks win-streak increased to five, something Head coach Curtis Hodgins tries not to put too much emphasis on.
 
"We try not to think too much about things like win streaks and just try to focus on one game at a time," said Hodgins.
 
The Ridgebacks came out strong right off the bat, scoring two of their three goals in the first period. Ben Blasko (Kingston, Ont.) was the first to put UOIT on the board with a slapshot goal coming just five minutes into the game and was assisted by Mike Robinson (Stouffville, Ont.).
 
Robinson has been on a hot streak as of late, recording at least one point in each of his last seven games. He later went on to record his second assist of the night when the Ridgebacks got their third goal. The second Ridgebacks goal was scored by Jack Patterson (Bedford, N.S.) who was able to beat the Lakehead goalie on a clear one-on-one chance.
 
With a two-goal advantage heading into the second period the Ridgebacks were looking to hold onto their lead, which is something they have struggled to do this season. Josh Carrick (Stouffville, Ont.) was able add an insurance marker when he scored their third goal midway through the second period. The goal would be his first goal of the season and his second goal of his OUA career.  
 
Heading into the third period, the game looked like an easy win for the Ridgebacks but Lakehead refused to give up that easily. Lakehead would get 15 of their total 26 shots in the third period alone. One of those 15 shots would eventually find their way in the back of the net to give them their only goal.
 
A huge part of the Ridgebacks win can be credited to goaltender Tyson Teichmann (Belleville, Ont.), who made a total of 25 saves, most of which he faced in the final period, in order to help the Ridgebacks hold onto their lead.
 
An interesting point to make about the Ridgebacks current success is that they are still able to find a way to win despite the amount of injuries they currently face. The team was down four players in Friday's game, three of which are forwards, as a result they only had 11 dressed.
 
"The guys are fighting through the injuries and are just finding a way to win for those guys who are unable to be playing," said Hodgins
 
The Ridgebacks will play Lakehead again on Saturday in the second half of their two-game series. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 9-8-1
Conference Record: 7-5-1

Next game: Saturday, Nov. 25 vs. Lakehead Thunderwolves (7 PM – Campus Ice Centre)