OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey team saw their first preseason action Saturday afternoon when they took on the Western Mustangs.
As soon as the puck dropped you could tell the Ridgebacks were looking to start the season off on a high note. Both teams played a very physical game, finding their way to the penalty box a handful of times each.
The Ridgebacks got off to an early lead in the first period when rookie
Austin Eastman buried a rebound. Their lead increased to a comfortable 3-0 when two more goals were scored early in the third period.
Although the Mustangs showed a late-game effort that brought them within one goal, the Ridgebacks were able to rally on defence blocking numerous attempts from the point allowing them to hold on for the 3-2 victory.
• Both Ridgeback goalies were able to get some playing time, splitting the game at an even half. •
Michael Bullion (Anchorage, Alaska) got the starting nod and recorded a total of 17 saves, earning himself a shutout.
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Leif Hertz (Kingston, Ont.) took over for Bullion at the halfway mark and recorded a total of 12 saves, helping to stop the Mustangs from making a late comeback.
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Austin Eastman (Lindsay, Ont.) had a great debut for the Ridgebacks, scoring the first goal of the game - allowing the Ridgebacks to get ahead early.
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Jake Bricknell (Port Perry, Ont.), who was also making his debut, found the back of the net when he was able to bury a loose puck in front of the goalie. This gave the Ridgebacks a comfortable 2-0 lead early in the third period.
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Danny Elser (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) cushioned the Ridgebacks lead to 3-0 when he dangled his way to the net and put the puck in the top shelf.
Overall Record: 1-0-0 (W-L-T)
Conference Record: 0-0-0
Next game: Friday, September 21 vs Laurier Golden Hawks – 7:30 p.m. (Campus Ice Centre)
