Jacob Roach and D'Artagnan Joly each scored their first Ontario University Athletics (OUA) career goals to power the Brock men's hockey team to a 5-4 road win over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Thursday, Nov. 11.
With the Badgers trailing 3-2, Roach and Joly found the back of the net less than two minutes apart in the second period to give their team the lead.
In the third period, Adam Berg's goal would stand as the game-winner as Toronto tallied a late goal in the dying seconds of the game.
Goaltender Mario Culina made 29 saves to improve to 2-1. The Badgers are preparing to host the Varsity Blues on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Seymour-Hannah Arena. The puck drop is 5:15 p.m.
"It was a good all-around win by the team. We fought hard until the end," said Roach, a first-year Sport Management student. "Credit to U of T because they made a hard push in the final few minutes, but Culina shut the door, and it was a good win. Looking forward to carrying the momentum into Saturday."
The Blues struck first with a goal early in the first. However, Badgers forward Christian Girhiny replied with a goal just 10 seconds later.
Tyler Rollo gave Brock the lead by deflecting a shot from the point. Ryan Burton and Connor Russel each registered an assist.
The four-goal frame came to an end with a late marker by Toronto's Ross Krieger. Toronto opened the second with a quick goal before Roach's and Joly's milestone moments.
Berg scored his first of the season on a redirect from defenceman Matthew Price-Barnes' point shot.
Ayden MacDonald recorded two assists while Joly, Girhiny, Christian DeDonato, Owen Guy and Tyler Burnie each added a helper.
"The guys came up with a huge effort against an excellent and deep Toronto team. Puck management and entries were good for most of the game," said interim head coach Kevin Forrest. "That gave us a lot of offensive zone time, which is always a fun way to play. Unfortunately, it wasn't as good at our blue line, which led to a goal against and a couple of other chances. Something to clean up for next game."
Tickets for the Brock men's hockey team's next home game on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 5:15 p.m. can be found here.
