On Saturday, Jan. 13, the Badgers successfully defended home ice against the visiting nationally ranked UQTR Patriotes, winning 3-2 in one of the most dramatic games of the season.
The Badgers not only defeated the nationally ranked opponent to create space for themselves at the top of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league standings, but they also improved to a perfect 11-0 at Canada Games Park.
Forwards Justin Brack and Jacob Roach scored in regulation, while Ryan Stepien scored the game-winner in the shootout for the Badgers. First-year defencemen Jonah Boria contributed assists on both Brock's regulation goals.
First-year goaltender Connor Ungar stopped 23 shots for his league-leading 16th win, giving the Badgers undoubtedly their biggest victory of the season.
The first period quickly lived up to the hype of two division-leading teams facing off. The Patriotes were the first team to find an edge, as they scored on a power play shortly after seven minutes in. UQTR would then add another a couple of minutes later to extend their lead early. Brock continued to put the pressure on with some physical play but was unable to light the lamp through the first 20 minutes of play.
The action continued in the second frame, with both team's aggressive play leading to penalty trouble. At 7:28 in the period, the Badgers capitalized on the power play. Ethan Sims found Brack down low, who dangled past UQTR goaltender Alexis Gravel for his sixth goal of the season.
As the third period progressed, the drama increased. The Badgers were trailing with just under five minutes to play, when Roach deflected a shot from the point for the equalizer. Neither team was able to find an edge as the buzzer went, which meant overtime was required.
Late in overtime, a Badgers giveaway in the defensive zone provoked a 2-on-1 for the Patriotes. A quick pass and shoot across the crease forced Ungar to make a spectacular save to keep the game level until the buzzer. Ungar continued his stellar form into the shootout, making all three saves and propelling the Badgers to victory alongside a beautiful bar-down backhand from Stepien.
Up next, the Badgers (17-5-0) will continue to defend their undefeated streak on home ice as they take on the visiting Western Mustangs (7-13-0) on Thursday, Jan. 18. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Canada Games Park. Purchase your tickets at https://brocku.universitytickets.com/. The game can also be seen on OUA.tv.
