The Brock Badgers' men's hockey team fell 2-1 in a close game against the No.10 nationally ranked TMU Bold in Game 3 of the OUA semifinal on Sunday, Mar. 3 at Canada Games Park. 

"It was a character building game," said head coach TJ Manastersky. "I'm proud at how hard our team competed and how we can learn and grow from the experience. I want to congratulate TMU and wish them luck in the Queen's Cup."

Despite the loss, first-year goaltender Connor Ungar stopped 35 of 37 shots faced. Third-year forward Jacob Roach scored the lone goal for the Badgers. 

The opening frame started with 4-on-4 action, with both teams exchanging chances midway through the first period. A big save from Ungar on a slot shot prevented the Bold from finding a lead. In the late seconds of the first period, second-year forward Ryan Stepien fed a pass to third-year centre Tyler Burnie on a 2-on-1 chance but Bold goaltender Kai Edmonds deflected the puck away. 

Early in the second period, the Bold with numbers ahead nearly found the first goal of the game but a sprawling Ungar got enough off the puck to keep things level. After initially having his first shot blocked, Roach opened the scoring for Brock on the Badgers' first powerplay of the game. Minutes later, the Bold found a response through Connor Bowie. The closely contested middle frame ended with the Badgers outshooting the Bold 13 to 12.  

A four-minute penalty for high sticking saw the Badgers head to the power play in the third period but despite strong chances Brock could not find a lead. With just under two minutes to go in the final frame, a TMU shot from the point found its way through traffic and put the visitors in the lead. With the net empty, the Badgers searched for an equalizer, but TMU were able to skate away with the 2-1 win.  

Up next, the Brock Badgers' men's hockey team (21-7-0) will host the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) bronze medal game against the McGill Redbirds (21-5-2) on Saturday, Mar. 9 at 4 p.m. at Canada Games Park.