UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Thursday, December 04, 2008

UOIT runs out of steam against Western

Men’s Hockey: Western defeated UOIT 6-1

Oshawa, Ont. – The UOIT Ridgebacks could not repeat another miracle comeback as they were defeated by the University of Western Ontario Mustangs 6-1 at the Campus Ice Centre on Thursday night.

During the Ridgebacks inaugural OUA season, UOIT scored two last minute goals against Western to send their game into overtime in which they would win 3-2 in a shootout. Although there was a buzz at the Dog Pound Thursday night, the Ridgebacks fell short as they were defeated 6-1.

There was a great flow to the first period, as the teams played a relatively even twenty minutes. Western would eventually open up scoring late in the opening frame as they netted their first of three power play goals on the night at the 17:58 mark.

Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities in the second period as 30 shots were fired on net. The Mustangs would capitalize on two chances as they scored back-to-back goals midway through the period. Shortly after trailing 3-0, Rochester native Steve Spade scored his first goal for the Ridgebacks at the 9:45 minute mark to get his team back within striking distance. Freshman Mike Noyes (Lucan, Ont.) picked up his team leading 12th assist on the play.

In the third with UOIT looking to pull off the comeback, Western would shatter their hopes as Aaron Snow scored two goals while Geoff Killing added another to give Western a five goal lead. Sal Peralta would end up with three assists on the night for the Mustangs as they would take the game by a score of 6-1.

Freshman goalkeeper Nick Fontana made his first start in net for UOIT, looking very impressive for the blue and white. The Whitby native was busy over the course of sixty minutes as he stopped 43 of 49 shots. Former Brampton Battalion goalkeeper Brad Topping stopped all but one of UOIT’s 28 shots for his fifth win of the year.

Western’s power play was very effective as they were 3-for-5 with the man advantage. UOIT on the other hand was shutout on their two opportunities.

The Ridgebacks head into the holidays on a major slump as they have not picked up points in five consecutive games. UOIT’s next action will come against the visiting Carleton Ravens on Saturday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m. UOIT defeated Carleton 5-4 in overtime in what was both sides inaugural season.

It will be skate-a-thon night on January 3 as all participants in the Rotary Club skate-a-thon will receive free admission.
 
GAME RECAP

Western 6 at UOIT 1
 
1st Period
Scoring - 1. Western, Y. Farmanara (3) (R. Martinelli, S. Peralta) 17:58 PP
 
2nd Period
2. Western, P. Ouellet (3) (S. Courtney) 8:14  
3. Western, J. Swit (2) (J. Martens, K. Baker) 9:20 PP
4. UOIT, S. Spade (1) (M. Noyes) 9:45  
 
3rd Period
5. Western, A. Snow (8) (K. Baker, S. Peralta) 4:43  
6. Western, A. Snow (9) (Y. Farmanara, S. Peralta) 11:43 PP
7. Western, G. Killing (4) (J. Furlong) 16:44  
 
UWO Shots: 12 17 20 TOTAL: 49
UOIT Shots: 9 13 6 TOTAL: 28

Power Play Conversion
Western 3-5
UOIT 0-2

Goaltenders
Western
Topping 5-4-0-0 Start: 1st 0:00 Min: 60:00 SV: 27 GA: 1 [W]

UOIT
Fontana 0-4-0-0 Start: 1st 0:00 Min: 60:00 SV: 43 GA: 6 [L]

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS

Conference Record: 2-11-2
Overall Record: 3-16-2

Next Home Action:
Saturday, January 3 vs. Carleton (7:30 p.m.) – Campus Ice Centre

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)