TORONTO - Needless to say, the Ryerson Rams are in somewhat unfamiliar territory. Through the first five games of last season, the Rams were 4-1-0. After five games this season, the squad has put up a 2-2-1 record. 

The Rams were dynamite on the road last season, posting a 12-2 away record. Through the first three games of their five-game road trip now, the Rams are 1-1-1. Ryerson will get a chance to improve those numbers this week, taking on the Western Mustangs and Windsor Lancers.  

It is unclear why the Rams have not jumped out of the gate like they did last season. Defender Gregory DiTomaso (Etobicoke, Ont.) and captain Matt Mistele (Whitby, Ont.) have quietly collected six points apiece. David Miller (Burlington, Ont.) and Mathew Santos (Toronto) also have three goals each, and will continue to test opposing defencemen. 

Goalie Taylor Dupuis (New Liskeard, Ont.) has been on the mend due to a groin injury but Garrett Forrest (Ashburn, Va.) and Troy Timpano (Pickering, Ont.) have been a steady tandem in the meantime. However, the squad's total goals against average is a little high, at just over four per game. Coincidentally, the Rams' average of 3.6 goals per game is tied for fourth best in the OUA. 

Ryerson has perhaps been a little unlucky with their early season schedule. Starting a week later than other teams and facing hefty opponents such as Guelph and Toronto already twice this season has been challenging. 

Western is coming off an overtime loss to Carleton, and sports a 1-2-1 record. At 4-1-0, Windsor is on a three-game winning streak, but will play York the night before Ryerson visits. The Rams play the Mustangs on Friday at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Lancers the next night at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be available on OUA.tv