TORONTO – The Rams hosted their home opener this afternoon against rivals the Toronto Varsity Blues. Packed with hundreds of School Day fans, the Mattamy Athletic Centre was filled with energy which no doubt kept the Rams in the game. However, two late goals by the Blues in the last period would end a defensive battle and keep them undefeated this season. 

"U of T is a very disciplined team," said head coach Lisa Haley. "They're really aggressive defensively and there's not a lot of room on the ice when two teams take that approach."

The Rams came out firing in the first period. Controlling most of the play for the majority of the 20 minutes, the Rams got 11 shots compared to the Blues' five. Rams goaltender Fanny Vigeant (St-Hyacinthe, Que.) had a critical save halfway through the period on a two-on-one. Reading the play well, Vigeant gave the Blues' forward no chance at a goal. Despite the offensive chances, the Rams could not find the back of the net and the game would remain scoreless after 20.

Speaking about Vigeant, Haley said: "her preparation is flawless, I think she's very committed to try to build her game to her full potential both in her training and practices on the ice." 

Vigeant would continue her stellar performance in the second period. The Blues would amp up the pressure, controlling the play and keeping the action in the Rams' zone. Vigeant would come up big on multiple occasions as the Rams could not seem to get out of their zone. The Rams' penalty kill would also remain strong, not allowing the Blues to get a clear shot. Alas, the score would remain 0-0 after the second. 

The Rams would start on the power play in the third period but no luck. The game would continue toe-to-toe as both teams look to get the deciding goal. The Blues would get on the board first with just over a minute left. Blues senior defender Christine Chao would somehow find the back of the net with a strong shot from near the blue line. A minute later forward Mathilde De Serres would increase the lead with an empty net goal. With the clock ticking down, the Rams could not garner any more offensive chances and would fall 2-0.

"The game of hockey is funny, you get lots of great opportunities but don't get the bounce that you need," said Haley. "We liked a lot of the things we did today, it's just a matter of finding the lucky bounce that didn't come our way this time."

The Rams are back in action at home on Friday, October 25, at 7:15 pm ET against the Windsor Lancers.