TORONTO - After a grueling three-game series against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, the Rams men's hockey team will face off against the division rival Toronto Varsity Blues on Thursday night at 6 p.m. The game comes after the team had 12 days off in preparation for their first meeting of the season against their fellow Torontonians.

Head coach Johnny Duco said with conviction that the team's second victory in Thunder Bay was the team's best showing of the season thus far, and he remains confident that they can build off that solid success going into their upcoming tilts.

"Sometimes I think we get a little too cute out there and try to make the perfect play," Duco relayed. "We want to be mindful of getting pucks and bodies to the net and playing more of a simple game."

Likewise, assistant captain Hayden McCool was thankful for the extended break between games, alluding to the tiring nature of the team's schedule up to this point in the season.  

"I think we're all pretty thankful for the time off," McCool remarked. "You can come out on the ice and work on little things that you need to work on. Time off is always good."

In particular, forward Jeremiah Addison is primed to break out at any moment, so too are Patrick Fellows and David Miller, all three of whom have not yet scored a goal this season. On the defensive side of things, blueline stalwarts Matt Nosella and captain Jared Walsh will continue to be factors, as will the collaborative goalie tandem of Lucas Peressini and Garrett Forrest. 

"I'm pretty confident we'll be ready to go on Thursday," Duco added. 

In their history, the Rams own a 23-32 record against the Varsity Blues, with a 11-13 record at Mattamy Athletic Centre. The last time the two teams met was on January 9, 2020, when the Rams emerged victorious thanks to the sneaky heroics of Zachary Shankar, who scored twice to lift the Rams to an overtime win. Prior to that thrilling victory, the Rams had won three of their previous four against Toronto. 

Thursday's game will mark the Rams' first teddy bear toss event. Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear or other stuffed animal to throw on the ice when the Rams score their first goal. Bears will also be available for purchase on site, while a pair of Toronto Maple Leafs tickets will be up for grabs. All proceeds go towards the Salvation Army and Toy Mountain campaign.  

After their battle against the Varsity Blues, the Rams will quickly turn around and head to St. Catharines for a game against the Brock Badgers at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 27 to close the fall portion of the schedule.