ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - On a bustling Saturday evening at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, the Rams men's hockey team narrowly edged out the Brock Badgers 3-2 to earn their first victory of the young 2021-22 season. It was a scrappy, heated battle that tested the Rams' depth and consistency all throughout their lineup.  

In a fast-paced and physical first period, the Rams kept the Badgers on their toes. Eight minutes in, the Rams took advantage of a Badgers unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and took the lead early thanks to the quick shot of Kyle Bollers, who wired his first career OUA goal past Badgers goalie Mario Culina. Given the team's unfortunate loss at home against Brock on Thursday, it was crucial for them to come out swinging in the second game of the home and home.

"I thought we set the tone in the first period," Rams head coach Johnny Duco said of the team's early energy. "I'm really proud of the overall effort."

Still, the Badgers evened things up before the end of the frame when Frankie Pucci squeaked a loose puck through Rams netminder Lucas Peressini. Fortunately for the Rams, Elijah Roberts came quickly to the rescue, knocking a bouncing puck through Culina and into the Brock net seconds before it was dislodged by an eager scramble of bodies. For Roberts, it was his second goal in as many games in the blue and gold.

In the second frame, the physicality continued, with both teams trading big hits before the period's halfway mark. In the latter half of the middle frame, Peressini made a slew of steady saves to preserve his team's narrow lead. Of Peressini, Duco praised his dependability and experience, the likes of which make him a welcomed addition to the team this season. 

"He's such a calming presence," a pleased Duco noted of the program's newest goaltender. "He's a veteran, he's been here, and he does a lot of good things."

Just over five minutes into the third period, Brock's Tyler Rollo executed a skillful wraparound to beat Peressini and tie the game at 2-2. On the power play with 10 minutes left in regulation, Rams blueliner Greg DiTomaso sniped a shot over Culina's left shoulder to restore the lead, a play that would prove to be the difference. 

"I saw a seam before they could cover the pass," DiTomaso said gleefully of his game-winning goal. "It was a good play," he added with a smile.

Though Brock tried mightily to pot an equalizer, Peressini shut the door and was supported by a ruthlessly cohesive defensive strategy. Though Badgers forwards slashed and batted away at every loose puck in sight, they couldn't push one through.

Overall, the Rams earned a hard-fought, gritty victory and, when it mattered most, were able to come together to edge out a tough opponent.  

After a few nights off, the Rams will head to Thunder Bay to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves in three straight away games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in their only trip up north in the regular season.