TORONTO - Despite another late recovery, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey team fell 4-3 in overtime against the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. 

The two teams were coming off an intense two-game series a few weeks ago in Thunder Bay, Ont., where the Bold managed to take both victories. However, tonight's matchup was not the same as the two up north.

"The lack of urgency I thought was unacceptable tonight," said Bold head coach Johnny Duco. "We're going to leave disappointed." 

"As a team, they worked a lot better today than when we played them in Thunder Bay," said Bold goaltender Kai Edmonds. 

In the affair, the action began quickly. Less than 90 seconds into the game, Thunderwolves forward Spencer Blackwell was given a five-minute penalty and game misconduct for a check from behind against Bold forward Jackson Doherty. 

Although the Bold had an extended advantage as a result of the hit, the Thunderwolves' penalty kill snuffed out any chance and TMU was unable to convert on the opportunity.  

"[To] get one shot in five minutes got us on our heels and they used that momentum to outplay us," said Duco. 

The remainder of the period was back and forth.  However, the Thunderwolves broke the tie with a little over one minute left. Defenceman Kyle Auger put one past Bold goalie Edmonds to give Lakehead the lead heading into the first intermission. 

"We work on this every day, we talk about it in video, so to come out and not execute is frustrating, but we're a young team and there's a learning curve," Duco added. 

Early in the second, the Bold were searching for the equalizer, but the Thunderwolves were able to double the lead with a goal from Ben Badalamenti

The latter stages of the frame were filled with offensive pressure from TMU, but Thunderwolves netminder Max Wright stood tall and the score remained 2-0 heading into the third period.  

Midway through the third frame, the Thunderwolves added to their lead once again as Stephen Fox roofed a shot past Edmonds. Nonetheless, the comeback bid was on for the Bold — one all too reminiscent for the team in gold. 

15 seconds after the Thunderwolves' third, Ryan Wells was able to pot one to put the Bold on the board. Following that, Jesse Barwell squeaked one in to cut the lead in half with over seven minutes remaining. 

Mr. Captain ??

Barwell makes it a one-goal game!

TMU 2 | LAKE 3
P3 | 7:24 pic.twitter.com/V341b9efzq

— TMU Bold Men's Hockey (@tmuboldmhky) November 19, 2022

With 2:09 on the clock, Chris Playfair tied the game for TMU after receiving a pass from Elijah Roberts. The Bold defenceman carried the puck from his own line into the offensive zone with blistering speed before dishing the puck to Playfair. 

"It all starts with Elijah's speed," said Playfair. "I just tried to find some quiet ice where he could get me that puck. This year I've been shooting high a lot and it hasn't been going in, so I said 'shoot low and see what happens.' Fortunately, it went in."

MADNESS AT THE MAC ONCE AGAIN!

TMU 3 | LAKE 3
P3 | 2:09 pic.twitter.com/CDT0K7CDD1

— TMU Bold Men's Hockey (@tmuboldmhky) November 19, 2022

The late push for the Bold forced the game into the extra frame as for the second time this season they have come back from a 3-0 deficit in the third period. 

"We showed that when we play the right way, I don't think there is anyone that can handle us," said Playfair. "Today, it was just too little, too late."

In overtime, the Thunderwolves put the Bold's late resurgence to rest as Griffen Fox netted the winner for the visiting side giving Lakehead the victory. 

"It's tough. We want two points anytime we play, especially at home," said Edmonds. "I thought today was going to be our day, but, unfortunately, we couldn't get it done."

The Bold now gear up to face the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo, Ont., as they look to return the favour from last weekend's 3-1 loss at home. The Golden Hawks are also coming off a fresh loss themselves as they dropped their game against the Brock Badgers tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.

"The team that will play the best tomorrow is the team who turns the page the quickest," said Duco.