WOLFVILLE, N.S. — After upsetting the University of New Brunswick Reds in the U Cup quarter-finals at Acadia University on Friday, the Rams men's hockey team fell 7-2 to the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Patriotes in the tournament's semifinal game, ending their pursuit of their first-ever national championship. 

In a physical and fast-paced first period, the Patriotes dominated play, hemming the Rams into their own zone on multiple occasions and forcing Rams goaltender Garrett Forrest to be sharp early on. With nine minutes remaining in the frame, UQTR's Justin Bergeron got his team on the board when he beat Forrest with a short-side shot that eluded the Rams' netminder. Minutes later, Jeremiah Addison ringed a shot past Patriotes goaltender Alexis Gravel on the power play to even the score, only to be outdone by Olivier Garneau, who regained UQTR's lead soon after.

"That was the best hockey team we've seen all year," Rams head coach Johnny Duco said after the game. "I thought they played tremendously. We turned too many pucks over, we made too many mistakes."
 

WATCH: pic.twitter.com/UYtDIRpxlS

— Rams Men's Hockey (@ramsmhockey) April 2, 2022

After the intermission, Julien Tessier tucked one through a sprawling Forrest to give his team the 3-1 lead. Right on cue, the Rams answered, with Chris Playfair spinning around in front of Gravel and firing a quick shot into the back of the net. Still in the second, David Noël scored to extend UQTR's lead to 4-2, which is where things would be left as both teams headed to their respective locker rooms for the final time. 

"Emotions were pretty high," Rams captain Jared Walsh remarked. "I was hoping it would go the other way."

In the final frame, UQTR extended their lead to 5-2 on a rocket off the stick of Félix Lauzon, a lead that would only be further extended later in the period on a power play goal from Jordan Martel. The Patriotes added another in the game's final minutes, thwarting any chance of a Rams comeback. 

Though defeated, the Rams weren't dissatisfied with their effort, speaking highly of their performance all season long. 
 

We will play for third tomorrow.#weRrams pic.twitter.com/lB9qafGzrh

— Rams Men's Hockey (@ramsmhockey) April 3, 2022

"I'm really proud of the way our group has fought all season long," Duco said, praising his team's effort throughout a topsy-turvy campaign. "Not for one moment is this for a lack of trying or caring."

Added Walsh: "To be honest, it's the best group of men I've played with in all my hockey career."

The Rams will compete for third place in the U Cup Championships at 12 p.m. EDT on Sunday against the St. Francis Xavier X-Men.