TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey team fell short in the battle of Toronto against the University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues, 4-2. For the Bold, it was their home opener after a weekend away in Ottawa.

The Bold struggled to get their energy going in the beginning of the game. After back-and-forth play through the first half of the opening period, U of T registered a power play goal 11 minutes into the contest. 

Finding themselves trailing, the Bold pushed hard at the end of the opening period, trying to capitalize off of a power play but they couldn't get the puck in the net.

TMU looked to tie the game up in the second period and did so thanks to first-year forward Tyler Savard who scored a power-play goal. Savard's first career OUA goal came three minutes into the period.

"It feels good you know, it's always nice to get the monkey off your back early in the season," said Savard, reflecting on his goal.

U of T was quick to break the deadlock and recorded a goal three minutes afterwards, taking the lead once again, 2-1. The Bold put up a fight trying to get shots up near the end of the and Aleks Dimovski almost placed the puck into the net but it ricocheted off the post near the end of the second period.

The Bold continued their efforts on the ice, trying to change the course of the game in the third period. However, U of T remained in control and scored another goal seven minutes into the third frame.

Profiting off of their power play, TMU's Jaden Condotta scored his first goal of the season to make it a one-goal game, 3-2. 

The Bold tried to tie the game once again but the Varsity Blues sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the last 20 seconds.

The Bold won't have much time to assess this loss as they will head to Waterloo tomorrow, looking for their first win of the regular season.

"We got a game tomorrow so we're right back at it. For us, it's a great opportunity to bounce back tomorrow and get that first one," said Coach Johnny Duco. 

TMU will face off against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks on Thursday evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Catch the action live on OUA.tv.