TORONTO— The No. 9-ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey team kicked off their weekend with a shootout win over the York Lions on Friday night. The 3-2 victory, marks their sixth consecutive win, helping to push them into the first-round bye slot.

Tonight the Bold welcomed back coach Johnny Duco, goalie Kai Edmonds and forward Connor Bowie, who had been competing at the FISU Winter World University Games and brought home the Gold medal.

"Just another awesome experience to go back and to be able to represent my country and wear the Canada jersey, it's such a special feeling. To win the gold medal there and to just have the experience I had was just awesome," said Edmonds.

Trying to maintain the momentum of their five game win-streak, the Bold came out strong in the first period. Seizing all the shot opportunities they could get, TMU drove the puck towards the net.  

Despite their energy, the Bold struggled to find the back of the net early in the game. York managed to slip in a wrap-around and tip goal, taking the lead at 12:29. 

Refusing to let the game slip away, Daniil Grigorev responded with an impressive goal, assisted by Chris Playfair. 

Late in the first, the Bold suffered two penalties, giving the Lions power plays, but they managed to kill off the time, ending the period tied at 1-1.

Both teams fought in the second period, trying to steal the lead. The Bold tightened up defensively, stopping the Lions offensive advances when possible. Offensively, TMU continued to press with Jaden Raad and Grigorev eager to shoot, but the puck couldn't find the go-ahead goal.

At the end of the second, the Bold were presented with a power play. Jaden Condotta attempted to sneak in a shot, but unfortunately TMU couldn't capitalize. Finishing the second period the score remained even, 1-1.

The battle continued in the third period. TMU's Ian Martin scored a nice rebound goal off of Jordan D'intino's shot, putting the Bold ahead. However, York quickly responded, scoring to tie the game once again. 

With neither team scoring the game-winner, regulation ended in a 2-2 tie, sending the game into overtime. 

In overtime, Edmonds shined, making two crucial saves on close chances to keep the Bold in the game.

"Kai Edmonds was fantastic tonight, he was dialed in like he was at the FISU games," said coach Duco.

The Bold had a few looks in overtime, but the game ultimately went to a shootout.

Starting the shootout for the Bold, Kevin Gursoy secured a nice goal to put the Bold ahead.

Reflecting on his shootout move, Gursoy said, "Kinda had a move I've been working on in practice and it has like a little variation to it. Trying to read what the goalie is giving off on the way in."

Grigorev then scored on the Bold's second attempt to seal the win for the Bold.

The Bold will continue their weekend action, hosting the Wilfird Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday, Feb. 1. 

Coach Duco shared what the team will focus on ahead of Saturday's matchup: "We took care of our effort tonight, I just think our execution was poor. We'll go over some video, we'll find some teachable ways we can be a little sharper offensively."

Puck drop is set for 6:15 p.m. at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Come support the Bold in-person as TMU Students get in free with their OneCard.