LONDON, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey team defeated the Western Mustangs 3-1 to keep their perfect road record alive. With the win, the Bold improve to 5-0 away from the Mattamy Athletic Centre this season. 

The first period kicked off with a high tempo from the start. The starting lineup saw a pleasant surprise and long-awaited return; Bold Captain Connor Bowie made his first appearance of the season after missing the first 10 games because of injury.

With the welcome addition and momentum building, the early energy set the tone for what came next.

After a turnover from the Mustangs in their own zone, Hunter Donohoe scooped up the puck and fed it into the slot. A Mustang stick deflected the pass, but the deflecting puck went to an awaiting Will Portokalis, who sent it into the back of the net past Western goaltender Jack McNaughton.

Both teams entered the game averaging several shots per game — Western with 33 and TMU with 37 — meaning that both these teams bring the offensive pressure and both netminders would have to be prepared to be at their best.

A penalty called on Ian Martin gave the Mustangs the opportunity to even the score, and with some chaos in front of the net, the puck found its way past Kai Edmonds.

The first frame ended 1-1, with TMU taking 14 shots on goal and Western with nine.

The even score didn't knock down the Bold as they carried their pace straight into the second, controlling the puck for most of the opening half of the frame. The shot totals told the story — TMU fired nine on net while Western managed just one in the first 10 minutes of the period — as the Bold moved the puck effortlessly, dancing around the Mustang and kept them chasing.

This period featured many penalties, with two penalties called against the Bold and four against Western. The Bold sit in third in the OUA with a power play percentage of 25 per cent and they capitalized with the man-advantage. 

A faceoff initially won by the Mustangs quickly turned into a turnover onto Gavin Grudner's stick. A change in direction sparked a two-on-one opportunity featuring Grundner and Portakalis. After a quick give-and-go, Grundner finished the play with a backhand that rang off the post and in. 

Western managed just three shots in the period, while the Bold fired 18, bringing the shot count to 32-12 in favour of the Bold as they carried a 2-1 lead into the third.

The third period saw the Mustangs pick up speed and apply pressure to the Bold. With newfound momentum, the Mustangs fired many dangerous shots, but Edmonds stood strong and continued to dominate in net.

Despite the pressure against them, with three minutes left in the game, Marko Djordjevic found the back of the net to give the Bold an insurance goal.

The Mustangs pulled their goalie but couldn't take advantage of the extra skater.

The game ended 3-1 in favour of the Bold.

Up next, the Bold will continue their road trip and face the Brock Badgers on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Fans can watch the game on OUA.tv.