TORONTO—The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey team emerged victorious in their three-game series against the University of Toronto (U of T) Varsity Blues. The Bold won 2-1, punching their ticket to the U SPORTS University Cup and the OUA Queen's Cup Championship.

"OUA West champions with a chance to host the Queen's Cup Saturday night, you know I couldn't be prouder of this group," said coach Johnny Duco, reflecting on the win.

Starting the first period, the energy in the Mattamy Athletic Centre was tense with the weight of this game three hanging in the air.

The physicality was high and resulted in U of T getting into some early penalty trouble and the Bold were presented with three power plays in the first. The Bold tried hard to sneak the puck in, identifying key gaps in the net, but couldn't capitalize.

TMU outshot the Varsity Blues 13-3 in the opening frame, pushing hard offensively while protecting their own side of the ice. 

TMU goalie Kai Edmonds made a key save in the period, preventing UofT from scoring on a breakaway, and the two teams went into the locker rooms even at 0-0 after the opening 20 minutes.

The Bold began the second with the remaining minutes of their power play, but couldn't generate a quality scoring opportunity. However, their offensive pressure paid off later in the period. At 10:00, Spencer Shugrue fired home a rebound assisted by Joseph Ianniello and Evan Brand to put the Bold on the board. 

"It's huge getting that first goal, especially in that close of a game," said Shugrue reflecting on the goal.

Duco shared his gratitude for the first-year defender, "Shugrue has been the ultimate utility player for us. He's a heart and soul player, he blocks shots, you know he doesn't leave anything out on the ice and he never takes a shift off, so you know we're pretty fortunate when you have players like that." 

Eager to try and even the game, the Varsity Blues ramped up the pressure but TMU dug deep on defence to block shots and prevent U of T's offensive advances. The Bold finished the second period up, 1-0. 

Kevin Gursoy got things started for the Bold in the third period, scoring an unassisted goal to put the Bold up, 2-0.

"Couldn't have been happier to see him rewarded with that big goal tonight. It kinda created that separation and clearly that breathing room that we ended up desperately needing," said Duco on Gursoy's goal. 

Dylan Wightman of the Varsity Blues later replied with a goal at 7:04 to make the game 2-1.

The Bold continued to fight until the last moments, eager to secure the series. Edmonds continued to play phenomenal in the net, helping the Bold preserve the lead and despite some late chances when the Varsity Blues pulled their goalie, the Bold secured the 2-1 win.

The Bold will now host the Queen's Cup Championship against the Concordia Stingers on Saturday, March 15 at 6:15 p.m. 

"They took us pretty good the first time we played them this year, so we have some revenge to do there. A lot of the guys last year had a heartbreaker in the Queen's Cup so hopefully we can do it for them," said Shugrue, looking towards Saturday's match-up.

The Bold will play in the Queen's Cup for the second consecutive year and advance to the U SPORTS University Cup for the third time in four years.

TMU students can attend Saturday's contest for free by showing their OneCard at the door.