ST. CATHARINES, ONT.—The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold fell 4–1 to the Brock Badgers in a penalty-filled matchup.
Looking to build on the momentum of their 4–1 season-opening win over the Guelph Gryphons, the Bold were unable to find their stride in St. Catharines.
In the first period, despite TMU generating early shots, Brock scored the opening goal of the contest. With a minute and a half remaining in the frame, Badgers forward Braeden Lewis was sent to the box for cross-checking, giving the Bold their first power-play opportunity of the night.
TMU capitalized with just eight seconds left on the clock. Assisted by
Jack Rimmer and
Gavin Grundner,
Connor Bowie posted up on the left side of the crease and sent the puck into the empty side of the net before Brock netminder Ben Bonisteel could react.
The teams went into the first intermission tied at 1–1, with the Bold holding an 11–5 edge in shots.
Brock restored its lead five minutes into the second period, beating Bold freshman goaltender
Charlie Robertson. TMU added 14 more shots through the rest of the frame—including dangerous looks from
Slava Melikov and
Carson Lloyd—but came away empty-handed. A cross-check from behind from a Badger handed TMU a late gift, four minutes of power-play time with five seconds remaining, setting the Bold up for a man advantage to start the third.
TMU carried nearly four minutes of power-play time into the final period, but couldn't get past Bonisteel. Pushing the pace, the Bold looked for every chance to get the puck up into the offensive zone. The Bold threw everything at the net, which was demonstrated by defencemen
Crossley Stewart and
Jaden Raad generating high-danger chances, Melikov dancing past the Brock defence to test Bonisteel short-side, and
Daniil Grigorev nearly squeezing in a wraparound. However, Brock held off the bombardment, halting TMU's attacks before adding two late goals to seal the win.
Despite outshooting the Badgers 43–25, the Bold walked away with a 4–1 loss.
TMU continues its road trip next Friday, Oct. 23, against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with live coverage on OUA.tv.
