TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold men's hockey opened their playoff run with a commanding 6-2 win over the Brock Badgers, taking game one of the quarterfinal series and beginning their pursuit of the Queen's Cup.
"We've managed to get our identity now," said captain Connor Bowie. "We're a really hard-working team, all offensively minded, but when it really comes down to it in the playoffs, defence is the reason why you win games."
The Bold set the tone early in the first period. Just under three minutes in, Brock McLeod opened the scoring after stealing the puck near the blue line in the defensive zone. McLeod raced into the offensive end and fired a shot past Brock goaltender Ben Bonisteel to give TMU the early lead.
TMU controlled much of the remainder of the period, despite shots remaining even. The Bold generated several breakaway chances off turnovers but were unable to add to the lead.
In the second half of the period, TMU kept up the pressure in the offensive zone, setting up plays and keeping Brock pinned in their end, though the Badgers managed to hold firm.
The opening period ended with the Bold ahead 1-0 and shots tied.
The Badgers took an early penalty 58 seconds into the middle frame, giving the Bold on the first power play of the evening. The Bold capitalized when Gavin Grundner gained possession of a loose puck along the boards and sent it to Will Portokalis, who sent a shot buzzing past Bonisteel to double the lead.
"We had a lot of preparation this week ," said Portokalis, about coming into today's game. "It was good to have a week off. We were more fresh and stuck to the game game plan and that's why the results were what they were."
The Badgers responded shortly after, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Midway through the period, TMU pushed back with sustained offensive pressure, as Daniil Grigorev and Slava Melikov generated quality shots on net.
That urgency paid off with five minutes remaining, when Grundner — assisted by Ian Martin and Joseph Ianniello — beat Bonisteel five-hole to restore the two-goal cushion.
In his first game back since Jan. 23 this year, Connor Bowie added to the lead. After receiving a backhand pass from Marko Djordjevic, Bowie maneuvered around the Badgers' defence and finished five-hole, extending the lead to 4-1.
"I'm feeling good," said Bowie. "When I am out, I'm just trying to stay ready and stay prepared, so that when I can come back, I can contribute offensively, defensively, and continue the role that I have on this team. I was able to do that tonight."
By the end of the second period, TMU not only widened the score gap but also pulled ahead in shots on goal, 22-16.
The Bold began the third period on the power play following a slashing call against Brock's Matt Duarte. Just 50 seconds into the advantage, Portokalis scored his second goal of the night and TMU's second power-play goal.
Special teams played a key role throughout the game, with the Bold finishing 2-for-3 on the power play while successfully killing off all penalties against them, highlighted by a standout save from goaltender Kai Edmonds during the second penalty kill.
"Credit to the coaching staff," said head coach Johnny Duco. "They were pretty dialled in in terms of what we needed to do to be successful on the power play and penalty kill, and huge credit to the guys for executing at a high level."
With two and a half minutes remaining, McLeod closed out the scoring, netting his second goal of the night off assists from Ryan Cooper and Hunter Donohoe.
"The reason I came here is to win a championship," said McLeod. "I came in here pretty eager to help the boys out in any way I can, but to do it and on the scoreboard, it's definitely pretty special."
The Bold claimed a 6-2 victory and outshot the Badgers 32-23.
Up next, the Bold will travel to St. Catharines for game two of the best-of-three quarterfinal series against Brock on Saturday Feb. 28. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. Fans can catch the game on OUA.tv.
