OSHAWA, Ont. - After snapping a six-game losing streak with an impressive win over the #4 Brock Badgers on Saturday, the Golden Hawks couldn't keep it rolling on the road against Ontario Tech on Thursday night, losing 5-2.
The Hawks were gifted a golden opportunity early when Sam Rhodes was high-sticked in front of the net, leading to a four-minute powerplay. The Ridgebacks killed the first half of the double-minor, but then took another penalty, putting themselves down five-on-three for almost a full two minutes.
With Laurier looking to capitalize, Ontario Tech's Marko Jakoljevic sprawled on the ice to block two consecutive Thomas Lenart slapshots. Jakoljevic remained on the bench for the rest of the period but eventually left the game.
The Golden Hawks were unable to score before the game returned to even strength, squandering their chance to set the tone of the game. The early kills seemed to energize the Ridgebacks, who played a very physical game throughout.
They would strike first midway through the period when Andrew Suriyuth found Liam Hurley with a cross-slot pass. Laurier took a penalty of their own in the final minute, and Ontario Tech capitalized as James White banged home a rebound with three seconds left on the clock.
Laurier looked better to start the second period, getting some quality chances early. They finally found the back of the net nine minutes in as Nick Giunta sniped one in from the top of the circles.
The Ridgebacks responded with some good offensive pressure leading to a goal by Alex Drover. The Golden Hawks were able to get one back to cut the lead to one heading into the third, as Callum Chisholm joined the rush and pounced on a rebound.
Just three minutes into the third, Ontario Tech's Ryley Lanthier made a nice move to the net, and his rebound was cleaned up by Logan Camp to extend the Ridgebacks' lead.
A few minutes later, Max Dodig laid a huge hit that the refs called interference, and Ontario Tech were able to make it 5-2 on the powerplay as Gabriel Bernier tipped in a shot from the point.
The loss drops Laurier's record to 4-11-2. Ontario Tech improves to 9-7-1.
PLUS/MINUS
Plus + Brown-ie points
Patrick Brown set up Giunta's goal with a nice drop pass, extending his point streak to four games. The third-year forward now has eight points in his last ten games.
Minus – Special teams
It was as bad a game as you can have on special teams for the Golden Hawks. After getting blanked on the double-minor and five-on-three early in the first, they also failed to score on a powerplay late in the third, making them 0-4 on the day.
Meanwhile, the penalty kil failed to stop the Ridgebacks on both of their powerplays, meaning both special teams units went a combined 0-6.
This is uncharacteristic for a team that ranks fourth in the OUA with a 23.8% powerplay and eighth with an 81.4% penalty kill.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks hit the road right after this game as they face the #8 Concordia Stingers tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in Montreal. Follow @WLUAthletics for live updates and catch all the action on OUA.tv.
