“It’s been a hell of a run, but all good things must come to an end.” That famous quote is one that rung true with the Ryerson Rams men’s hockey team on Saturday night, as they fell 3-2 the Lakehead Thunderworlves.
The team;’s best run of the season, 5 straight wins came to an end, but it was not due to lack of effort. The first period was very good for Ryerson, and so was the third, but it was lacklustre hockey and mistakes that cost them in the second period. The rare regulation loss was their first one since October 16th where they fell to the Guelph Gryphons.
Ryerson’s Cavin Leth opened the scoring in the first period, finishing off the Rams fearful forecheck with a brilliant goal. Although the season is only at its midway point, Leth’s goal could be in the running for the OUA goal of the season. It was a moment of brilliance in front of the few fans who stood witness, as the forward went end to end, splitting defenders and slid it through the legs of the Lakehead netminder.
As was hinted at before the game, Troy Timpano was the starter between the pipes for Ryerson. It has been a good season for Timpano, and he cannot be faulted for any of the goals that got past him on Saturday night. However, this game and the next couple are crucial to his season. Starting netminder Taylor Dupuis is likely to be back in the next few weeks according to head coach Jonny Duco, and once he is, the decision between Timpani and Garret Forrest as the backup will have to be made. Both goalies have put together formidable seasons, but it is the next couple of games that will tell the story.
After Leth lit the lamp in the first period, the Thunderwolves woke up and scored three goals in the second period, including the winning goal. All three came after Ryerson had put up their second. It has been said by many coaches that a 2-0 lead is a dangerous one, and that was proven by Ryerson.
Speaking to Hayden Godfrey of The Eyeopener after the game, coach Duco spoke about his team’s work ethic, in regards to giving up the two goals lead. “They came out, they outworked us, and they were the better team tonight,” before continuing on to say, “We just didn’t bring our best work ethic tonight. Kudos to them for bringing it in a big way tonight.”
With the five-game win streak now in the rearview, Ryerson has to regroup before taking on the Guelph Gryphons next week, who are another strong team in the OUA. The Thunderwolves, on the other hand, is leaving this weekend happy with the split of points, as they rise a pair of spots in the standings. They will host Laurier, in hopes of moving even higher in their OUA conference.