Matt Dionne | Editor-in-Chief
Featured image: The Lions finish second in their division for the second year in a row. | Courtesy of York Lions
The Lions men’s hockey team closed out their season this weekend, when they traveled to Guelph on Thursday and played host to U of T on Saturday.
With no chance of catching Guelph for first in the OUA West, the Lions were looking to uncover the Gryphons’ weaknesses in the event of a semi-final matchup for the Queen’s Cup in their game on Friday.
Guelph’s offense didn’t take long to get things going, as they exploded for four goals just five minutes apart, seven minutes into the opening period.
Midway through the second, Guelph’s Trevor Morbeck made contact with the head of a York player, which resulted in a two-minute man-advantage for the Lions, who capitalized almost immediately—courtesy of Daniel Nikandrov—cutting into the Gryphons’ lead.
However, with under three minutes to go in the second, Guelph responded courtesy of Scott Simmonds, assisted by Cody Thompson and Todd Winder.
Then, with 31 seconds to go in the period, Guelph added another, extending their lead to five goals.
York would cut into the lead in the third, but that is as far as they got, as Guelph would go on to win 6-2.
Mack Shields was replaced—after giving up three goals on eight shots—by Alex Fotinos, who made 19 saves on 22 shots.
It was a chippy affair, as there were 22 penalties assessed for a total of 68 minutes.
Saturday was York’s last game of the season, and they hoped to go into the playoffs on a high note. Standing in their way? The U of T Varsity Blues.
The Blues drew first blood in the first, but York answered just 37 seconds later, courtesy of Derek Sheppard, assisted by Nikandrov and Nik Coric.
From there it was all Lions, as they added three more goals in the second, including a shorthanded goal from Nikandrov, assisted by Trevor Petersen; and a powerplay goal from Stefano Pezzetta, assisted by Shayne Rover and Colton Vannucci.
York added another two for good measure in the third, as they went on to win the game 6-1.
Shields was back to his normal self, making 32 saves on 33 shots in the victory.
The women’s team lost their lone game this week, and have been eliminated from playoff contention with two games still left on their season.
The men finish the season in second place in their division, and will play for the Queen’s Cup once again, with their first opponent and date to be determined.
