After completing the season with an even 13-13-2 record, the York Lions men’s hockey team was put up against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in the first round of the Ontario University Athletics playoffs for a best of three series.
The Lions were the clear underdogs coming into the series after dropping both their regular-season contests to the Thunderwolves, who finished in second place in the OUA West division with an impressive 17-8-3 record.
The Lions hosted the first game of the series at Canlan Ice Sports Arena on February 19, but were unable to capitalize on the home ice advantage as Lakehead claimed a 4-2 victory. In typical Lions fashion, they left their best period until the third, scoring two quick goals to begin the period, but were unable to complete the comeback as a late empty-net goal sealed their fate.
The final game would be held in Thunder Bay at Fort William Garden on February 22. After the Thunderwolves jumped out to a one-goal lead early in the first, York’s Jordan Forfar was able to tie the game up mid-way through the first period but a late Thunderwolves goal would give them the lead at the end of the first.
York battled back to tie the game at 2-2 but the wheels would eventually fall off for the Lions as Lakehead pulled away for a 5-2 victory, ending York’s season.
This marks the third season in a row that the Lions bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. Replacing star goalie Andrew Perugini and captain Jesse Messier will make advancing further next year an even tougher task.
Messier finishes his career at York with 130 points in 135 games, while also adding four points in six career OUA playoff games. Perugini leaves behind a similar track record of success, finishing with 2.58 goals against average while also claiming 33 victories in his time with the team.
The emergence of Michael Santini coupled with the steady leadership from John de Gray will likely be key going forward for the Lions, while they will look to Andrew’s younger brother Chris Perugini to hold down the back end.
With York perennially knocking on the door for elite status in the OUA, hopefully next year is the season they are finally able to knock down the wall.
Ryan McCabe
Sports and Health Editor
