OSHAWA, Ont. (October 12, 2018) – The Queen's men's hockey team (3-0-0) picked up their third win to start the season with a 3-0 shutout win over the UOIT Ridgebacks (2-1-0).
SCHOOL DAY GAME
The Gaels had to lace the skates earlier than they usually do as UOIT hosted elementary schools from across the Durham region for a special school day game. The fans piled into the Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa for an early 11:30am start time.
GAME FLOW
The Gaels got the game started on the right foot as just 1:50 into the opening period,
Mason Kohn found the back of the net. It was Kohn's first career goal as a Gael and it gave Queen's an early 1-0 lead.
From there it was a defensive battle as both teams had limited scoring opportunities over the first two periods.
Coming into Friday's game, UOIT led the league in scoring with 10 goals through two games, however through the first two periods the Gaels limited them to just 11 shots.
After an offensive lull, the Gaels offence snapped back to life just 15 seconds into the third as Patrick Sandivo sent a point shot through traffic into the net. It was the second goal of the season for the big defenceman who is usually known for his play on the Gaels' end of the ice. He has already surpassed his season goal total from last year where he scored a single goal through 28 games.
With more insurance on the board, the Gaels were in a more comfortable position. That was until the Ridgebacks peppered goaltender
Justin Fazio with 19 shots in the period. However, Fazio would come out on top making all 30 saves on the day to record his first career OUA shutout.
Mason Kohn netted an empty netter for his second goal of the game to secure the win for the Tricolour.
ROOKIE IMPRESSIONS
Any concerns that the Gaels may have had about how their rookies would fit in with an established veteran group should be eased after the team's hot start to the season.
Rookie goaltenders
Justin Fazio and
Jack Flinn have made 96 of 97 saves so far this season which now includes two shutouts, one from each net minder.
Meanwhile offensively, rookies
Caleb Warren,
Liam Dunda and
Mason Kohn have combined for four of the team's nine goals to start the season.
MUST-SEE MOMENTS
Mason Kohn got the Gaels on the board with his first career goal as a Gael.
Patrick Sandivo proves he's got more than just defensive skills in his repertoire.
BY THE NUMBERS
2 – Two of the Gaels' goals came within the two minute mark to open the first and third period. Their quick strike offence has now accounted for four goals within the opening two minutes of a period.
30 –
Justin Fazio shut the door for his first career OUA shutout. His 30 saves on Friday gives him back-to-back games with 30 saves or more.
6 – The Gaels are the first team to get earn six points in the standings meaning they have the top overall spot in the OUA.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will return home for a pair of matchups with teams from the OUA West. On Friday, October 19 the Gaels will host the No.7 Guelph Gryphons (0-1-0) at 7:30pm. The next day the Brock Badgers (0-0-0) will roll into town for a 7:30pm start as well.
You can get tickets for both games at the Memorial Centre at gogaelsgo.com/tickets. Or you can watch the game live on OUA.tv.
