@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } The Guelph Gryphon men's hockey team opened defence of their Steel Blade Tournament title with a 3-0 win over the host Brock Badgers on Thursday night (Sept. 16) in St. Catherine's.  

While both teams showed a little rust in the first period, chances were even and the Badgers outshot Guelph 9-8.

The Gryphons took control of the game in the second period with numerous scoring chances and opened the scoring on a quick shot in the slot from Ed Gale (Keswick, Ont.) on a pass from Thomas Kiriakou (Richmond Hill, Ont.).  Gale scored again later in the period on a powerplay goal, which resulted from some sharp passing from Thomas Kiriakou and Kris Belan (Florence, Ont.).  The Gryphons outshot Brock 18-9 in the period.

The third period featured fast paced rushes and some quality scoring chances and Guelph put the game away with a breakaway goal by Zach Lillie (Bracebridge, Ont.) on a lead pass from Cale Jefferies (Glenboro, MB). Guelph outshot Brock 11-7 in the period and finished with 37 shots while the Badgers managed 25.  

Guelph was 1/9 on the powerplay and killed off all seven Brock powerplays.

The Gryphons were supported with shutout goaltending by Cody St. Jacques (Iroquios Falls) who stopped all 12 shots he faced and Andrew Loverock (Elmvale) who stopped all 13 shots he faced.

Guelph sees action again on Saturday at Brock when they face archrival Laurier at 7:15 p.m.