The Gryphons took on the UOIT Ridgebacks tonight (Nov. 19) for the second time this season in Guelph at the W.F. Mitchell Centre. After a tense game, the Ridgebacks came out on top with a 3-2 win.

Guelph adds another loss to their recent losing streak and drop down to 2-7-4 while UOIT adds another win for an improved 3-9-0 record.

The Gryphons entered the first period with confidence having dominated the Ridgebacks in their last meeting that finished in an 8-1victory. They quickly pocketed their first goal at only 1:21 from Jon-Thomas MacDonald (Niagara Falls, ON) after being set up by Justin Gvora (Thunder Bay, ON) and Cameron Odam (Stittsville, ON).

UOIT forward Josh Vatri (Barrie, ON) responded with an attack straight down centre but Gryphon goalie Cody St Jacques (Iroquois Falls, ON) shut it down. Guelph's second goal came after an amazing play by the Gryphons was set up outside of UOIT's net during a power-play by Benjamin Clarke (Halifax, NS) and Kristafer Belan (Florence, ON). Patrick Campbell (Sauble Beach, ON) received the puck just outside Ridgeback's net and fired it in at 17:20.

The Ridgebacks came into the second period ready to go, and scored their first goal of the game only 18 seconds in. Tony Rizzi (Kingston, ON) went up center untouched by Gryphon defence during a power-play and ripped it past St Jacques. Only seconds later Ridgeback forward Kyle Wetering (Pickering, ON) tried to do the same and nearly tied up the game.

Nathan Martine (Port Colborne, ON) quick-thinking saved the Gryphons from another goal after St. Jacques left the net to make an initial save but UOIT sent back a rebound and Martine blocked it.

At only 3:15 in the third period the Ridgebacks tied up the game with their second goal, after a Gryphon defensive breakdown left St Jacques vulnerable and Ryan Oliver (Brooklin, ON) took advantage. Gryphon left wing Cale Jefferies (Glenboro, MB) had a close shot in the 11th minute of the third when Guy left the net to make an initial save, but Wetering slid in behind him and pushed out Jeffries' shot.

At 13:35 the Ridgebacks secured their lead with their third goal after they out-played Gryphon defence and Andrew Randazzo (Hamilton, ON) shot past St Jacques. The Gryphons drove it in for the final minutes of the game, determined to tie up the scoreboard before time ran out.

St Jacques was pulled in a final attempt to push through UOIT's lines and despite a number of edge-of-the-seat close calls the Gryphons couldn't capture the goal. The heated game finished 3-2 for the Ridgebacks.

The Gryphons next play the Brock Badgers in St. Catharines on November, 25. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

  Mens Hockey vs. UOIT 2011 Gallery