THUNDER BAY, ON - The Gryphons Men's Hockey team went into the Christmas break as one of the hottest teams in the country having won nine of their last 11 games. Unfortunately they were not able to carry that form into Thunder Bay this week where they squared off against the Lakehead Thunderwolves in a pair of exhibition games. The Gryphons lost 4-2 on Tuesday (December 29) and were on the wrong end of a 6-4 score on Wednesday (December 30).

Game 1 (Tuesday, Dec. 29):  Lakehead 4 - Gryphons 2
Game 2 (Wednesday, Dec. 30):  Lakehead 6 - Gryphons 4

On Tuesday night, the Gryphons and Thunderwolves were tied 2-2 in the third period with around six minutes remaining in regulation. However, a major penalty was assessed to the Gryphons for a hit-from-behind, and the Thunderwolves were able to capitalize on the five minute man advantage, scoring a pair of power play goals en route to a 4-2 victory. Trevor Morbeck and Tryg Strand were the U of G goal scorers, while Andrew D'Agostini played all 60 minutes in net.

Wednesday night, the Gryphons got off to a strong start and were leading 3-1 after the opening 20 minutes of play. In the second period, Lakehead was able to take control and as a result, the game was knotted at 3-3 heading to the final period of play. The Thunderwolves would outscore the Gryphons 3-1 in the final period to earn a 6-4 victory and a sweep of the exhibition doubleheader. U of G goal scorers in the Game 2 loss were Stephen Hiff, Dylan Gilbert, Rob De Fulviis and Lenny Fabbri. Keith Hamilton played all 60 minutes in net.

After the disappointing tune-up trip to Thunder Bay, the Gryphons will now re-group and get set to open the second half of their OUA regular season schedule. The Gryphons are next in action on Thursday, January 7 when they host the No. 10-ranked team in the country in the York Lions (10-4-3). The Lions currently sit in first place in the OUA West division, just three points ahead of the Gryphons. Guelph won 4-3 in a shootout when these two teams met earlier in the season back on November 13 at York.