GUELPH, Ont. - The Gryphons men's hockey team took home an important two points in a must-win contest on home ice Wednesday night (March 9). Heading into the game, the Gryphons playoff hopes were hanging in the balance, needing a win on home ice vs the OUA West 2nd-place Laurier Golden Hawks to remain in the hunt to defend their OUA title. Facing a 3-1 deficit early in the 2nd period, the Gryphons fought back to earn a 5-4 victory, thanks to
Connor Bramwell's game-winning goal at the 2:19 mark in overtime. With the win, the Gryphons improve to 4-9-2 on the season and keep their playoff hopes alive with two games remaining in their 2021-22 regular season schedule.
Matching up against a tough opponent in the Laurier Golden Hawks (7-6-0) Guelph was in for a battle. Opening the first period with ferocity, the Hawks stalled the Gryphon momentum by scoring two goals halfway through the period. Not to be deterred, the Gryphs battled right back. Gryphon leading goal scorer
Ted McGeen tipped it home for his 10th of the season off a shot from
Connor Bramwell to make it a 2-1 game in Laurier's favour heading to the 2nd.
Their newfound fire would soon be extinguished as the Golden Hawks opened the period with heavy pressure on Guelph's end, leading to an early goal. Once again refusing to crumble, the Gryphons would find two more goals.
Andrew Dodson potted his 2nd of the season to put the Gryphons within one.
Luke Kutkevicius would tie the game with a beautiful shot as
Connor Bramwell secured his second assist of the night, to tie the game at 3-3 after 40 minutes of play.
Team Captain
Ted Nichol was a game-changer for the Gryphs in the 3rd. With timely hits and multiple scoring chances, his hard work eventually paid off as he was able to capitalize on a breakaway and fire a goal home, giving the Gryphons their first lead of the game, up 4-3 just under 2:00 into the final period.
Unfortunately for the Gryphons, Laurier would tie it up moments later to make it a 4-4 game.
The final minutes of play saw the tired Gryphons spark to life once again as they peppered on shots at the Laurier goal hoping to close out a win in regulation. With minutes left to go, Guelph would finally get their first power play of the game as the Golden Hawks were dealt a tripping penalty with 4:22 left in the contest. Despite the man advantage, the Gryphons couldn't crack the Laurier defence. As the seconds dwindled and the Gryphons shot attempts failed to find the back of Laurier's net, Guelph would find themselves heading to their second overtime in two games. With a much-needed point secured, the Gryphs went to work on finding the OT winner. Rookie defenceman
Jaxon Camp battled in the neutral zone to force a turnover which was quickly picked up by the streaking
Connor Bramwell. Bramwell, who currently leads the team in points, put it into high-gear to race for possession and send the puck to the back of the Golden Hawks net. The 4th-year senior had a 3-point night, highlighted by the overtime winner, lifting the Gryphons to the 5-4 victory.
The defending Queen's Cup champions remain alive for a spot in the OUA playoffs, with just two games remaining on the schedule. The Gryphons will wrap up their 2021-22 regular season schedule with a pair of home games against the OUA West-leading Windsor Lancers. On Saturday (March 12) at 2pm, the Gryphons host the Lancers in the
5th edition of the men's hockey "Aggies Night" game. The Gryphons and Lancers will then meet again on Sunday afternoon (March 13) at the Gryphon Centre, where the Gryphs will honour their graduating seniors as part of the team's 'Senior Day' game. Both games can be seen live online at OUA.tv.
