The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men’s hockey team is gearing up for Thursday’s matchup against the York Lions at the Campus Ice Centre. They aim to build on their last outing.
The team is coming off a 5-4 win against the Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into Thursday’s game. Head coach Curtis Hodgins said that after splitting a pair of games over the weekend, he’s looking for his team to come out strong on Thursday.
“We’re coming off a weekend where we played a really good game on Friday and didn’t get rewarded for it, but we were fortunate enough to get a couple points out of it so hopefully it gives the guys some energy,” he said.
On the other side, the York Lions are expected to put up a tough fight after winning three in a row. With the Ridgebacks leading the season series 2-1, they hope to end it on a high note.
“York is out of the playoff race, so they’re playing free and easy right now,” said Hodgins. “They’re a dangerous team that has won a couple games in a row. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re focusing on our team game and we will be ready to play.”
The Ridgebacks have leaned on forward Cullen McLean this season, a key contributor leading the offence with nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points. McLean has consistently delivered in critical moments for his team this season.
“Cullen’s in his fourth year with us, we need our older guys to produce and perform, and he’s done that,” Hodgins added.
Although it’s been a tough stretch for the Ridgebacks, dropping three of their last five, they will look to get back on track and push for another playoff berth.
“We can’t afford to look ahead to the playoffs because it’s far from guaranteed … We are focusing on one game at a time, but for all intents and purposes, we are in the playoffs right now and we need to play that way, where every game matters,” said Hodgins.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., with fans encouraged to pack the Campus Ice Centre for what’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss showdown.