SUDBURY, Ont. – The UOIT men's hockey team defeated Laurentian 3-2 in Sudbury on Saturday night to earn their third straight victory.
 
With six games remaining in their regular season, the Ridgebacks (14-7-1) are looking to clinch home ice advantage for the first time in program history. UOIT currently sits in fourth place, two points ahead of the Queen's Gaels (13-6-1) who beat Nipissing 3-1 on Saturday.
 
UOIT was clearly the stronger team over the first two periods outshooting the Voyageurs 21-12. Mark Petaccio (Sicklerville, N.J.) and Nate Mitton (Kitchener, Ont.) scored in the first and second periods respectively, giving the Ridgebacks a 2-0 lead.
 
Thirty seconds into the third period, Jesse Stoughton (Bobcaygeon, Ont.) added some insurance with his second shorthanded goal of the year.
 
That insurance marker would come in handy as Vincent Llorca scored back-to-back goals for Laurentian to put the Voyageurs within one with just over three minutes left on the clock.

With Laurentian pressing for the equalizer, Brendan O'Neill (Ilderton, Ont.) would shut the door on the comeback attempt as the Ridgebacks earned their 14th win of the season. O'Neill finished the night with 25 saves, 12 of which were in the third period.
 
Mitton would be the only Ridgeback who recorded a multi-point night as he had a goal and an assist. Petaccio's goal was his team leading 11^th of the season.
 
UOIT will look to make up some ground on the third-place Carleton Ravens (17-5-0) when they return to the Campus Ice Centre on Thursday night. Game time is at 7:30 p.m.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 17-11-1
Conference Record: 14-7-1
 
Next Game: Thu. Jan. 28 vs. Carleton