UOIT men’s hockey team stuns Top 10 U.S. powerhouse Michigan Wolverines

It was a most memorable journey south of the border for the UOIT Ridgebacks men’s hockey team as they defeated the University of Michigan Wolverines 3-2 in an exhibition game on October 1 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The win by the Ridgebacks represents one of the greatest achievements in UOIT men’s hockey history. The Wolverines enter the new season ranked number six in U.S. national polls and were last year’s finalists in the U.S. national championship (NCAA Frozen Four). 

“It may have been the best game we have ever played in the five-year history of our program,” said UOIT head coach Marlin Muylaert. “Michigan came out flying to begin the game. The crowd was buzzing for their home opener and they fed off the energy in the building. After their first goal, our team managed to settle things down and stick to our game plan.”

UOIT built a 3-1 lead on goals by Brendan Wise (Stouffville, ON), James Woodcroft (Milton, ON) and Jesse Stoughton (Bobcaygeon, ON). Michigan got one goal back midway in the third, but goaltender Jason Guy (Whitby, ON) held the fort, making a remarkable 54 saves in the win. UOIT managed to kill off nine of Michigan’s 10 power play chances.

This was the Ridgebacks’ second win over a NCAA opponent as they defeated Ferris State last fall.