Lancers men's hockey clash with Rams
By Tanya Quaglia
Lance Writers
November 18, 2009
 Friday the 13th was anything but unlucky for the Windsor Lancers Men’s hockey team.
The Lancers defeated the Ryerson Rams in spectacular fashion, easily winning by a score of 8-4.
Rookie defenseman Christian Steingraber was a huge part of the win, recording his first Canadian Interuniversity Sport hat trick in the third period.
The Lancers took control halfway through the first period when Mark Thorburn found the back of the net, giving the Lancers a 1-0 lead.
The Lancers offense was relentless, out shooting the Rams 13-14 after one period of play.
The Rams tied the game just 25 seconds into the second period, but the Lancers responded five minutes later with two goals less than a minute apart.
Goal scorers were Brett Oliphant and Josh Gaynor.
Matt McCready was credited with an assist on both goals.
Ryerson would score once more to close out the period, but the Lancers held on to a 3-2 lead with one period left to play.
Six goals were scored in the first 10 minutes of the third period.
Windsor recorded five goals in a 10-minute span, including three by Steingraber giving him a hat-trick.
Other Lancer goal scorers were Brett Vandehogen and Kyle Tront.
Captain Kyle Nishizaki earned two assists, as did Gaynor.
Goaltender Jim Watt earned himself another victory.
He made 21 saves to give the Lancers the 8-4 win.
The Lancers’ offense has improved dramatically since their losses in October.
They are putting pressure on the opposing goalies and finding ways to score as well as keep the puck away from opposing teams.
On Saturday afternoon the Lancers hosted “Fan Fest” as a part of Alumni Weekend. Numerous hockey teams, Windsor clubs and organizations, and fans from the Windsor were invited to watch the game and partake in fun filled activities, including an autograph meet and greet with the team.
In hockey action, the Lancers lost 4-3 in a shoot out to the Rams, despite playing an overall good game.
In the first period, Windsor could not capitalize on a power-play opportunity, and Josh McNair scored short-handed to give the Rams a 1-0 lead.
Brett Oliphant tied the game shortly after with his third goal of the season.
Windsor let their game slip away from them in the second period.
Jim Watt was pressured with 16 shots in the second alone.
Before the period ended, Ryerson scored twice, giving them a 3-1 lead.
Windsor was held to just six shots on net.
The Lancers rebounded in the third period and finally challenged Rams’ goalie Louie George.
Kyle Tront scored a little over two minutes in off passes from Danny Anger and Scott Todd.
Windsor continued to put pressure on the Rams, earning 19 shots on net and limiting the Rams to just three.
With just under three minutes remaining, Oliphant tied the game for the Lancers with his second goal of the afternoon.
The game headed into a shootout after neither team could score in overtime.
Watt denied the first three shooters for the Rams but the fourth shooter, Alex Sharpe, was able to sneak one past him.
George stopped all four of the Lancers’ attempts.
The Lancers now head to Kingston, Ontario to face the Queen’s Golden Gaels on Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s game is scheduled to start at 7.30 p.m. and Saturday’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m.
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