The Guelph Gryphons opened their season with a 5-2 pre-season road win in Oshawa against the U.O.I.T. Ridgebacks on Sunday.

The game featured plenty of powerplays and both teams took advantage of the extra man during the game.

The Gryphons opened the scoring in the first period with the only even strength goal of the game by Trevor Morbeck (Jackson, Wis.) assisted by William Cochrane (Terrebonne, Que.) and Nick Trecapelli (Guelph).  That was followed by a rocket from the point on the powerplay by Mark Raycroft (Woodstock) on assists from Steve Strong (Oakville) and Morbeck.  The Gryphons outshot the Ridgebacks 16-11 in the period.

Guelph opened a 3-0 lead in the second on a powerplay goal by Strong and set up by Mike Hasson (Ariss) and Jordan Mock (Dartmouth, N.S.).

In the third period both teams traded goals with the man advantage as Guelph's Rob DeFulviis (Toronto) scored on a rebound set up by Len Fabbri (Mississauga) and Thomas Kohler (St. Thomas).  Mac Nichol (Listowel) completed the scoring for Guelph with assists from Trecapelli and DeFulviis.  U.O.I.T. responded with two goals from Shaw to complete the scoring.

Goaltender Keith Hamilton (Kelowna, B.C.) went the distance for the win making 32 saves on 34 shots.  Guelph outshot the Ridgebacks 41-34 in the game.

Next action for the Gryphons is Thurs. Sept. 18 when the Guelph visits Brock at 7:15 P.M. to open the Steel Blade Tournament hosted by the Badgers.