Box Score
Windsor, ON – Wednesday night in Windsor, the Gryphons men's hockey team won 3-1 over the Lancers in the opening game of their OUA West Final best-of-three series.  Game 2 is scheduled for 7:30pm on Friday night (Feb. 27) at the Gryphon Centre.
 
The sixth seeded Gryphons were able to open the scoring against the OUA's top-seeded Lancers thanks to a power play goal coming late in the first period. Gryphons third year defenceman Nicholas Trecapelli (Guelph, ON) would score for a second straight game to give the Gryphons a 1-0 lead heading to the second period.  Trecapelli, a former member of the Peterborough Petes, has recorded a point in five of the Gryphons seven playoff games.
 
In the second period, the Gryphons would extend their lead to 2-0 on the defending OUA champions, thanks to an unassisted goal from Michael Hasson.  The Lancers were able to get one back shortly after, as Ryan Green got Windsor on the board, making it a 2-1 game.  But late in the period, Guelph's two goal lead would be restored on Carlos Amestoy's fifth goal of the playoffs, making it 3-1 Guelph heading to the final period.
 
Gryphons first year goalie Andrew D'Agostini was once again impressive for the Gryphons in between the pipes.  D'Agostini was able to rob Lancers forward Matt Beaudoin point blank, sticking out a pad to keep it out and maintain Guelph's 3-1 lead.  D'Agostini made 35 saves on the night and got some help in front of him as well. With around four minutes remaining in regulation, the Gryphons found themselves shorthanded after a high sticking penalty to Jordan Mock. However, some great work by the Gryphons penalty kill unit would keep it a 3-1 game and ultimately end any chance of a Windsor comeback.  The Gryphons become just the fourth visiting team all season to win at South Windsor Arena as they would take Game 1 by a final score of 3-1.  Nick Trecapelli finished with a two point night with one goal and one assist. 
 
With the win, the Gryphons now sit just one victory away from hosting the OUA Final (Queen's Cup) and qualifying for the CIS Championships in Halifax (March 12-15). However, finishing off the defending champs will be no small task. Windsor also lost the opening game of their OUA quarterfinal series versus Brock before storming back to win the next two. Game 2 between the Gryphons and Lancers is scheduled for 7:30pm on Friday night (Feb. 27) at the Gryphon Centre.