HALIFAX, N.S. - They say "all great things must come to an end", and unfortunately for the Guelph Gryphons that phrase rang true Thursday evening. In a 2019-20 season that saw them overcome so much adversity and unpredictable circumstances, the Queen's Cup champions were unable to overcome the St. Mary's Huskies in their latest challenge as the two teams met in the 2020Â U SPORTS Cavendish Farms University Cup quarter-finals in Halifax.
Despite a goal from hometown kid Giordano Finoro late in the second period, the Gryphons were unable to solve the strong St. Mary's defensive zone otherwise as they fell 5-1. Coming off their thrilling 2-1 triple overtime victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees to claim the 109th Queen's Cup, the Gryphons had a hard time getting their offence generated on Thursday.
In what was their third visit to nationals in the last six years, Guelph hit the ice against the Huskies, going back and forth with their opponents to start the game. 
As the two teams felt out the other in the beginning, it would be St. Mary's getting on the board first. Using a long point-shot that got deflected in the slot, the Huskies took a 1-0 lead 7:52 in to the contest.
Although neither side able to find the back of the net for the remainder of the opening period, it did not take long in to the second for another goal to be registered. Less than a minute into the middle frame another long St. Mary's shot found its way through to double their lead. Trailing 2-0, the Gryphons went to the power-play midway through the period, however, they were unable to take advantage. Shortly after, on their own man-advantage the Huskies increased their lead to 3-0. Despite being down by three, the Gryphons continued to work away. As the period neared an end, Guelph was able to create some life. With under three minutes to go in the frame, the Gryphons were able to breakthrough. 
Connor Bramwell worked the puck behind the net, then found Finoro out front, who made no mistake.
Having momentum on their side going in to the third period the Gryphons continued to pressure the Huskies. Unfortunately though, after Guelph pressed for their second goal but were denied, St. Mary's found themselves on the receiving end of a bouncing puck goal. Off the end boards, the Huskies were able to jump on it first and net a goal from a difficult angle. In the end, the Huskies would tack on one more late to round out the scoring. The Gryphons finished the contest 0 for 3 on the power-play, while the Huskies went 1 for 1. St. Mary's out shot the Gryphons 36-24. St. Mary's will now advance to the semi-finals where they will take on the Western Mustangs. The other two quarter-finals will be played on Friday.
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NOTE:Â Just a few hours following the Gryphons quarter-final matchup with St. Mary's, U SPORTS announced the cancellation of the 2020 University Cup due to the evolving situation with COVID-19. For more information, visit usports.ca.
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