GUELPH, Ont. – With just four games remaining in the 2022-23 regular season schedule entering play on Friday night, there was little room for error for the Gryphons men's hockey team when it comes to making a late push and earning a spot in the OUA playoffs. The Gryphons made sure to keep their playoff hopes alive thanks to an impressive 2-0 win over TMU on Friday night at the Gryphon Centre.
 
The Gryphons got goals from captain Ted Nichol and assistant captain Zach Poirier, while Colton Incze turned away all 36 shots sent his way for the shutout, to help the Gryphons improve to 7-10-7 on the season. TMU (15-8-2), who currently sit 4th in the OUA West Division standings, had won each of the previous two head-to-head meetings with the Gryphons this season. But it was the Gryphons taking the two points this time around, with Ted Nichol getting the home team off to a fast start with a goal less than :30 seconds into the opening period of play. Poirier would add some insurance early in the 3rd period, and it would be more than enough for Colton Incze, who was outstanding throughout the night.  
 
For the Gryphons, it is a crucial two points gained in the OUA West Division standings, where Guelph now sits in 8th in the 10-team division (with the top six teams in the division earning a berth into the Queen's Cup playoffs). The York Lions currently hold down the 6th and final playoff spot in the division, but just two points separate York and Guelph, who are set to face each other twice in the final three games of the regular season.
 
The Gryphons push for the playoffs continues on home ice on Saturday night (Feb. 4) as they host the York Lions at the Gryphon Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm and can be seen live online at oua.tv.