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Rams slaughter Paladins after serving suspension

By Kyle Edwards

The Ryerson Rams men’s hockey team dominated the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) Paladins in a 7-1 decision on Friday night at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

It was the Rams first game since Nov. 2 and they showed few signs of rust as they shut down the Paladins’ offence and registered 59 shots en route to a lopsided victory.

“We lost the game before the suspension and then with the two suspension losses we were on a three game losing streak so it was very crucial that we came back and got the two points tonight,” said assistant coach Johnny Duco. “It’s a log jam in the standings and we can’t afford to give away any points.”

From puck drop, the Rams (6-4-0) controlled the pace of the game, forward Robert Visca opened the scoring for the home team five minutes into the game after receiving a pass from behind the net and beating the Paladins (0-11-0) goaltender Paul Dorsey top corner.

The Rams were constantly able to back up the Paladins defenders in the offensive zone and capped off the period with two more goals, both from first-year forward Dominec Alberga, his second coming off a shorthanded breakaway beating the goalie over the glove.

“It’s a good feeling, especially in this building with a lot of heritage,” said Alberga, who tallied two goals and one assist. “This week in practice was hard and Duco got us right into shape for the game and we knew we had to come out and not underestimate this team.”

Defenceman Kent McPherson scored the Rams second shorthanded goal of the night on a rebound chance to go up 4-0 after 40 minutes. Dustin Alcock netted two goals for the Rams in the third period.

After setting up Jason McDonough’s third period goal, Visca was injured on the play and was lifted off of the ice on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. There is no word on the injury.

Rams goaltender Adam Courchaine was 5 minutes away from a shutout before being beat by Paladins forward Eric Louis-Seize on the power play to make the score 7-1, in what would be the final.

Courchaine said Visca’s injury hurts morale but the team has to turn the page quickly.

“It’s a tough one but at the same time we’re all going to be pulling for him and rooting for him and playing tomorrow for him,” said Courchaine, who saved 16 of 17 shots.

The Rams are back at it again on Saturday against the Carleton Ravens at Mattamy Athletic Centre.

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