In their season-opening 9-3 win, the offense came easily for the Waterloo Warriors. But just two nights later, the bounces didn't go the way of the black and gold.

Hunter Atchison's two third-period goals – his first two career USports markers – were the difference, as the Toronto Varsity Blues claimed a 3-1 decision over the Warriors on Friday night at the Columbia Icefield Arena.

The win gave head coach Ryan Medel a victory in his head coaching debut, while the Warriors fall to 1-1 on the young season. Markson Bechtold (Strathmore/)'s first career USports goal was the only tally for Waterloo in what was a disjointed game dictated by bouncing pucks.

The Blues came out the hungrier of the two clubs, outshooting the Warriors 14-6 in the first period. They also earned the stanza's only goal, albeit a controversial one – Luca Leone got the last touch on a bouncing puck in the feet of Waterloo goalie Mike Morrison (Hamilton/), but it was unclear whether the puck crossed the line. After deliberations between the on-ice officials, it was called a goal – also Leone's first of his career – for a 1-0 Toronto lead after 20 minutes.

Waterloo was a different team in the second, and they evened things on the shot clock and in puck possession time – but were unable to equalize on the scoreboard. However, with just 13 seconds left in the middle frame, the Blues were assessed two minors on the same play to send Waterloo to a two-minute 5-on-3 advantage.

Bechtold made them pay early in the third, knotting the game at 1-1 on the power play with a wicked wrister. But Toronto responded with a pair of strange goals from Atchison to reclaim the lead, and then extend it.

First, Atchison grabbed a puck that stopped on a dime behind the Waterloo net, and shoved a wraparound in on Morrison's left side while the keeper waited for it to come around to his right. Then, on a partial breakaway, Atchison looked to partially fan on his wrister, but the changeup squeaked through Morrison's pads for a 3-1 Toronto lead.

The Warriors will now head out for their first two road games of the season next weekend, when they travel to face the Laurentian Voyageurs and Nipissing Lakers.