Members of the men’s hockey team felt two separate emotions after beating the UOIT Ridgebacks Tuesday night.

The majority of the team’s players were visibly excited after pulling out a 6-4 win — just their second victory in the past nine games.

The win put the Gaels (10-12-1) two points ahead of UOIT (9-14-1) for sixth place in the OUA East. Queen’s has three games remaining on their schedule. While head coach Brett Gibson was satisfied with the outcome, he felt there were persisting defensive issues that could have cost his team the game.

Queen’s jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one period, but surrendered four straight goals in the first 10:45 of the second period.

“It’s frustrating,” Gibson said. “The only thing we’ll take away from this game is the two points.”

Down 4-2, Queen’s came back with four straight goals of their own, regaining the lead and holding on for the victory.

Centre Darcy Greenaway had his second hat trick for Queen’s this year, bringing his season goal total to 15, highest among OUA rookies. His 15 goals are the highest of any Gael since Bobby Olsen racked up 19 during the 2007-08 season.

“He stepped up in a positive way — he was going all night,” Gibson said. “I could tell from the first shift he was ready to play tonight.”

Forwards Andrew Wiebe and Corey Bureau also recorded tallies, while winger Ryan Bloom scored the game-winning goal. Gibson said Bloom has more to prove this year after scoring just twice in 12 games.

“He’s got to get some confidence,” Gibson said. “Hopefully, this goal will help that take off for him.”

Greenaway’s first goal and Bureau’s goal came from a power play unit that had been struggling recently, but clicked well against UOIT, generating scoring chances on nearly every possession.

Gaels goaltender Chris Clarke stopped all 17 shots he faced after replacing starter Kevin Bailie after the fourth Ridgebacks goal.

“It’s a good feeling,” Clarke said. “Every night, I try to be ready.”

Even though the team was excited after their big victory, Greenaway said the Gaels have to continue to work to prevent the lapses that affected them.

Queen’s takes their final road trip of the year this Saturday, when they’ll face off against the Laurentian Voyageurs (12-8-3).

“We’d like to be a little more defensive,” Greenaway said. “There’s a lot of video we’ll take from that game, but for now, we’ll take the two points and move forward.”