Courtesy: Stephen KassimThe Ravens earned a first round bye as they finished the regular season second in the standings with a 10-2-2 record. Meanwhile, Ryerson, who finished third in the standings with a 7-1-6 record, is coming off a first round 2-0 victory over Laurentian on Wednesday.
The Rams have the advantage in terms of momentum as they come off that first round victory but associate coach Filip Prostran knows that Carleton getting the bye and giving them hosting privileges will make things tough on his squad.
The Ravens were a perfect 7-0 at home this season and outscored opponents 23-2 at Ravens Field.
"To say they are going to be a tough game is an understatement. They are very well coached and hardworking and we are definitely going to have to earn it", said Prostran.
In the two meetings between the clubs this year, Ryerson dropped a 2-0 decision in Ottawa before settling for a 1-1 draw on home soil.
At this point in the season both teams will be battling through injuries but Prostran expects his seniors to step up while they face what could be their last OUA game.
"A lot of our guys are fighting for their college playing lives. We have four or five guys and this could be their last lap around the track, so to speak. They have to leave it all out there."
Alex Braletic (Thornhill, Ont.) has been trying to find his comfort zone since returning from an injury late in the season but looked good against Laurentian on Wednesday, distributing the ball evenly while shutting down the Voyageurs' attack.
Fifth year seniors Markus Molder (Toronto) and Vince D'Elia (Vaughan, Ont.) each had strong games in the first round and will carry the team from this point forward. Following Wednesday's victory, Molder spoke about taking the positives with them to Ottawa.
"Carleton is always tough. Last time we played them in playoffs we got the win so we are only thinking about the win and going forward from there."
Third year striker Viktor Anastasov (Toronto) looked as dangerous as he has all year on Wednesday, using his speed to create several opportunities for the Rams. His speed will be particularly beneficial against Carleton, a team that has been touted as one of the fittest and fastest in the league. If he can find the scoring touch of last year that eluded him for most of this season, Ryerson will be difficult to stop.
"We've seen them twice - lost one and tied one. Last year we lost both. We haven't beaten them in three years; we have to come prepared. I think we have what it takes this year", said Anastasov.
Defensively the Rams will have to key on the OUA's leading scorer from the regular season. Andrew Latty (Ottawa, Ont.) struck for goal 17 times in 13 games and will be a thorn in Ryerson's side.
Ryerson has put a strong focus on defence the whole season so there won't be any drastic changes heading into this matchup. The Rams allowed just nine goals against all season, second best in OUA play, and have not surrendered a goal since October 14.
A victory on Sunday would give the Rams a berth in the OUA Final Four tournament which takes place November 3 and 4. This year's Final Four will be hosted by the top remaining seed in the west division.
Sunday's kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Ravens Field and can be seen live online here.
