(FREDERICTON, N.B.) Cam Brace (Etobicoke, Ont.) scored the only goal of the game, as the UNB Varsity Reds beat the Saint Mary's Huskies 1-0, taking a 2-0 lead in their Subway AUS semi-final series.
"It's big for the confidence, it helps me out and that's all you can ask for," said Brace, when asked about scoring the game winner.
Saint Mary's now faces elimination, while the Varsity Reds can gain a birth in the AUS Championship with a win on Monday.
"That's life, we had our chances to win and we didn't get it done," said Saint Mary's head coach Trevor Stienburg.
The first period was scoreless, with the Varsity Reds outshooting Saint Mary's 12-5.
The Huskies pushed back in the second, outshooting the Varsity Reds 12-7. They had little to show for it however, failing to convert on four consecutive power-plays in the period.
Brace converted on the only power-play for the Varsity Reds, breaking the scoreless tie at the 14:00 mark of the second.
"He's a difference-maker on a shift, with his speed and his shot he can get one chance and put it in," said UNB head coach Gardiner MacDougall.
The Varsity Reds fended off a late 6-on-4 advantage for Saint Mary's, to hold on for the win.
The Varsity Reds out-shot Saint Mary's 27-24.
"When you play that well and you don't get the results, it's tough in these five game series," said Saint Mary's forward Calder Brooks (Emerald Park, Sask.).
Alex Dubeau (Mascouche, Que.) made 24 saves to earn the shutout for the Varsity Reds. He was named Subway Player of the Game.
Eric Brassard (St.Hubert, Que.) made 26 saves for the Huskies.
"It felt good, I think as a group we all felt really good, I think we started much better than yesterday's game, especially in the first period," said Dubeau, of his and his team's performance.
Matt Boudens (Pembroke, Ont.) and Chris Caissy (Campbellton, N.B.) had assists for the Varsity Reds.
The series now shifts to Halifax for game three, on Monday. Game time is 7 p.m.
Source: Jonathon James for UNB Athletics