Axemen take point from nationally ranked REDS

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The Acadia Axemen fell 3-2 in overtime to the top-ranked UNB Reds on Friday in AUS men's hockey action at Acadia University.

Ethan Ernst and Cam MacDonald scored for Acadia, with MacDonald excelling in the faceoff circle, winning 14 draws. Brady Burns added an assist, while goaltender Thomas Couture made 38 saves in a strong performance despite the loss.

Acadia jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. MacDonald opened the scoring at 1:53, assisted by Burns and Conor Shortall. Ernst added to the lead at 5:13 with a goal set up by Brendan Tomilson and Liam Kidney. Couture made several key saves to preserve the lead, and both teams went scoreless on the power play, leaving Acadia up 2-0 after the first.

UNB responded in the second period. Oliver Peer scored a power-play goal at 5:28, assisted by Emmett Sproule and Sam McGinley. Both goaltenders, Couture for Acadia and Remi Delafontaine for UNB, made crucial saves to keep the score close. Despite a power-play opportunity at 12:40, Acadia couldn't capitalize and carried a 2-1 lead into the third.

In the third period, Peer tied the game for UNB at 15:18, scoring his second of the night with assists from Colton Kammerer and McGinley. Acadia's defense and Couture's goaltending held strong to force overtime.

Overtime saw UNB's Cole MacKay net the winner at 2:15, assisted by Michael Petizian and Justin Nolet. The goal marked MacKay's first of the season and secured the Reds' victory.

UNB's Peer led the way with two goals, while McGinley added two assists. Delafontaine was steady in goal, making 23 saves.

The Axemen will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host the Moncton Aigles Bleus at 7 p.m. at Acadia University.