Axemen to meet X-Men in AUS quarterfinal

ANTIGONISH, N.S. — The Acadia Axemen dropped a 3-1 decision to the StFX X-Men on Saturday in their final regular-season matchup before meeting in the AUS quarterfinal. The best-of-three series begins Thursday, Feb. 20, adding further intensity to an already fierce rivalry.

Adam McMaster provided Acadia's lone goal, scoring on the power play. Luke Zazula led the team in penalty minutes with 29, including a major penalty, while Brady Burns registered an assist and finished with a +1 rating. Goaltender Thomas Couture made 23 saves in a strong defensive effort despite the loss.

StFX opened the scoring late in the first period when Dallas Farrell found the back of the net at 18:56, assisted by Zack Trott and Charlie Callaghan. The X-Men controlled the faceoff circle throughout the period, including key wins at 4:18 and 13:45. Both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, with Couture making multiple stops while StFX fired 17 missed shots. The period ended with tempers flaring, as Acadia's Zazula and StFX's Alex Christopoulos were penalized for fighting after a heated exchange at 19:50.

StFX quickly doubled its lead just 40 seconds into the second period when Trott scored, assisted by Callaghan. The X-Men extended their advantage to 3-0 at 7:12 as Cole Stewart finished a setup from Ryan Struthers and Clark Webster. Acadia responded at 16:30 with McMaster's power-play goal, assisted by Burns and Charlie Desroches, cutting the deficit to two heading into the third period.

The final frame was defined by missed opportunities and penalty trouble for both sides. Acadia's offense, led by Desroches, Brendan Mairs and Cam MacDonald, tested StFX goaltender Patrick Leaver, who stood tall with key saves. StFX, dominant in the faceoff circle, struggled to convert their possession advantage into goals. The period featured a series of penalties, including a flurry of roughing and misconduct calls at 19:27, but neither team found the back of the net.

Leaver finished with 30 saves for StFX, allowing just one goal. Trott recorded a goal and an assist, with his tally standing as the game-winner. Farrell and Stewart each added a goal for the X-Men, while Christopoulos racked up 27 penalty minutes, including a major.

Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday, Feb. 22, at Acadia.