(Halifax, NS) – In Saturday night men's hockey action, the Dalhousie Tigers hosted the Acadia Axemen at the Halifax Forum. Two goals over a seven-second span proved to be the difference in a 5-3 Tigers win.
The Tigers controlled the puck early as they created an offensive chance in Acadia's end. They were able to apply pressure down low which led to a wrap around chance but Logan Flodell (Regina, SK) made a good save to prevent the goal.
The Tigers did not let up on pressure as they were able to create most of the scoring opportunities to start the period. After a blocked shot, Andrew Shewfelt (Dartmouth, NS) was able to pick up the loose puck and put it in the net for the early lead.
After the goal, the Axemen were able to try and gain momentum back after the Tigers were handed an interference call. They were able to put several pucks on net however Connor Hicks (Kanata, ON) remained steady.
After some neutral zone play, the Tigers were given a power play opportunity of their own. Although they were down a man, it was the Axemen who had the best scoring chance on the power play as Eric Henderson (Kingsville, ON) was sprung on a breakaway. He came in with plenty of speed but put the puck just past the net.
The Tigers were able to pick up another man advantage after the Axemen were called for a hooking penalty. They were able to generate more scoring chances this time around however Flodell made timely saves to keep the deficit at one heading into the second period.
The second period started with a Tigers power play as Stephen Harper (Burlington, ON) was sent to the penalty box. The Tigers were able to get into the attacking zone and created an amazing cycle. Cameron Thompson (Victoria, BC) was able to pick up a pass and blaze it past the goaltender to make it 2-0 Tigers.
The Tigers then wasted absolutely no time as they immediately found themselves in the attacking zone right after the face off. The Tigers entered the zone with speed and Colton Heffley (Swift Current, SK) potted the second goal of the period just seven seconds later.
Things began to get chippy midway through the game as both sides began hitting harder. As the period went on the game became much more physical in the neutral zone.
The score remained the same for most of the period as each team came up with minor scoring chances but weren't able to capitalize. With just under three minutes to play, Brett Crossley (Dartmouth, NS) picked up the puck in the offensive zone and scored a beautiful goal bar down to extend the lead to four.
The Axemen came out with a new game plan on offence as they began putting bodies in net. The strategy turned out to be successful as Henderson was able to pick up the puck behind the net and set up Jack Flaman (Vbank, SK) out front to put the Axemen on the board early in the frame.
With their new-found momentum, Acadia was able to create more pressure down low. They were able to start some great puck movement in the offensive zone which led to Owen MacDonald (Elora, ON) firing a shot past Hicks to cut the deficit in half.
The Axemen did not let up after the second goal. After a penalty was assessed to the Tigers, the power play unit took the ice. Maurizio Colella (Tottenham, ON) was able to break through the zone with tremendous speed and scored a nifty wrap around goal to bring the game within one.
With just over a minute left, the Axemen pulled the goaltender for an extra attacker. They weren't able to create an effective scoring chance and the Tigers picked up the puck in their own end. Chandler Yakimowicz (Kingston, ON) carried the puck over centre ice and put the puck in the empty net for the 5-3 lead. This would prove to be the final goal as the Tigers picked up the win.
Andrew Shewfelt earned Subway Player of the Game honours.
The Tigers are back in action next Friday when they travel to take on the UNB Reds, while the Axemen head back home to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies this Wednesday.