Couture and Russell named Acadia athletes of the week

Thomas Couture (men’s hockey) and Samantha Russell (women’s basketball) have been named Acadia athletes of the week for the period ending Feb. 15 following strong performances in AUS competition.

Couture, a third-year business administration student from Lévis, Que., made 27 saves and recorded an assist in Friday’s 3-1 win over Dalhousie. He followed with 26 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to STFX, posting back-to-back strong performances in goal. The Axemen finished third in AUS regular-season play and will host STFX in their AUS quarterfinal series starting Wednesday night at home.

Russell, a fifth-year finance student from Dartmouth, N.S., helped lead the Axewomen to wins over Dalhousie and Cape Breton. She recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, adding two assists and a steal in Friday’s 62-57 victory. Russell followed with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in Saturday’s 76-62 win over Cape Breton, as the Axewomen secured a bye to the AUS championship semifinal.

The Acadia athletes of the week are presented by McDonald’s.