Streak increases to nine with 4-2 win over Dalhousie

WOLFIVLLE, N.S. - The CIS No. 4 ranked Acadia Axemen hockey team extended their winning streak to nine with a 4-2 win over the scrappy Dalhousie Tigers who picked up a win in their last game against the Saint Mary's Huskies - their second of the season.

Alex Beaton opened up the first period scoring with a goal at the three minute mark assisted by linemates Scott Trask and Tyler Ferry. The Tigers responded with 20 seconds remaining in the first, when Tiger Fabian Walsh knotted the score with the help of Brett Plouffe and Chris Ivanko.

The Axemen retook the lead in the second period, when Brett Thompson scored his fifth of the season from Mike Cazzola and Liam Heelis to end the first 40 minutes 2-1.

The Tigers came back with an early goal in the third to tie the game at two, when Brett Theberge scored unassisted. Tied in the closing minute of the game, fourth year defenceman Chris Owens scored the eventual game winner - his second in the last two games - assisted by Cazzola.

With just 34 seconds left in the game, league leading scorer, Liam Heelis, netted the insurance goal on the power play, assisted by Cazzola and Thompson.

The Axemen hold a point lead on the UNB Varsity Reds in the AUS standings. The top three AUS point leaders including Heelis with 20 points - 11 goals and nine assists, followed by linemates Mike Cazzola with 15 points - 2 goals and 13 assists, and Brett Thompson with 14 points - 5 goals and nine assists.

First year netminder, Brandon Glover, turned aside 17 shots for the win. Wendell Vye made 38 saves in a losing cause.

The Axemen will cap off the first half of the season with an away game in Antigonish on Wednesday against StFX and then return home for two games at home including Moncton on Friday and a UNB on Saturday.