Axemen fall short for a second time with loss to StFX

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Coming off of a tough loss last night against the CIS No. 7 ranked Saint Mary's Huskies, the CIS #2 ranked Acadia Axemen fell short in a 2-0 loss to the StFX X-Men who posted back to back wins against Moncton and Dalhousie prior to tonight's game.

StFX scored early in the opening frame. The goal came on a quick break out, catching Acadia on the change. The ensuing 2-on-1 break had X-Man Jarrad Struthers pass it across to linemate Blake Gal who made no mistake putting it in the top corner.

Just seconds after the tally, Acadia's Michael Clarke took a four minute spearing penalty, but fortunately the X-men man-advantage was killed off, as Acadia gave up almost no chances for the remainder of the period.

With multiple opportunities from both Acadia and StFX during the opening period, the score remained 1-0 in the X-Men's favour after one.

The second frame was scoreless, with the shot on goal favouring Acadia 13-5. Both teams exchanged goal opportunities and hits, with the period highlighted by a huge toe save from the Axemen's goaltender Brandon Glover, keeping Acadia within one.

In the dying minute of the second period, Axemen rookie Sam Fioretti was hit questionably high by an X-Men player, and both Brett Thompson and Matt Pufahl took exception, initiating some rough stuff. Both players received roughing minors, along with StFX players Brent Turnbull and Michael Kirkpatrick. Thompson received an extra two minutes, to give StFX the man advantage.

Starting the period with an extra man, StFX continued their power play from the prior period, and it didn't take long for the X-Men to make Acadia pay for the tripping minor. After Glover made two miraculous saves, the puck found its way to the point, leaving Jagger Dirk with nearly the entire net to shoot at, as Glover was out of position and well outside the crease. Dirk wristed a shot past Glover, to record his first goal as an X-Man.

Acadia's Brandon Glover played very well and did everything he could to keep Acadia in the game, nevertheless it just wasn't enough as he made 20 saves in the loosing affair.

StFX goaltender Drew Owsley received the game's first star honours for his performance, making 35 saves for the shutout.

The StFX winning streak stretches to three as they host UPEI and St. Thomas next weekend. Acadia is set to go on a four game road trip starting next weekend, as they visit the CIS No. 8 ranked Moncton Aigles Blues on Friday followed by the No. 3 ranked UNB Varsity Reds. Then off to St. Thomas, and UPEI the following weekend.

The Axemen's next home game is set for November 26, when they play host to the struggling Dalhousie Tigers on a rare Wednesday night match up.

Submitted by Mitchell Racine, Acadia Sports Information Office

Game Notes: Darren Burns, Kevin Knopp, Dennis Sproxton and Paul Bailey were honoured during the game as this year's Axemen Hockey Honour Roll Inductees. The day was marked by a luncheon that celebrated this year's inductees.

Prior to the game, an announcement was made of a one million dollar donation by the Steven's Family Foundation for the addition of a high performance centre and dressing rooms for the hockey and football team. Read Release - Click Here>