Axemen extend winning streak to six with 4-3 win over UPEI

WOLFVILLE N.S. – The Acadia Axemen continued their hot start to the season as they defeated the visiting UPEI Panthers by a score of 4 to 3 on homecoming weekend.

The Axemen were the first team on the scoreboard almost halfway through the first period. Rodney Southam received a nice pass in the slot from teammate Eric Henderson before beating the UPEI goalie to the high glove for his first of the year. Maurizio Colella also assisted.

It took just over 2 and a half minutes for Acadia to double their lead when Johnny Corneil deflected in teammate Liam Maaskant's point shot to tally his second of the season. Jordy Stallard had the second assist on the play.

Acadia led 2 to 0 after the first 20 minutes.

Kyle Maksimovich opened the second-period scoring and brought UPEI within a goal after he weaved through the Axemen defense and beat goalie Logan Flodell with a wicked shot over the shoulder. The powerplay goal came just over 2 minutes into the frame and was assisted by Owen Headrick and Darian Pilon.

Maksimovich buried his second of the period and tied the game after maneuvering his way into the slot and eventually slipping a backhand shot through the Axemen goalie. The goal came at 12:28 into the second and was assisted by Jordan Maher and Andrew Picco.

Maurizio Colella got the last laugh of the period after his rush ended with him driving the net hard and eventually getting the puck up and over the goalie to score his third of the season. The goal came with just 1:06 left and assists went to Liam Maaskant and Garrett McFadden.

The teams headed into the dressing rooms with Acadia leading by a score of 3-2.

Stephen Harper gave Acadia a two-goal lead with just under 5 minutes left in the third, after coming out of the penalty box and negating an icing which allowed him the time to patiently get around the goalie and slip it into the open net. Cristiano DiGiacinto assisted on the goal.

UPEI was able to get one back with just 55 seconds remaining in the third, when Kameron Keilly found the back of the net with the help of Nick Shumlanski and Darian Pilon. That would be all that UPEI could muster as the Axemen held on to win 4-3. 

The Axemen outshot the Panthers 46-36, and UPEI had the better of the powerplay going 1 for 6, Acadia was 0 for 5.

The Panthers play St.Mary's next on Wednesday where they will be looking to bounce back after tonight's loss.

Acadia plays their next game at home against Saint Mary's on Friday night, where they have their sights set on continuing their current win streak.

Provided by Griffin Herrington, Acadia Athletics Communications