Flaman's three goals help Axemen in 5-3 over Panthers

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - Acadia's Jack Flaman scored twice in the third period, as the Axemen took down the UPEI Panthers 5-3. 

Flaman finished with a natural hat trick, scoring his first goal late in the first followed by the two in the third. Owen MacDonald recorded a goal and an assist, while Cristiano Digiancinto also connected on a goal. Eric Henderson had two assists in the win. 

MacDonald opened the scoring at 2:13 of the first off a Panther miscue in front of their net to take an early lead. However, that lead was short-lived, as Owen Headrick fired a shot from the point three minutes later to tie the game at one. 

The Axemen (16-4-0) reclaimed the lead on a shorthanded Digiacinto on a feed from assisted by Liam Maaskant at 11:46. Flaman scored Acadia's third goal of the period with just 59 seconds remaining. 

UPEI (7-9-3) carried the play for most of the period and broke through at 12:17 when rookie forward Jordan Maher gathered a rebound off Conor MacEachern's quick shot from the point and put it past Logan Flodell. In just his second game with the Panthers, rookie defenceman Matt Brassard recorded his first AUS goal at 15:52. Kyle Maksimovich and Kameron Kielly were credited with the assists. 

Flaman beat goaltender Simon Hofley on an odd-man rush just 18 seconds into the third for his second of the contest. Despite the early goal, the period was a defensive battle with Flodell playing a big part. The netminder made 13 saves in the frame and 38 overall and was named the Subway Player of the Game for his effort. With 14 seconds remaining, Flaman added the empty-netter and recorded the hat trick to seal the 5-3 win. 

The Panthers look to get back in the win column on Jan. 7 when they welcome the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus, while the Axemen retain first place in the AUS and will host Dalhousie this coming Wednesday night, both games start at 7:00 p.m.

Provided by Thomas Becker, UPEI Communications