Axemen advance to AUS semifinal round with win over X-Men
The Acadia Axemen secured a 2-1 victory over the StFX X-Men at home in Game 3 of their best-of-three series. The win advances Acadia to the semifinal round against the Moncton Aigles Bleus. The next game is scheduled for Friday night in Moncton.
Acadia's goaltender made 30 saves, helping preserve the lead despite a strong push from the visitors late in the game.
Justin DeZoete scored the game-winning goal and recorded four shots on net. Bailey Peach added a goal and finished with a +1 rating. Thomas Couture stopped 30 shots and allowed just one goal. Cole Nagy contributed an assist and won 20 of 25 faceoffs.
The first period ended scoreless despite steady offensive pressure from the Axemen. Acadia controlled possession and won several draws while testing StFX goaltender Patrick Leaver. Leaver made multiple saves, including stops on Kian Bell and Roenick Jodoin. At the other end, Couture denied several chances, including a late opportunity from Cameron Mercer. The teams went to the intermission tied 0–0.
Peach opened the scoring at 18:51 of the second period, finishing a play set up by Liam Kidney and Zak Lavoie. Both teams created chances throughout the period, but goaltending kept the score low. A late StFX penalty gave Acadia a power play, but the Axemen could not add to their lead before the period ended. Acadia led 1–0 after two periods.
StFX tied the game early in the third period when Raegan Wiles scored at 2:23, assisted by Charlie Callaghan and Ryan McGuire.
Acadia regained the lead at 15:06 when DeZoete scored, with assists from Lavoie and Nagy. The visitors pressed late and pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, but Acadia held on to secure the 2–1 victory and the series win.
