Axemen hope to keep ball rolling from last season

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Completing the regular season last year with a 9-1-2 first place record in the AUS, hopes are high that the Axemen can continue the charge this season.

With the loss of several key veterans, head coach Findlay MacRae will use the leadership experiences from last season including an AUS championship game appearance and U SPORTS quarterfinal penalty kick loss to host Guelph to build on this season.

The Axemen come off one of the best season for the program since it's return to Acadia in 2005. The Axemen finished second in the AUS standings last season and faced the host UNB Varsity Reds in the AUS semi-final game. With a win against UNB, the Axemen fell short in obtaining an AUS championship in a championship loss to Cape Breton.

Facing the number one seeded Guelph Gryphons in the U SPORTS semi-finals, the Axemen pushed the game into overtime and loss in penalty kicks.

The loss of All-Canadian defender and AUS Most Valuable Player Andrew Snyder will be a tough loss, but the Axemen have a long list of key returning players from last season including Ryan Parris, Cooper Coats, Spencer Buck, Matt Berrigan, Travis Fenning, Zack Visser, Tylor Connolly and Sean Langille.

Berrigan, Parris and Coats were all AUS All-Stars last season. Parris was also honoured last season as a U SPORTS All-Canadian.

"There have been no surprises in camp this season. All have come in looking really good.  Cale Saunders who was recruited last year to play his 5th year this year, is a big addition to the team this season," said head coach Findlay MacRae.

When asked what he saw as some of his team's strengths, MacRae pointed out the speed up front, experience and strong midfield play as some of the teams greatest assets.

"Technically we are a strong team. We have the needed speed up front and a strong midfield. We just need to score more goals." said MacRae.

The Axemen finished the exhibition season with two draws against Saint Mary's and wins against Moncton and Mount Allison and are currently ranked eighth in the U SPORTS men's Top 10 national rankings.

The Axemen begin the AUS regular season this Friday evening with the UNB Varsity Reds visiting Wolfville. Games are scheduled at 5:00 p.m. for the Axewomen followed by the Axemen at 7:15 p.m.