Axemen open season with convincing 3-0 win over Mounties

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - The Acadia Axemen shut out the Mount Allison Mounties 3-0 during their home opener on Friday evening.

Each team saw their fair share of scoring chances in the first half. The two went back and forth trying to get the first goal of the game, but it was the Axemen who found the back of the net first. Joe Iatrou (Timberlea, N.S.) fired up the crowd with his go-ahead goal in the 14th minute of the game.

Iatrou's early goal took some of the pressure off the Axemen, but it remained a tough battle with little room for error. Near the 28 minute mark, Acadia defender Daniel Whalen (Vernon River, P.E.I.) cut up the field and sent a low shot to the left-side of the net. The perfectly placed shot was just out of the reach of Mount Allison goalie Michael Cormier (Margaree Valley, N.S.), giving Acadia the insurance goal they wanted.

The pace of the game remained quick for the remainder of the second half, and the Axemen kept their 2-0 lead going into the break. Acadia brought a more relaxed approach to the second half with short, smart passes. Each successful pass bought them a few more seconds off the clock and closer to victory.

With 20 minutes left in the game, Iatrou collided with a Mount Allison defender and was taken to the ground. Iatrou took a few seconds to recollect himself before rejoining the game.

The Axemen locked the game up with another goal from Iatrou. Their third came with 8 minutes left on the clock after Mount Allison's goaltender mishandled the ball and gave Iatrou an open net. Iatrou tried for the hattrick with 4 minutes left in the game, but hit the post on a free kick. Another shot of his sailed just over the top right corner before he was substituted out with a minute left.

Everyone on the home team played their role and had an excellent game. Spencer Buck (Quispamsis, N.B.) was recognized as the Subway Player of the Game.

After the game, Buck applauded his team for their all-around performance.

"For the most part we were trying to stick to our game plan and stay confident. We played solid defence when we needed to and got things done on offence," Buck says. "We still have some things to work on, but we're happy with the win."

Cameron Bullerwell (unlisted) of the Mount Allison Mounties kept the game competitive by shutting the Axemen down on offence several times with his defensive efforts. His hard-work earned him a Subway Player of the Game award.

Acadia's game against Dalhousie on Sunday is scheduled to go forward for now.

Mount Allison will head back home to host Moncton on Sunday.

Submitted by Theodore Giesen, Acadia Athletics Communications