Axemen Hand VReds First Loss

(WOLFVILLE, NS) The Acadia Axemen defeated the UNB Varsity Reds 2-1, Friday, handing the VReds their first regulation loss of the season and snapping UNB's eight-game winning streak.

Axemen goaltender Robert Steeves(Moncton, NB) had a stellar game, giving Acadia a win against U Sports No. 1 ranked team.

Acadia struck first, in a fast paced first period. Fourth year defenseman Geoff Schemitsch(Thornhill, ON) took a slap shot from the point that was redirected by forward Michael Clarke(Halifax, NS), to put the Axemen up 1-0.

UNB responded roughly six minutes later, at the beginning of a four-minute penalty kill, when fifth year forward, Rob Mignardi(Richmond Hill, ON), sped past the defenseman and ripped a low wrist shot past Steeves.

By period's end, UNB led in shots, 11-9, with the game tied at 1-1, and the Axemen carrying a power-play over into the second.

The second period was an exciting, penalty-filled affair, as the teams combined for 20-minutes of penalties.

Acadia took advantage, third year forward Remy Giftopoulos(Ancaster, ON) scored on the power-play a minute before the halfway mark of the second. Giftopoulos picked up Clarke's rebound off the right pad of UNB goaltender Etienne Marcoux(Terrebonne, QC) and flipped it up over his right shoulder.

Steeves made a number of amazing saves in the second to prevent sure goals by UNB. A particular highlight was a Kevin Pillar-esque Superman dive across the crease to rob a one-time shot on a UNB man-advantage.

Heading into the third, the Axemen led 2-1.

Neither team was able to score during the third, but both teams continued their penalty troubles, with the teams combining for 20 more minutes of penalties, and 56 minutes for the game. Acadia went 2-for-9 on the power-play, while UNB went 0-for-11 on the night.

Steeves received the Subway Player of the Game award, while Varsity Reds forward, Cameron Brace(Markham, ON) and Axemen forward, Michael Clarke, took home second and third star, respectively.

Steeves stopped 38 of 39 shots, while Marcoux turned aside 12 of 14 shots.

The Axemen hit the ice again Saturday night, when they host UPEI.

UNB heads to Halifax to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies, at 7:00 p.m.

RECAP BY: Josh Foote, for Acadia Athletics Sports Information