(WOLFVILLE, NS) The U Sports No. 1 UNB Varsity Reds defeated the No. 4 ranked Acadia Axemen 6-1 on Saturday night.

Although Acadia jumped out to an early first period lead, UNB scored six unanswered goals to rebound from an overtime loss against Saint Mary's on Friday.

Acadia scored on their first shot of the game when forward Boston Leier(Saskatoon, SK) skated through three UNB defenders before beating VReds goalie Etienne Marcoux(Terrebonne, QC).

UNB struck back less than two minutes later with a goal from senior forward Mike Thomas(New Maryland, NB), who picked up a rebound in tight on Acadia goalie Robert Steeves(Moncton, NB) and swatted the puck over Steeves' left shoulder to tie the game 1-1.

UNB then took the lead when defenceman Randy Gazzola(Thorhold, ON) beat a screened Steeves, to give UNB their first lead of the game and a 16-4 shots on net advantage.

UNB began to pull away in the second period, adding two power-play markers. The first from Rob Mignardi(Richmond Hill, ON), the second off the stick of Jordan Murray(Riverview, NB).

UNB added two more in the third period to go up 6-1.

Murray scored his second and Matt Boudens(Pembroke, ON) sealed the game late in the third.

Axeman captain Geoff Schemitsch(Thornhill, ON) made no excuses for the loss, but pointed out it was a tough game against the No. 1 team.

"We lost some guys last night that definitely hurt us to come in against the top ranked team in the country shorthanded and we have been playing with a short bench for quite some time now", said Schemitsch. "You really need everyone to be going against that team. Obviously, we can be better, we have more to give so hopefully next week we can turn it around and give them a better game."

UNB took advantage of the power-play, going 3-for-8 on the night, while Acadia was 0-for-6.

UNB's Chris Clapperton(Cap Espoir, QC) was named the Subway Player of the Game. Clapperton had three assists on the night, while Schemitsch and Murray were second and third stars, respectively.

The Varsity Reds host Saint Mary's Friday night, before a re-match with the Axemen on Saturday. Both games, at the Aitken University Centre, are scheduled for 7:00PM.

RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Acadia Athletics