Reds Advance To U Cup Semi-Finals

(LETHBRIDGE, AB) – (U SPORTS) – Matt Bouden's second period goal lifted the No. 2 UNB Reds to a 2-1 win over the No. 7 Carleton Ravens in the quarter-finals at the 2019 Cavendish Farms University Cup, in Lethbridge, Alberta.

The Reds led Atlantic University Sport teams averaging 5.00 goals per game, but the Ravens defence came to play, as did Carleton goalie Francois Brassard.

UNB outshot the Ravens 38-23.

"This time of the year, it's about trying to be one goal better," explained UNB head coach Gardiner MacDougall. "Obviously, a good scare is a lot better than a good loss. I think the group found a way, and a crucial part is when you can score first, that is the key for the confidence level of any team."

Both goaltenders were named players of the game for their respective teams.

Tyler Boland gave UNB a 1-0 lead in the first period, ending a brilliant passing sequence.

As the Reds moved into the Carleton zone, Chris Clapperton fired a hard pass at a streaking Stephen Anderson at the right faceoff circle. Anderson then feathered the puck to second-year forward Tyler Boland, at the top of the crease. He made no mistake, tapping the puck into the Ravens net for a 1-0 UNB lead.
Carleton would begin to build momentum late in the period, testing UNB goaltender Alex Dubeau with quality chances.

Carleton's efforts would be rewarded just over four minutes into the second period, off a wild series of events.

Second-year forward Matthew Forchuk was denied after receiving a pass at the top of the right crease area. Dubeau couldn't corral the rebound, and Forchuk would make good on his second opportunity to level the game 1-1.

Boudens' goal came less than two minutes later, after another nifty passing sequence.

In the third period, the Ravens would find themselves at an early disadvantage, taking a holding penalty just minutes into the final frame. A minute later, Carleton would be called for a tripping penalty, putting UNB on a two-man advantage. The Reds would be unable to muster much against the stifling Carleton penalty kill, keeping the Ravens in the game.

Carleton would press late, but Dubeau would shut the door, helping UNB advance to Saturday's semi-finals.
"I think it doesn't get old," said Boudens. "As a team, you show up in late August and this is the end goal. We work all year and take nothing for granted. It does not matter how it looks as long as you end up with the W. I thought we shut it down there in the end and (got) the victory."

"They played us hard and it was a good game," stated UNB captain Marcus McIvor. "I think we just stayed composed and kept going with the game plan. It ended up working out for us."

 "They worked hard. They came and gave us their all, their goalie was good, their back end with puck as well, and their forwards were on us. They were good."

The Reds will face the winner of Friday's second quarter-final, between Queen's and St FX.

Puck drop is set for 9:00pm Atlantic Saturday.

The game will be televised on Sportsnet 360.