(HALIFAX, NS) The U SPORTS No. 1 UNB Reds scored four goals in the third period to steal a 5-2 win from the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday, the first game of the new year for both teams and the first game of the second half of the 2019-20 Atlantic University Sport season for both teams.
The Tigers opened the scoring, striking quickly with Kelly Bent (Halifax, NS) working hard on a forecheck to create a turn-over. He found Brett Crossley (Dartmouth, NS) in the slot and he one-timed the pass through the five-hole of Reds goalie Rylan Parenteau (Saskatoon, SK).
Tyler Boland (St. John's, NL) nearly had an equalizing goal just minutes later, off a turn-over in the Tigers zone. Connor Hicks (Kanata, ON) was able to make a save.
The Tigers added to their lead in the second period. Dillon Boucher (Head Chezzetcook, NS) took a quick shot that was stopped by Parenteau, but the rebound was left in front for Colton Heffley (Swift Current, SK) to clean up, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
With about a minute to go in the period, Tristan Pomerleau (Riviere-du-Loup, QC) was able to find a hole in the crowd in front of the Tigers net to score the Reds opening goal and make it 2-1 through 40 minutes of play.
The Tigers penalty kill was impressive throughout the game against one of the best power-plays in the nation, killing off four penalties through the first two periods.
Mid-way through the third, Olivier Leblanc (Quebec City, QC) had a quick solo rush into the Tigers end, and as he was cutting toward the goal-line, he sent a pass into the slot that deflected off a Tigers' defender into his own net to even the game 2-2.
Less than a minute later, the Reds were attacking again, with Oliver Cooper (Fredericton, NB) sending a harmless looking shot toward the goal. It took a bounce in front and fooled Hicks to give the Reds a 3-2 lead with eight minutes to play.
The Tigers were given back to back power-play chances in the final eight minutes, but it was to no avail, as Connor Hall (Cambridge, ON) and Kris Bennett (Brampton, ON) found the empty net to seal the 5-2 victory for the Reds. Hall's goal was his first as a Red.
Despite giving up the three goals, Hicks was solid in net for the Tigers, making 49 saves in the loss, while Parenteau had to make 14 saves, each of them key in keeping his team alive through much of the game.
Pomerleau, with a goal and an assist, was named the Subway Player of the Game.
The Tigers are back on home-ice on Saturday, hosting Moncton, while the Reds will take their road trip to Antigonish to take on the St FX X-Men.
RECAP BY: Kirk Jessome/for Dal Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics