(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS scored three powerplay goals and added a shorthanded marker in a 6-0 win over l'Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus in Atlantic University Sport men's hockey action, Friday night at UNB's Aitken Centre.
AUS scoring leader Austen Keating (Guelph, ON) scored once and assisted on two others and was named Tim Horton's Player of the Game.
"I think it was one of our best games of the season," said Keating. "All four lines, twelve forwards and six D, everyone was playing at the top of their game. It's really good to see in the latter half of the season."
Keating opened the scoring, on the powerplay, just 2:41 into the first period. He took a pass alongside the Moncton net, stepped in front, and backhanded the puck past Moncton goalie Olivier Adam (Drummondville, QC) to give the REDS a 1-0 lead.
Benjamin Corbeil (Granby, QC), Isaac Nurse (Hamilton, ON) and Cody Morgan (Gilford, ON) scored in the second period.
Nurse's goal came while REDS were on the penalty kill.
UNB forced a turnover and Nurse outraced the Moncton defence to the puck before beating Adam to the blocker side.
Adam McCormick (Waterville, NB) and Cole MacKay (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) added goals in the third period.
"Special teams is a big part of our team," said Keating. "Our powerplay is obviously clicking right now and our PK is prepared and ready every single game. I think we made some crucial blocks and Sammy made some really big saves for us tonight."
Samuel Richard (Ste. Catherine, QC) stopped all 20 shots he faced in the UNB net for his 13th win over the season.
Adam took the loss in the Moncton net, surrendering six goals on 44 shots.
"It's a tough one," said veteran Moncton defencman Denis Toner (Saint-André, NB). "We know they have a good team, but we didn't show up tonight. I don't think they saw our real team, but we have to respect them and give them credit, but hopefully, next time, we can show them the real Aigles Bleus."
UNB is now 23-0-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) and sits atop the AUS standings. Friday's win guarantees the REDS will earn one of two first round playoff byes.
Moncton, second in the AUS standings, is now 13-8-3-0.
The Aigles Bleus skate back into action next Friday when they host Acadia.
The REDS are back in action Saturday when they visit Charlottetown to take on the UPEI Panthers. Game time is 7:00pm.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics