X-Men Blank REDS
(ANTIGONISH, NS) The STFX X-Men took home a 1-0 win over the UNB REDS on Saturday night, in Antigonish.
Alex Christopoulos (Richmond Hill, ON) scored the only goal of the game with just 34 seconds to play, firing a shot after teammate Jacob Maillet (Dundas, ON) had won a late draw in the UNB end.
The victory marks the second time this season the X-Men have beaten the REDS, the top ranked team in U SPORTS men's hockey. It's also the first regulation loss for UNB since February 4, 2023, and the first time UNB has been shutout since October, 2022.
The game started quick, with a couple of big saves from STFX goalie Patrick Leaver (Perth, ON) that kept the game even.
UNB goalie Samuel Richard (Ste. Catherine, QC) also had a busy opening period and was solid when needed.
STFX had a pair of powerplays but the REDS, who own the best penalty kill in the AUS, were up to the task. The UNB powerplay, also ranked first in the AUS, went to work late in the first period, but the best chance of the two minutes came off a great individual effort from STFX's Zack Trott (Mulmur, ON).
There was a bit of a dust-up three minutes into the second period, leading to another UNB powerplay. The teams continued to go toe to toe, though the REDS started to pull away in terms of shots while limiting chances for the home team.
The score remained 0-0 after 40 minutes.
The rough stuff continued in the third period, with UNB still outshooting STFX. The REDS pressed to take the lead but Leaver, who made 34 saves on the night, kept a clean sheet.
Richard had 17 stops for UNB.
With the win, X improves to 7-6-0-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL), good for a share of third in the Atlantic University Sport standings.
UNB remains atop the league standings with a record of 12-1-1-0.
The X-Men return to home ice next weekend in a Friday matchup with the Acadia Axemen.
The REDS head to Charlottetown on Wednesday for a mid-week tilt with the UPEI Panthers. Game time is 7:00pm.
RECAP BY: Matt Draper/for STFX Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Bryan Kennedy/for STFX Athletics