REDS Triumph In Playoff Opener

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS scored three second period goals on route to a 4-1 win over the UPEI Panthers in the opening game of their Atlantic University Sport men's hockey semi-final series, Friday night at UNB's Aitken Centre.

Michael Petizian scored twice, including the winner, to lead the REDS. He was named the Boston Pizza Player of the Game.

The REDS got on the board first, just past the mid-way point of the opening period.

With Panthers starting goalie Jakob Robillard knocked over in his crease by a teammate, Cody Morgan found the loose puck in front and fired it into an open net.

UNB went up 2-0 early in the second.

Following a faceoff in the Panthers zone, a shot was fired from close range that was kicked out by Robillard, right onto Petizian's stick. He made no mistake, easily beating an unprepared Robillard.

Just before the twelve-minute mark, and with the REDS working on the powerplay, Cole Huckins dropped a pass for Stuart Rolofs who fired a hard wrist shot past Robillard to give UNB a 3-0 advantage.

At 17:07, Petizian scored his second as the puck pinballed between a sparwled Robillard's legs before being kicked into the net by the goaltender.

Joe Ranger replaced Robillard in the Panthers' net to start the third period, but the damage had been done.

Donovan Arsenault scored a late goal for UPEI to make the final 4-1.

Remi Delafontaine made 17 saves on 18 shots for the win in the UNB net.

Robillard, who took the loss for the Panthers, gave up four goals on 22 shots. Ranger stopped all 10 shots he faced.

The REDS now lead the best-of-five series one game to none and host the Panthers for Game Two on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB REDS