Pearson nets overtime winner in Panthers' 5-4 comeback win over Moncton

MONCTON, NB—A goal by Kaleb Pearson at 3:24 of overtime on a high shot gave the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers a comeback 5-4 win over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus on Thursday evening in an Atlantic University Sport men's hockey game at the J.-Louis-Lévesque Arena in front of more than 550 spectators.

The Aigles Bleus took a 4-1 lead early in the second, but 4 straight goals without response by the Panthers in the 2nd, 3rd and overtime periods gave the visitors the two points. The Panthers have won all 4 games between these two teams this season. 

Derek Cormier's squad visits the No. 1 ranked University of New Brunswick Reds on Friday at 7 p.m. in Fredericton. 

Following Cade Kowalski's goal at 2:23 on a hard shot from the front of the net in the first period, the Aigles Bleus responded with 3 goals from their team, namely by Olivier-Luc Haché at 4:49, Rémy Anglehart at 7:03 and Jérémy Michel, the 2nd star, shorthanded at 9:55. Rookie Yannic Bastarache, with the first of his university career, made it 4-1 at 6:09 of the second period. The Panthers then took the lead with four goals by Noah Sedore, the first star, at 12:01 of the second, Alexandre De Gagne at 8:52 and Sedore with his second and the tying at 14:22 of the third period, and the winner from Pearson.   

Joe Ranger registered the win in nets with 28 saves compared to 33 for Félix-Antony Éthier in the loss. The Panthers were 0-for-3 on the power play and the Aigles Bleus were 0-for-1.  

It was an interesting game for the spectators who saw fast-paced, end-to-end plays. Both goaltenders made crucial saves in the game. Moncton was unable to capitalize on a power play in overtime. The Panthers host the Reds on Saturday evening.

RECAP/PHOTOS COURTESY: UdeM Sports Information