(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Back on track following a shootout loss last weekend against the Saint Mary's Huskies, the Axemen walked away with a convincing 3-1 win over the UPEI Panthers and will look forward to an important matchup against the UNB Varsity Reds Saturday night.
In a physical game that drew 35 penalties for a total of 156 minutes, Acadia dominated from beginning to end with a 43-33 shots on goal advantage.
Acadia's fourth year forward Andrew Clark, who trails league leading scorer Lucas Bloodoff of the Saint Mary's Huskies by two points in the scoring race, netted two goals including the game-winning second goal.
Rookie Mike Cazzola scored on the power-play six minutes into the first frame after receiving a pass in the slot from line-mate Brett Thompson. Thompson, named the Subway Third Star, assisted on all three goals against the Panthers.
Clark hit home the eventual game winner with 26 seconds remaining in the first period - his sixth of the season. Clark's second came at 9:09 of the second period.
The Panthers cracked DiSalvo's goose egg with 12:42 remaining in the game, when Reggie Traccitto scored his fifth of the season on the the man advantage. DiSalvo stopped 32 shots and was challenged several times with break-aways or difficult shots - a well earned Subway First Star of the Game was the result.
At the other end, veteran Wayne Savage held his own with 46 shots on net.
UPEI's Mason Wilgosh was handed a Match Penalty, Major Penalty and Game Misconduct for a vicious hit behind the net on AUS all-star defenseman Chris Owens. Owens, who before tonight was second in the AUS points race, was hit in the head and appeared unconscious for a moment before he was taken off the ice on a spinal board.
Following this incident, the game took a turn for the worse, posting 5 additional 10 minute misconducts and many more minor penalties and skirmishes.
Both teams will meet again in the final of four meetings this season in early January.
The Axemen improve to 11-3-1 while the Panthers drop to 6-8-1 and will wrap up their two game road trip at Dalhousie tomorrow night. Acadia will remain home to host the first place UNB Varsity Reds without Owens.
Source: Acadia Sports Information