(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Coming off of a tough loss last night against the CIS No. 7-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies, the CIS No. 2-ranked Acadia Axemen fell short in a 2-0 loss to the StFX X-Men, who posted back-to-back wins against Moncton and Dalhousie prior to tonight's game.
StFX scored early in the opening frame. The goal came on a quick break out, catching Acadia on the change. The ensuing 2-on-1 break had X-Man Jarrad Struthers pass it across to linemate Blake Gal who made no mistake putting it in the top corner.
Just seconds after the tally, Acadia's Michael Clarke took a four-minute spearing penalty, but the X-Men man-advantage was killed off, as Acadia gave up almost no chances for the remainder of the period.
With multiple opportunities from both Acadia and StFX during the opening period, the score remained 1-0 in the X-Men's favour after one.
The second frame was scoreless, with shots on goal favouring Acadia 13-5. Both teams exchanged goal opportunities and hits, with the period highlighted by a huge toe save from the Axemen's goaltender Brandon Glover, keeping Acadia within one.
Starting the period with an extra man, it didn't take long for the X-Men to find the back of the net. After Glover made two miraculous saves, the puck found its way to the point, leaving Jagger Dirk with nearly the entire net to shoot at, as Glover was out of position and well outside the crease. Dirk wristed a shot past Glover, to record his first career goal for StFX.
Acadia's Brandon Glover played very well and did everything he could to keep Acadia in the game. But it wouldn't be enough, as he made 20 saves in the loosing affair.
StFX goaltender Drew Owsley received the game's Subway first star honours for his performance, making 35 saves for the shutout.
The StFX winning streak stretches to three as they host UPEI and St. Thomas next weekend.
Acadia is set to go on a four-game road trip starting next weekend, as they visit the CIS No. 8-ranked Moncton Aigles Blues on Friday followed by the No. 3-ranked UNB Varsity Reds. They are off to St. Thomas and UPEI the following weekend.
The Axemen's next home game is set for Nov. 26, when they play host to the Dalhousie Tigers on a rare Wednesday night match up.
Source: Mitchell Racine for Acadia Sports Information Office