X-Men comeback to defeat Tigers in overtime

Photo credit Trevor MacMillan
Photo credit Trevor MacMillan

Halifax, NS – STFX freshman defenseman Charlie Callaghan scored the overtime winner to pace the X-Men past the Dalhousie Tigers 4-3 Wednesday evening.

It marked his second game winning goal in overtime in less than a week as he accomplished the same feat last Friday night.

The X-Men needed to claw their way back into the game as the Tigers built up a 3-1 lead after the first period. Evan MacKinnon and Alec Belanger on the power play gave Dalhousie an early 2-0 lead eight minutes into the game.

Josh Nelson connected with Matt Struthers and Laim Hawel on the power play for the X-Men four minutes later to close the gap but just 19 seconds later Jarrett Baker re-established the Tiger tow-gaol lead.

X-Men forward Connor Roberts scored the lone goal of the second period, one that saw the visiting X-Men outshot the home squad 23-9. He took a pass from Liam Hawel while streaking down the right wing and beat Tigers netminder Alexander MacDonald short side.

Roberts would then score the game tying goal just over two minutes into the third period. He deposited a rebound into the open cage after a Hawel shot.

The score remained deadlocked through to the end of regulation, setting up Callaghan's game winner 58 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime frame.

He handcuffed MacDonald with a shot after breaking in with Jacob Hudson and Matt Struthers.

The X-Men ended the game with a 48-27 shot advantage as Lucas Pfeil earned the win between the pipes for the X-Men.

Roberts earned player of the game honours for his two-goal performance.

The X-Men are back in action on Friday night when they host the UPEI Panthers at the STFX Keating Centre in a 7:00 pm match up.

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Recap courtesy Krista McKenna, STFX Athletics