(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Homecoming is always one of the most anticipated games of the year, and this year was no different as the Acadia Axemen squared off against the St. Thomas Tommies in their regular season opener.
Celebrating the Acadia Arena's 25th anniversary, a sold out crowd of 2,100 enjoyed the opening ceremony that saw the return of those who were most influential in bringing the university and surrounding community one of the province's premiere rinks.
The Axemen came into this season eager to prove that the success they had in the 2012-13 regular season was no fluke.
After trailing 1-0 for most of the night, the hosts erased a St. Thomas third period lead, scoring three unanswered goals to take the home opener.
Special teams were the difference, with Acadia capitalizing on two-of-eight power-plays while the Tommies were unable to convert on either of their two opportunities. Second-year forward Brett Thompson was the hero, scoring two goals in 64 seconds.
The first period was dominated by St. Thomas creating a load of chances. The Tommies jumped to an early lead with a goal from Jordan Moore 15:22 into the game on a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle, squeezing in between Mosher's blocker and pad.
Acadia came out on all cylinders in the second period. The second frame consisted of a lot of missed opportunities on the Axemen side, not being able to put anything home. They were unable to capitalize on multiple powerplays including a short 5-on-3 and a four-minute power-play.
On the power-play, Thompson picked up a rebound given up by opposing goalie Jonathan Groenheyde, knotting the game at one with 14 minutes remaining.
It didn't take Thompson very long to score this second of the game, walking in and putting a wrist shot past the St. Thomas netminder for the eventual game winner.
An insurance goal was added again on the man-advantage, this time coming from second-year forward Dylan Anderson, tipping a point shot from veteran defenseman Cullen Morin.
The Subway player of the game was Brett Thompson for his two-goal performance. The second star was awarded to goaltender Groenheyde for stopping 56-of-59 shots. Third star was awarded to reigning AUS rookie of the year Mike Cazzola on his two-assist night.
The Axemen return to action on Sunday against the UPEI Panthers, who picked up a win against Dalhousie in Halifax.
Both UPEI and Acadia will rest one day before meeting in Sunday's afternoon matchup. Sunday's 2 p.m. game will also include the retirement of the late Connie MacNeil's jersey No. 6. His will be only the second Axemen to have his jersey retired.
Source: Acadia Sport Information