Sproule's Hat-Trick Leads REDS To Victory Over Axemen

(FREDERICTON, NB) Emmett Sproule (Collingwood, ON) recorded a natural hat trick, as the UNB REDS defeated the Acadia Axemen 7-1 on Friday night at UNB's Aitken Centre

Michael Petizian (Mississauga, ON), Adam McCormick (Waterville, NB), Kade Landry (Gowanstown, ON) and Cole MacKay (Sault Ste. Marie) also scored for the REDS as they extended their undefeated streak to 14 games.

"We're looking good and we're buying in as a team right now," said Sproule named Tim Horton's Player of the Game. "I thought our line was electric tonight. They were feeding me the puck at the right times and I was able to bury it."

Before Friday's game, the REDS honoured long-time athletic therapist Joe Glenn, who died earlier this year. The REDS hung a banner in the Aitken Centre rafters recognizing Glenn's 23 years of service to UNB student-athletes.

It took just 37 seconds for UNB to open the scoring as Petizian beat Acadia goalie Thomas Couture (Levis, QC) five-hole on a shot from the point to make it 1-0.

Midway through the period, the REDS scored three goals in five minutes to jump out to a commanding 4-0 lead.

Adam McCormick netted the second goal for UNB before Sproule scored back-to-back goals to close out the first period.

Sproule completed his hat trick at 15:57 of the second period. Sean McGurn (Ottawa, ON) found Sproule open in front of the net and he was able to beat Zachary Paputsakis (Rockland, ON), who came in relief of Couture in the second period, to extend the UNB lead, 5-0.

McGurn finished with four assists Friday night and showed tremendous chemistry with his linemate Sproule.

"Sean's a great hockey player," said Sproule. "He has great vision for the ice and we're finding each other at the right times. Hopefully, we can keep that going."

UNB added two more goals from Landry and MacKay in the third period before the Axemen spoiled the REDS shutout bid at 18:55 of the period on a goal from Ethan Ernst (Weyburn, SK)

Griffen Outhouse (Williams Lake, BC) turned aside 17 shots for his sixth win of the season.

Paputsakis stopped 22 shots for the Axemen (3-9-0), who dropped their third straight.

Looking ahead, both teams are back in action on Saturday night. The REDS will host the Saint Mary's Huskies at 7:00 pm. The Axemen travel to Moncton to face the Aigles Bleus at 7:00 pm.

Recap by: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

Photos by: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics