Top-ranked V-Reds skate past Panthers 5-1 to advance to AUS final

(CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.) - The CIS No. 1-ranked UNB Varsity Reds defeated the UPEI Panthers 5-1 in Subway AUS men's hockey semifinal action Tuesday night to claim their best three-of-five series 3-1 and advance to the AUS championship final series against the Saint Mary's Huskies.

The 1,459 fans in attendance at MacLauchlan Arena had tons to cheer about in the opening minute when forward Jordan Mayer used a burst of speed to beat the UNB defence and sneak the puck past V-Reds goalie Daniel LaCosta from a difficult angle to jump out to an early 1-0 lead.

The CIS No. 9-ranked Panthers stayed aggressive for the next ten minutes with a number of solid chances but were unable to solve LaCosta and add to their lead. 

At the 12 minute mark, UNB tied the game thanks to a goal from Nick MacNeil off a great pass from Islander Colby Pridham. The period ended tied 1-1 with the hometown Panthers outshooting the Varsity Reds by a 15-8 margin.

The second period started with some great chances by both teams,  but UNB was the only team to capitalize on their opportunities. Cam Crithlow scored at the 9:58 mark of the second and Thomas Nesbitt found the back of the net at 14:41.

Marc Antoine-Desonyers rounded out the scoring on the power-play with 1:35 to go in the second frame to give the visitors a 4-1 lead heading to the locker room after 40 minutes of play. 

The shots on net were in favour of UNB 14-5.

The only goal of the final period was scored by UNB's Ben Wright on a shot from the point that found the top shelf. Nesbitt and Tyler Carroll picked up assists.

LaCosta was named the Subway player of the game, turning aside 26-of-27 shots for the win. Wayne Savage took the loss for the Panthers after allowing five goals on 32 shots.

The Varsity Reds will now face the CIS No. 4-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies in the best three-of-five Subway AUS men's hockey championship series.

Both teams have also qualified for the 2013 CIS championship, hosted next month by the University of Saskatchewan.

Source: UPEI Sports Information