Third-ranked Axemen improve to 2-0 with win over visiting Panthers

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Kickstarting homecoming Weekend, the CIS No. 3-ranked Acadia Axemen faced off against the UPEI Panthers in the highly anticipated home opener at the upgraded Andrew H. McCain Arena.
 
Coming off one of their best seasons to date, the Axemen were eager to prove they could succeed without the likes of many starters from the 2013-14 championship-winning season.

Off-season losses included assistant captain Colin Archer, assistant captain Joe Gaynor, defenceman Leo Jenner, and award-winning goaltender Evan Mosher.

It didn't take long for the first tally of the game, as the hometown Axemen jumped to an early 1-0 lead. The goal came less than five minutes into the opening frame on an Alex Beaton one-timer at the bottom of the circle. Beaton received a hard pass from linemate Remy Giftopoulos who was parked behind the net. Tyler Ferry also added an assist on the mark.

Fourth-year defenceman Travis Gibbons added a second goal not long after Beaton's opening goal. On a 2-on-1 break with Mike Cazzola, Gibbins flipped it over the glove of Mavric Parks to give Acadia a 2-0 lead.

Both teams continued the physical play from the first period, however it was UPEI who scored the only goal of the second frame, which came on a mad scramble in front of the net. Matthew Brenton was the Panther who eventually jammed it in.

The third period was back and forth battle with both teams trading chances. UPEI had a goal disallowed late in the third period on a late offside call.

Not long after the disallowed goal, Subway first star of the game, Brett Thompson made no mistake with 16 seconds left, wristing one into the back of the empty net to put Acadia 2-0-0 on the season.

Glover stopped 30 of 31 shots including four 2-on-1's in the first period, earning third star of the game honours, while UPEI goaltender Mavric Parks received the game's second star for his performance of 29 saves.

Acadia is back in action tomorrow night as they look to stay undefeated early in the season, playing host to the St. Thomas Tommies at 7 p.m. 

The Panthers will be hosted by the Saint Mary's Huskies at the Halifax Forum, also Saturday at 7 p.m. 

Source: Mitchell Racine for Acadia Sports Information