Panthers top Aigles Bleus 3-2 in Charlottetown

(CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.) - The UPEI Panthers defeated the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus 3-2 on Wednesday night in front of 742 fans at the MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown.

The visiting Aigles Bleus were able to strike first against the host Panthers near the end of the opening period.

Moncton's Allain Saulnier (Cap Pelé, N.B.) scored the game's first and only goal of the first period at the 16:14 mark. Assisting on the goal was Pierre Durepos (Shediac, N.B.).

UPEI was able to tie the game at 1-1, 9:05 into the second period. The Panther's goal was scored by Nick Parker (Windsor, Ont.) with Colin Beck (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) and Nathan McQuaid (Tracadie Cross, P.E.I.) both picking up assists.

As the score would indicate, the first two-thirds of the game saw an equal number of chances for each squad, 17-17, and some sharp goaltending from UPEI's Marvic Parks (Eganville, Ont.) and Moncton's Adrien Lemay (Moncton, N.B.).

After two periods of fairly even play, the Panthers were able to pull away in the final frame, doubling Moncton in shots 12 to 6.

UPEI capitalized on an early power play to take a 2-1 lead thanks to Reggie Traccitto (Oakville, Ont.). Travis McIsaac (Uigg, P.E.I.) and Cole MacMillan (Stanhope, P.E.I.) earned helpers on the goal.

The Panthers put the finishing touches on the game 15:10 into the third period off an even-strength goal by Chris Desousa (Mississauga, Ont.), assisted by Cole MacMillan and Derek Ryckman (Red Deer, Alta.).

Trailing 3-1, the Aigles pulled their goalie in the final two and a half minutes of the game for the extra man advantage.

The strategy would almost pay off as Steve Lebel scored in the final minute to cut into the lead. Remi Blanchard (Bas Caraquet, N.B.) and Alex Saulnier assisted on the goal. Unfortunately, time would run out on the visiting squad and the game would end 3-2 in favour of the Panthers.

In their final game of the semester, the UPEI Panthers (6-7-2), look to extend their win streak to three games Saturday night at 7 p.m., when they take on the St. Thomas Tommies (1-11-3), at the MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown.

The Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus (6-7-2) travel to Fredericton to take on the UNB Varsity Reds Friday night at 7 p.m.

Source: Jonathan Lane for UPEI Sports Information