Axemen extend winning streak to five with 5-1 win over Dalhousie

(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) -The CIS No. 5-ranked Acadia Axemen extended their winning streak to five with a convincing 5-1 win over the Dalhousie Tigers on Irving Oil Limited Acadia Minor Hockey Night in Wolfville.

Andrew H. McCain Arena was at near capacity as the Axemen skated to victory over the Tigers.  

The Axemen got off to a quick start after only a minute expiring on the play clock.

Geoff Schemitsch scored his first goal of the regular season on the Acadia man-advantage. The play started after Brett Thompson won the draw to Mike Cazzola, who passed it over Schemitsch who then took a slap shot that squeaked in between the legs of Dalhousie netminder Wendell Vye.

It didn't take the Tigers long to respond, scoring only two minutes and 38 seconds later, on a nifty deke by Alex Cote. Unfortunately for Dalhousie, this was their only goal of the game. Mike Evelyn added an assist on the play.

Tyler Ferry broke the deadlock at 4:39 in the first to give Acadia a lead that would not be relinquished. Tyler Ferry was the recipient of a beautiful give and go with Mike Cazzola, giving Ferry a wide open net, netting his first goal of the season. Alex Beaton added an assist on the play.

At the 7:44 mark of the opening frame, Thompson scored his first of three on the night. After Thompson missed on a solid opportunity, the rebound bounced right back out to his linemate Cazzola, who passed it right back to Thompson, who wristed a shot to the blocker side of Vye. This assist gave Cazzola his third of the game.

Thompson made it two goals on the night putting in his own rebound on the man-advantage.

After controlling the puck for almost the entire power play, Thompson took a shot from the bottom of the circle that rang off the post and flew right back to his stick, enabling him to bank in the rebound over a sprawling Vye.

Third star of the game Geoff Schemitsch and rookie defenceman Matthew Pufahl added assists on the goal.

The second period started with a flurry of chances for the Tigers, who looked like a completely re-energized team after a lack luster first frame. However, they were unable to beat second-year goaltender Brandon Glover, who stood tall when called upon.

Thompson posted a natural hat trick midway through the final period. With linemate Cazzola doing most of the work by deking a Tiger defenceman and sliding a pass into the feet of Thompson. He was able to quickly get the puck to his stick and in the back of the net. Beaton added the second assist on the goal.

Brett Thompson was given the Subway first star of the game for his four-point night.

Outshooting the Tigers 42-22, Glover was able to stop 21 shots, while Vye posted 37 saves and received the second star of the game honours.

Acadia's next home game is in 2015 when they play host to the CIS No. 2-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday, Jan. 9.

The Huskies and Axemen round off the first half of the season with the last game before the holiday break in Halifax this Friday night.