UNB REDS advance after 5-2 win over Queen’s in quarterfinal

(HALIFAX, N.S.) The UNB REDS scored a pair of goals 1:28 apart late in the third period to beat the Queen's University Gaels 5-2 Friday night in the quarter-finals at the U SPORTS Men's Hockey Championship, hosted by Saint Mary's University, in Halifax.

Jax Dubois and Michael Petizian tallied less than 90 seconds apart to secure the win against a defensive-minded Gaels team.

While it came five minutes in, the REDS scored on their first shot on goal.

Cole Huckins backhanded a pass to a trailing Cody Morgan, who lifted a shot past Gaels goalie Tanner Wickware to put UNB on the board first.

Then, at the 14:06 mark, Morgan put a shot on net that Wickware saved, but Huckins was there to pounce on the rebound and score to put the REDS up 2-0.

Camaryn Baber made it 3-0 UNB at 6:47 of the second period, but the Gaels responded 45 seconds later on a goal by Aidan Castle.

The Gaels pulled to within a goal at 8:22 of the third when Sebbie Johnson was left unchecked in front of REDS goalie Remi Delafontaine.

With less than five minutes to play, Dubois weaved through the slot, maneuvering around a number of Gaels before sliding the puck past Wickware.

Petizian's goal, a one-timer off a pretty cross-slot pass by Dubois, was added insurance for the REDS. Delafontaine drew the second assist on the goal. He earned with win in the UNB net, making 19 saves on 21 shots.

Wickware gave up five UNB goals on 38 shots.

The REDS will face the UQTR in Saturday's semi-finals. The Patriotes beat Moncton 4-0 in Friday's earlier quarter-final game.

Game time is 7 p.m. AT.

The host Saint Mary's Huskies face the Windsor Lancers in Saturday's first semi-final, at 1 p.m. AT.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTOS BY: Trevor MacMillan/for Saint Mary's Athletics