Axemen fall to Saint Mary’s in tight road contest
Acadia dropped a close 3–2 decision to Saint Mary's on Wednesday night, with the Huskies scoring the game-winner in the third period. The Axemen struck twice on the power play but could not overcome a short-handed goal against in the final frame.
Bailey Peach and Kian Bell scored for Acadia, both on the man advantage. Tyler Deline recorded two assists, while Thomas Couture made 36 saves in a strong performance between the pipes.
The opening period featured extended stretches of even play as both teams traded chances. Couture and Saint Mary's goaltender Marcus Vandenberg turned aside early shots, keeping the game scoreless. Acadia earned a power play at 13:34 but was unable to convert. Saint Mary's broke through late in the period when Charlie Da Fonseca scored on the power play at 18:46, giving the Huskies a 1–0 lead after 20 minutes.
Acadia responded in the second period with increased pressure and drew several penalties. Bell tied the game at 17:44 with a power-play goal, finishing a setup from Deline and Liam Kidney. Couture continued to hold firm through multiple Saint Mary's chances, turning aside quality looks to keep the score level heading into the third.
The Huskies regained control early in the final period. Ryan Hopkins restored the lead at 6:24, converting a chance off assists from Ben Allison and Reid Valade. Saint Mary's extended the advantage at 10:40 when Ben Boyd found the net to make it 3–1.
Acadia pushed back late. Peach cut the deficit to one at 12:54, scoring on the power play with helpers from Deline and Brayden Schmitt. The Axemen pressed for the equalizer in the closing minutes and pulled Couture for an extra attacker, but Saint Mary's held on to secure the win.
Bell finished with five shots on goal and a plus-one rating, while Peach recorded one goal on his lone shot. Deline added four shots to his two-assist night. Couture allowed three goals on 39 shots faced.
For Saint Mary's, Hopkins led the way with a goal and two assists. Boyd scored the game-winning goal, while Da Fonseca added a power-play marker. Vandenberg matched Couture with 36 saves in the victory.
Acadia returns home Saturday to host the first-place Moncton Aigles Bleus at 7 p.m.
