The Athenaeum

Tag: AUS

  • UNB wins the AUS Hockey Championship

    UNB wins the AUS Hockey Championship

    FREDERICTON, NB – The UNB Reds are the 2020 Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champions after defeating the Acadia Axemen 5-1 in game three of the best of three championship series.

    Alexandre Goulet (Disraeli, QC) scored three goals to lead the Reds in a 5-1 win over the Acadia Axemen on Friday, in the third and deciding game of their AUS championship series. 

    The game was played before a sell-out crowd of 3,374 people at UNB’s Aitken Centre. 

    Goulet was named the Subway Player of the Game, while Reds goaltender Samuel Harvey (Alma, QC) was named the most valuable player of the AUS playoffs. 

    Friday’s game began with both teams playing a close, tight-checking game. 

    They played a scoreless first period, but the at capacity crowd didn’t have to wait long for a goal in the second period. 

    Oliver Cooper (Fredericton, NB) fired a quick shot from the slot that beat Axemen goalie Logan Flodell (Regina, SK) at the 2:51 mark. 

    UNB’s Mark Rassell (Calgary, AB) started the play, rushing the puck in on a partial breakaway, but firing the puck over the Acadia net. The Reds gained possession of the loose puck in the corner, before working it in front to Cooper. 

    With time winding down in the period, and the Reds buzzing inside the Acadia zone, Tristan Pomerleau (Riviere-du-Loup, QC) fed Goulet at the point. His low blast found its way through traffic and beat Flodell, giving UNB a 2-0 lead. 

    The Axemen came out swinging in the third, and at 1:08, Ross MacDougall (St. Stephen, NB) put the Axemen on the board. His point shot ended almost 146 minutes of shut-out hockey by Harvey in the UNB net. 

    Goulet’s second goal, at 14:27, restored UNB’s two-goal lead. It was a rocket of a shot off another nice feed from Pomerleau. 

    Mark Simpson (Rothesay, NB) scored into an empty Acadia net at 16:23, and Goulet completed his hat-trick 29 seconds later, beating Flodell after he’d returned to the Axemen net. 

    Harvey stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced for the win, allowing a total of three goals in the series. 

    “It’s a small margin of error for us, against them, and a couple of plays in the second that they got two goals on, a couple of them didn’t really have to happen, but that’s the way it is,” said Axemen head coach Darren Burns. “We were in the box a lot. That kind of takes the energy out and turns the momentum. That’s what hurt us in the second, those momentum switches.” 

    “That was great entertainment,” said Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “It was a hard-fought game, two teams that are pretty close. We had a great opponent.” 

    Both teams now prepare for the 2020 Cavendish Farms University Cup national championship tournament, in Halifax. That begins Thursday.  

    RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics 

    PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics 

  • McDonald & Veinot named as All-Star, Rice recipient of MacLeod Award

    McDonald & Veinot named as All-Star, Rice recipient of MacLeod Award

    (HALIFAX, N.S.) – Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce the 2019-20 AUS women’s basketball all-stars and major award winners as selected by the conference’s eight head coaches following regular season play.

    Acadia’s Haley McDonald was named to the AUS First Team All-Star squad, while teammate Jayda Veinot was named to the Second Team All-Star list. Senior forward Kelsey Rice was named the AUS Tracy MacLeod Award winner.

    Fourth-year UPEI Panthers guard Jenna Mae Ellsworth of Charlottetown, P.E.I., was named the AUS most valuable player today as well as the AUS defensive player of the year.

    Other AUS major award winners announced were Cape Breton’s Hailey MacLeod of Marion Bridge, N.S., who was named AUS rookie of the year; Acadia’s Kelsey Rice of Beaverbank, N.S., who is the AUS Tracy MacLeod Award Nominee; UNB’s Mikaela Dodig of Bolton, Ont., who received the student-athlete community service award; and Memorial Sea-Hawks head coach Mark English, who was named AUS coach of the year for the first time in his career.                                   

    MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jenna Mae Ellsworth, UPEI Panthers

    Jenna Mae Ellsworth, a five-foot-10 guard with the UPEI Panthers, is the Atlantic University Sport women’s basketball most valuable player.

    A fourth-year science student from Charlottetown, P.E.I., Ellsworth led the Panthers with 20.5 point per game this season. She averaged 5.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

    UPEI finished in first place in the regular season standings with a 17-3 record and have earned a bye through to the playoff semifinals.

    In addition to being named conference MVP, she also earned defensive player of the year honours and a place on the AUS first team all-star squad today.

    This marks the first time Ellsworth has been named an AUS first team all-star. She is a three-time AUS second team all-star and also earned rookie of the year nods and a place on the AUS all-rookie team in her inaugural season with the Panthers in 2016-17.

    With 1,231 career points scored in four seasons, she now sits tied for second in UPEI school history with a year of eligibility remaining.

    Ellsworth is just the third player in UPEI history to earn the conference MVP award and the first since 1998-99 when former Panthers standout Jennifer Johnston won the award. The only other UPEI player to be named AUS MVP was Paula Edwards in 1985-86.

    Ellsworth now becomes the AUS nominee for the Nan Copp Award for U SPORTS player of the year.

    Only two players from the AUS conference have earned the national honour: Acadia’s Paloma Anderson who took home the award in 2017-18 season, and Saint Mary’s Justine Colley who earned back-to-back Nan Copp awards in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

    ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Hailey MacLeod, Cape Breton Capers

    Hailey MacLeod of the Cape Breton Capers is the AUS women’s basketball rookie of the year.

    A five-foot-11 forward from Marion Bridge, N.S., MacLeod made an immediate impact with the Capers this season, starting in eight games and playing in all 20.

    She boasted the second-best field goal percentage in the conference (50.8) and averaged 11.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season.

    In a Feb. 8 game versus Saint Mary’s, MacLeod posted a career-high 31 points and 12 rebounds.

    Along with being honoured as the conference’s top rookie, she also earned a place on the AUS all-rookie team.

    She is the fifth player from the Capers to earn the honour as the conference’s top rookie. Former Cape Breton winners include Alison Keough (2013-14), Colleen Keane (2012-13), Amanda Fisher (1998-99) and Janice Moseychuck (1994-95).

    MacLeod will now represent the conference as the AUS nominee for the Kathy Shields Award for U SPORTS rookie of the year.

    Alison Keough is only player from the Capers to ever win the national rookie of the year award.

    DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jenna Mae Ellsworth, UPEI Panthers

    Jenna Mae Ellsworth of the UPEI Panthers women’s basketball team is the 2019-20 AUS defensive player of the year in addition to earning the conference’s top honour as AUS MVP.

    The fourth-year guard from Charlottetown, P.E.I. led the Panthers with 2.1 steals per game. She also averaged 3.8 defensive rebounds per game.

    UPEI boasted the most effective defence in the conference this season, limiting their opponents to an AUS-best 61.9 points per game.

    This marks the third consecutive year a player from the Panthers has been named AUS defensive player of the year. Teammate Carolina Del Santo earned the honour the past two seasons.

    Ellsworth will now become the Atlantic conference nominee for the U SPORTS defensive player of the year award.

    Former Saint Mary’s Huskies standout Kennisha-Shanice Luberisse earned the national honour in 2015-16. She is the only AUS player to ever be honoured with the U SPORTS award.

    TRACY MACLEOD AWARD NOMINEE: Kelsey Rice, Acadia Axewomen

    Kelsey Rice of the Acadia Axewomen is the 2019-20 nominee for the U SPORTS Tracy MacLeod Award.

    This award rewards a women’s basketball player who demonstrates determination, perseverance and unwavering spirit to continue playing the game of basketball.

    A fifth-year forward from Beaverbank, N.S., Rice has displayed resilience and passion for the game throughout a five-year AUS career plagued with injuries.

    Throughout her first four seasons, she suffered multiple concussions which sidelined her several times. Last season, after missing 12 games in the second half following a concussion, she was medically cleared to return to play in the final regular season game.

    At the AUS championship, she played in all three games, helping the Axewomen to their second straight conference title.

    Unfortunately, during Acadia’s final game of the U SPORTS championship last season, Rice suffered an ACL tear which she had to undergo surgery to repair in May 2019.

    This season, she spent months rehabbing the injury, determined to return to play. She was medically cleared in February and played in Acadia’s final three regular season games.

    “Kelsey has shown an extraordinary amount of resilience and a pure love for the game of basketball,” said Acadia head coach Len Harvey. “Kelsey was an AUS all-rookie team member in her first year, and though much of her career potential has been derailed due to her concussions and her ACL injury, she remains as steadfast as ever to return to play the game she loves during her final year of university.”

    “Kelsey’s toughness and desire to return to play are inspiring,” said Harvey. “Through it all, she has kept her wonderful, positive attitude and has been relentless in her pursuit of getting back on the court.”

    Rice’s win marks the second consecutive year a player from the Axewomen has earned this honour. Lanae Adams won the AUS award for Acadia last season and went on to earn the national honour.

    Rice now becomes the AUS nominee for the U SPORTS Tracy MacLeod Award. Prior to Adams’ win last season, the only other AUS players to take home the national honour have been Memorial’s Brittany Dalton (2010-11) and Dalhousie’s Janet Wells (1999-00).


    STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Mikaela Dodig, UNB Reds

    Fourth-year UNB guard Mikaela Dodig is the 2019-20 recipient of the AUS student-athlete community service award and the AUS nominee for the U SPORTS Sylvia Sweeney award.

    A five-foot-six guard from Bolton, Ont., Dodig has achieved success on the basketball court and in the classroom, while also being heavily involved in the community.

    She started in all 20 games for the Reds this season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game this season.

    Following this season, she now sits second in UNB history with 113 career three-point field goals made.

    She was named an AUS second team all-star today for the second consecutive season. She was also named to the AUS all-rookie team in her inaugural season with UNB in 2016-17.

    Dodig holds a 4.1 GPA and has maintained academic all-Canadian status since her arrival at UNB.

    Her extensive volunteer efforts include founding and co-chairing the first student-led Women in Sport conference to be held at UNB. The conference, which aims to empower, educate and support girls and women as participants and leaders in sport, is set for April 4, 2020.

    She serves as vice president of the athlete’s council on campus and initiated the She is Active program with the Reds—a day where young girls join Reds varsity student-athletes to play various sports.

    She is a member of SAMHI (Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative) on campus and she is a volunteer at the Fredericton Community Kitchen.

    Dodig has also served as a volunteer coach for multiple teams, including the U17 provincial team and the Jr. Reds U13 team.

    She is the fourth player from the Reds to take home this honour and the first since 2011-12 when Melissa Foster won the award. Other winners from UNB include Amanda Sharpe (2010-11) and Emily Murphy (2005-06)

    Dodig now becomes the AUS nominee for the U SPORTS Sylvia Sweeney Award.

    AUS student-athletes have taken home the national honour in three of the past four seasons. UPEI’s Kiera Rigby won the award in 2017-18, Acadia’s Katie Ross took home the honours in 2016-17 and Dalhousie’s Ainsley MacIntyre won in 2015-16.

    DR. CAROLYN SAVOY AWARD (AUS COACH OF THE YEAR): Mark English, Memorial Sea-Hawks

    Memorial Sea-Hawks head coach Mark English has been chosen by his peers as the recipient of the Dr. Carolyn Savoy Memorial Award for AUS coach of the year for the first time in his career.

    In his fifth season at the help of the program, Coach English led the Sea-Hawks to a 13-7 regular season record and a third-place finish in the AUS standings.

    The Memorial squad averaged 75.7 points per game this season—good for second best in the conference.

    Last season, the Sea-Hawks finished as runners up at the AUS championship after entering the playoffs as a No. 5 seed and upsetting the fourth-seeded UNB Reds in the quarterfinals and No. 1-seeded Cape Breton Capers in the semifinals.

    English now becomes the Atlantic conference nominee for the U SPORTS coach of the year award.

    Saint Mary’s head coach Scott Munro is the most recent AUS coach to win the national award. He took home the honour in 2012-13. 

    FIRST AND SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS AND ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

    The Atlantic University Sport first and second team all-stars were also announced today, along with this year’s all-rookie team.

    First Team All-Stars
    Jenna Mae Ellsworth, UPEI (4th year – Charlottetown, P.E.I.)

    Haille Nickerson, Memorial (5th year – Grimsby, Ont.)
    Haley McDonald, Acadia (4th year – Port Williams, N.S.)
    Reese Baxendale, UPEI (3rd year – Sussex, N.B.)
    MacKenzee Ryan, Cape Breton (3rd year – Glace Bay, N.S.)

    Second Team All-Stars
    Jayda Veinot, Acadia (2nd year – Port Williams, N.S.)
    Mikaela Dodig, UNB (4th year – Bolton, Ont.)
    Alaina McMillan, Saint Mary’s (2nd year – Brantford, Ont.)
    Alana Short, Memorial (2nd year – Barrie, Ont.)

    Monique Calliste – Cape Breton (4th year – Toronto, Ont.)

    All-Rookie Team:
    Hailey MacLeod, Cape Breton (Marion Bridge, N.S.)
    Aliyah Fraser, StFX (New Glasgow, N.S.)
    Lucina Beaumont, Saint Mary’s (Fredericton, N.B.)
    Chloe Wilson, Dalhousie (Dartmouth, N.S.)
    Lauren Rainford, UPEI (Toronto, Ont.)

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics 

  • Axewomen fall short in three-peating as AUS champions

    Axewomen fall short in three-peating as AUS champions

    HALIFAX, N.S. – The UPEI Panthers are AUS champions after defeating the Acadia Axewomen by a score of 78-59 in Sunday’s Subway AUS Women’s Basketball Championship final. This mark’s the Panthers’ first conference banner since the 1997-98 season.

    AUS first team all-star Reese Baxendale led the way for the Panthers with 25 points on 9-of-20 from the floor, including 5-of-12 from three. She also contributed seven assists, five rebounds and three steals in the effort, winning her Championship MVP, Subway Player of the Game honours and a place on the tournament all-star team.

    Acadia was led in scoring by AUS first team all-star Haley McDonald who chipped in 18 points (7-of-23 from the floor, 1-of-8 from three), four assists, three rebounds and three steals in the loss.

    Acadia opened the game’s scoring with a driving layup by Rachel Clouatre-Trudeau, however the Axewomen struggled to knock down some long jumpers early, going 0-for-5 from three over the first 10 minutes.

    McDonald led the way for Acadia with seven first-quarter points, helping the Axewomen to an 18-17 lead heading to the second.

    The Panthers led by as many as six points in the opening quarter as AUS first team all-star Reese Baxendale found her shot early, matching McDonald’s seven points on 3-of-4 shooting while picking up three assists in the opening frame.

    AUS most valuable player, defensive player of the year, and first team all-star Jenna Mae Ellsworth, who was held to two points in the opening quarter, knocked down two threes at the beginning of the second on her way to 10 points in the quarter, and helped UPEI take a 37-31 lead into halftime.

    Baxendale and Ellsworth led all scorers at the break with 12 apiece for the Panthers, while McDonald and Clouatre-Trudeau led the Axewomen with nine points each.

    Mia Roberts started the third quarter on a mission, scoring eight straight Axewomen points over the first five minutes of the second half, but the Panthers always had an answer, keeping Acadia at bay.

    UPEI’s defence, anchored by Ellsworth, held the prolific-scoring McDonald in check through three quarters with 13 points on 5-of-17 from the field and 0-for-5 from deep.

    Baxendale continued to score well in the third with seven in the quarter en route to 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting heading into the fourth as the Panthers led the Axewomen 54-47 with just 10 minutes to play.

    Acadia began the fourth showing full-court pressure on defence, turning a couple of UPEI turnovers into easy points at the rim and cutting the lead down to three points with 7:07 to play, but Baxendale immediately knocked down yet another timely three, pushing the lead back to six.

    The Panthers refused to be denied, though, as they ended the game on a 16-0 run that began at the 5:12 mark, holding the Axewomen scoreless over the final 5:42 of the game, and ending the game with their biggest lead at 19 points.

    This is the Panthers’ first women’s basketball banner since the 1997-98 season. 

    Tournament all-stars for the women’s event are Memorial’s Haille Nickerson, UNB’s Michaela Dodig, Acadia’s Haley McDonald and UPEI’s Ellsworth and Baxendale.

    The Panthers will travel to Ottawa, Ont. for the U SPORTS Final 8 women’s basketball championship being co-hosted by the University of Ottawa and Carleton March 5-8.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics. Acad

  • Tigers top Axewomen 3-1 in last regular season game

    Tigers top Axewomen 3-1 in last regular season game

    HALIFAX, N.S. – The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the Acadia Axewomen 3-1 (25—23, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19) Saturday afternoon in the final match of the 2019-20 AUS regular season.

    Both teams traded points in the first set, with the Tigers leading most of the set until the Axewomen made a six-point surge and took a 16-15 lead into the technical time out. Down, but not out, the Tigers battled back and took the set 25-23.

    Acadia came out firing in the second set and were up 6-1 early one. The Tigers slowly started to close the gap and were up 16-15 at the technical time out. The Axewomen scored just three more points in the set, falling 25-18.

    The Axewomen got off to another early lead in the third set, but the Tigers again clawed their way back in. The teams traded leads in the second half of the set and it was the Axewomen who came out on top this time, taking the third set 26-24.

    Dalhousie rebounded in the fourth and were up 12-7 thanks in large part to three-consecutive service aces from Courtney Baker (Bridgewater, N.S.). Acadia’s Peyton DeWolfe (Conquerall Mills, N.S.) answered with two aces of her own bringing the score to 12-12. From that point on, it was all Tigers and they took the fourth and final set 25-19.

    Julie Moore (Halifax, N.S.) had a match-high 16 kills for the Tigers, earning Subway Player of the Game honours. She also had 16 digs and two aces for 18.0 total points. Victoria Turcot (Halifax, N.S.) and Victoria Haworth (Waverley, N.S.) added eight kills apiece while libero Catherine Callaghan (Halifax, N.S.) had 16 digs. Baker had 38 assists, nine digs and five service aces in the win.

    Acadia’s Becky Dorsey (Toronto, Ont.) earned player of the game honours for Acadia, collecting 16 digs in the loss. Lucy Glen-Carter (Toronto, Ont.) had a team-high 13 kill and added five digs and two aces. Taylor Collombin (Victoria, B.C.) had eight kills, 10 digs and four blocks.

    After finishing in the top spot of the AUS standings, the Tigers will host fourth-place UNB in one of two-semifinal series. The best two-of-three series will be hosted by Dalhousie on Thursday, February 20, Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 (if needed). All games will start at 7 p.m.

    Acadia placed third in the regular season standings and will face the number-two ranked Saint Mary’s Huskies next week. Hosted by Saint Mary’s, the games take place on Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. If needed, the third and final match of the series will be played on Saturday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics.

  • Axewomen split weekend vs Capers with a 79-60 win

    Axewomen split weekend vs Capers with a 79-60 win

    SYDNEY, NS – In Sunday afternoon basketball action, the Cape Breton Capers hosted the Acadia Axewomen at the Sullivan Field House in Sydney. The Axewomen were able to earn a weekend split by handing the CAPERS a 79-60 defeat.

    The CAPERS were unable to stop the Axewomen offence in the first quarter and gave up 29 points. The CAPERS couldn’t mount much offence in response and only put up 15 in the first quarter. It was more of the same in the second quarter as Acadia was scoring at will and took a huge 51-27 lead into half-time.

    The CAPERS got off to a rough start in the second half as well and at one-point Acadia held CBU without a point for 5 minutes. The CAPERS did come alive in the 4th and outscored Acadia 20-11 in the final quarter but it was much too little too late. Acadia had better numbers in all shooting categories. They were also dominant on the defensive end forcing 18 turnovers and getting 10 steals.

    The CAPERS were led in scoring Monique Calliste (Toronto, ON) with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Audrey Rankin (Prince George’s County, MD) also had a strong showing in her final home game as a CAPER. The 5th-year senior put up 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds despite the loss.

    The Axewomen were once again led in scoring by current AUS scoring leader Haley MacDonald who had an efficient 21 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds. Acadia also received a strong game from Jayda Veinot who had 20 points and 4 rebounds in the victory. Rachel Cloutare-Trudeau, 13 and Mia Roberts, 10 also hit double figures for the victors.

    The Axewomen’s Haley MacDonald was named the Subway Player of the Game. Acadia remains in 1st place with a record of 15-4 with the win. The CAPERS fall to 8-11 on the year and are in 5th place.

    The Axewomen wrap up their regular season on Wednesday, February 19th when they host Saint Mary’s at 6 pm. The CAPERS play their last regular-season game Friday, February 21st when they travel to Antigonish to take on ST.FX at 6 pm.  All the action can be seen on AUSTV.CA.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics.

  • Axewomen post 3-0 sweep of U SPORTS No. 2 Dalhousie

    Axewomen post 3-0 sweep of U SPORTS No. 2 Dalhousie

    WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Axewomen volleyball team stunned the visiting U SPORTS No. 2 ranked Dalhousie Tigers with a three-set win in Sunday afternoon play. The Tiger loss is the first match lost since February 15 last season.

    “Today was a great team win! We had multiple individuals rise today which contributed to our success,” said Axewomen head coach Michelle Wood. “There is always emotion involved in any match that we play, however today in particular the team played for the senior athletes that have helped build our program. Ultimately, we accomplished our goal today, but our sights are still set on something greater. The beautiful part about sport is that it’s the moments along the way that help propel programs.”

    The undefeated Tigers jumped out to an early 5-2 lead in the opening set, but the Axewomen tied the game up at six on a Dalhousie attack error. A kill by Peyton DeWolfe sparked a run that ended at 13-7 on an Acadia service error.

    The Tigers battled back to tie the match up at 14 on a Victoria Turcot service ace, but the Axewomen once again took control and the lead. The action was neck and neck until 20-20 when two Dalhousie attack errors combined with a Jamie Crocket kill and a Hannah Helm service ace ended the set at a 25-20 win for the hometown Axewomen.

    More of the ‘see-saw’ battle continued into the second set with no more than two points separating the teams until a 12-12 tie was broken by a kill by Bianca Ruiz triggering a rally that included three Lucy Glen-Carter service aces in a row, a Hannah Helm kill and another Glen-Carter ace to give Acadia a 20-13 lead.

    The Tigers responded six-point rally, but it wasn’t enough and the Axewomen collected a 25-22 second set win.

    Could the Tigers face a three-game sweep? Once again only two points separated the teams in the opening minutes of the third and eventual final set.  Dalhousie pushed to a 9-6 lead on a Victoria Haworth service ace and an Acadia attack error, but the Axewomen would post another rally to give them a comfortable 12-9 margin.

    Acadia pushed to a 17-12 advantage and retained the lead until Tiger Julie Moore nailed two consecutive kills to give Dalhousie a 21-20 lead. Lucy Glen-Carter landed four kills in the closing of the third set for the eventual 27-25 win. One of Glen-Carter’s kills broke the 25-25 tie and her last of four ended the match.

    Glen-Carter ended with match high 12 kills and a hitting efficiency of 0.355. Subway Player of the Game Jamie Crocket added nine kills for an amazing efficiency of 0.438. Rookie setter Sydney Zakutney handled the playmaking with 31 sets, while Becky Dorsey had a team high 14 digs. Hannah Helm had 3 solo and 1 assisted blocks in the win.

    Tiger Victoria Haworth had a team high eight kills and teammates Julie Moore and Victoria Turcot added seven each. Haworth had four solo blocks in the loss.

    The Axewomen take on Moncton this Monday night in a make-up game that was postponed on Friday due to inclement weather. Next weekend the Axewomen head to Saint Mary’s on Friday followed by Saturday’s season-ending matchup against Dalhousie in Halifax.

    The Tigers’ season wraps up with a rematch against Acadia next Saturday night.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics.

  • Axemen are champions, by snapping 21-year hold of title by Tigers

    Axemen are champions, by snapping 21-year hold of title by Tigers

    WOLFVILLE, N.S. – At the end of the third and final day of the 2020 Subway AUS Swimming Championships, presented by Keep It Social, the Dalhousie women’s team won their 19th straight AUS championship title while the Acadia Axemen earned their first championship title in 38 years, snapping a winning streak by the men’s Tigers which lasted 21 seasons. 

    Dalhousie’s Reagan Crowell led a podium sweep of the women’s 800m freestyle event to start the night. She posted a U SPORTS qualifying time of 8:50.06. Teammates Imani Theodore and Amelia Lane were second and third respectively. 

    Noah Horwood earned UNB their first gold of the session, touching in with a U SPORTS qualifying time of 28.74 in the men’s 50m breaststroke. Acadia’s Andre Walcott was second, followed by Dalhousie’s Evan Feick in third. 

    Abbey Corish won gold in the women’s 50m breaststroke, to earn Dalhousie their second gold of the evening. She was followed by Memorial’s Polina Konstantinova and Acadia’s Cali Bruce in second and third respectively. 

    Acadia’s Dean Sangster won the 200m backstroke in a U SPORTS qualifying time of 2:00.82. Dalhousie’s Christian Payne was second, followed by fellow Axemen Benjamin Henger in third. 

    UNB’s Leah Smal was first to the wall in the women’s 200m breaststroke. She clocked in with a U SPORTS qualifying time of 2:14.29. Dalhousie’s Claire Yurkovich and Sarah Bond were second and third, respectively. 

    Less than a tenth of a second separated the top three swimmers in the men’s 100m freestyle final. Acadia’s Brett Liem won the event with fellow Axeman Reilly Baker taking second place. Dalhousie’s Tyler Immel-Herron was right on their heals with a third-place finish. 

    Dalhousie’s Isabel Sarty set a new AUS record in the women’s 100m freestyle which she had broken during the heats earlier in the day. She posted a time of 55.19, bettering the time of 55.26 she set at the Kemp-Fry Invitational in November. Fellow Tiger Martine Nyhof was second, followed by Mary Beth Brown of Acadia in third. 

    Acadia’s Gordon Shortt won the 200m IM. Dalhousie’s Evan Feick was second, followed by Axemen swimmer Grier Kershaw in third. 

    Axewoman Cali Bruce out-touched Dalhousie’s Madeline Shivgulam to win the women’s 200m IM. Fellow Acadia swimmer Madison Morrison was third. 

    Dalhousie’s Quinn West won the final single event of the evening, earning a gold medal in the men’s 1500m freestyle event. Memorial’s Thomas Chafe was second, followed by Acadia’s Joshua Nowlan. 

    The Dalhousie team of Martine Nyhof, Abbey Corish, Lise Cinq-Mars and Isabel Sarty set a new AUS record to win the women’s 4x100m medley relay. They posted a time of 4:11.46 to beat the time of 4:11.64 previously set by Dalhousie at the 2016 AUS championships. Acadia was second in the event, followed by UNB in third. 

    Not to be outdone, the Acadia team of Dean Sangster, Andre Walcott, Shane Kenny and Brett Liem set a new AUS recorded in the men’s 4x100m medley relay. They touched in with a time of 3:43.01, topping the time previously set by the Dalhousie Tigers at the 2016 AUS championships. Dalhousie was second, followed by Memorial. 

    Acadia’s Madison Murray and Dean Sangster were named the female and male rookies of the championship meet. 

    Dalhousie’s Isabel Sarty was the female swimmer of the meet, while Acadia’s Brett Liem earned the men’s title. 

    At the end of the third and final day of competition, the team standings are as follows:  

    Women’s  
    Dalhousie - 1043.50 
    Acadia - 677 
    University of New Brunswick - 482 
    Memorial – 479 
    Mount Allison - 261.50 

     Men’s  
    Acadia - 1034 
    Dalhousie - 734 
    Memorial - 439 
    University of New Brunswick - 372 
    Mount Allison - 150 

    Everyone who posted a U SPORTS qualifying time during the AUS season will be headed to the U SPORTS championships, hosted by the University of Victoria, February 20-22, 2020. 

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics.

  • Axemen earn AUS quarterfinal bye with OTSO loss to Moncton

    Axemen earn AUS quarterfinal bye with OTSO loss to Moncton

    WOLFVILLE N.S – The Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus left the Andrew H. McCain Arena with a win 4-3 overtime-shootout win over the home Acadia Axemen. The overtime loss earns the Axemen one point in the standings – clinching the second place in the AUS standings and a quarterfinal bye.

    Acadia’s Garrett McFadden was first to find the back of the net 4:21 into the game when his pass aimed for a teammate at the side of the goal hit a UdeM player’s skate and found its way past the foot of goaltender Etienne Montpetit. The powerplay goal was assisted by TJ Fergus and Owen MacDonald.

    The powerplay remained hot for the Axemen as Stephen Harper doubled the lead about two minutes later on a 5-on-3 break. After receiving a McFadden pass just below the goal line, he patiently found his way to a shooting angle and fired it to the far side past the blocker of Montpetit. Cristiano Digiacinto also assisted the goal.

    Les Aigles Bleus brought the game back within one with 4:55 remaining in the opening period. Maxime St-Cyr’s one-time slapshot hit an Acadia penalty killer before finding its way past Logan Flodell. The 5-on-3 powerplay goal was assisted by Vincent Lanoue and Samuel Guilbault.

    Moncton was not done there. The same three players combined to tie the game within 30 seconds of the last goal. This time it was Samuel Guilbault who found the net, tapping in a pass through the five-hole of Flodell for yet another powerplay goal.

    Numerous penalties for both sides saw the teams tied 2-2 after the first 20 minutes of play, with all goals scored on the man-advantage.

    The second period scoring was opened with 10:20 remaining in the period. Danick Crete scored on a point shot to give Moncton their first lead of the game. Yet another powerplay goal; this time assisted by Francis Thibeault and Justin Guenette.

    The balance of the frame remained deadlocked, with both Flodell and Montpetit holding strong between the pipes. The second period ended with a 3-2 Moncton lead and a 27-25 shots on goal advantage for the Axemen.

    With just under two minutes left in the game, the Axemen struck to draw the game even. Jordy Stallard grabbed his tenth of the season after Garrett McFadden weaved his way through a group of Moncton players into the offensive end before feeding Stallard, who was driving the net for a tap-in to cap off a brilliant rush. Maurizio Colella had the other assist.

    The teams headed to overtime tied at 3.

    The extra period was not enough to bring the game to a conclusion, as both Montpetit and Flodell stood their ground. Off to a shootout.  

    Joey Richard shot first for the Aigles Bleus but was unable to solve Flodell, while Stephen Harper went first for the Axemen, and similar to Richard, couldn’t find the back of the net.

    Maxime St-Cyr looked to give Moncton the lead next but was unable to score and Garrett McFadden had the second chance for the Axemen but was unsuccessful in his attempt.

    Vincent Deslauriers scored for Moncton with a quick wrister to the high blocker, leaving it all up to Jordy Stallard to keep the Axemen in the game. Stallard’s attempt could not save the Axemen, as Montpetit closed out the game in favour of the Aigles Bleus.

    “Logan has strung together a pretty good month… it’s too bad we haven’t supported him more and gotten some more wins for him, but the way he is feeling and kicking them out right now, we’re obviously confident in him and it definitely helps going in to every game that you have him back there,” commented Garrett McFadden about Logan Flodell’s game and season.

    The Axemen return to the ice for the last weekend of the AUS regular season on Friday for their final home game against the Dalhousie Tigers and then close the season on the road at StFX on Saturday

    The Aigles Bleus trail third place Saint Mary’s by two points. A win on Wednesday night at UPEI could tie them with the Huskies. The Huskies are at StFX on Friday.

    Provided by Griffin Herrington, Acadia Athletics Communications

  • Huskies double Axemen in Halifax

    Huskies double Axemen in Halifax

    HALIFAX, NS – In AUS men’s hockey action, the Saint Mary’s Huskies hosted the Acadia Axemen at the Dauphinee Centre and two power play goals helped propel the Huskies to a 4-2 win. 

    The Axemen were looking to get in control early, using regroups in the neutral zone to great effect. The Huskies, meanwhile, had a couple sloppy defensive plays that led to scoring chances for the Axemen. First was a dangerous pass through the middle on their breakout that was picked off by an Axemen forechecker; shortly after, a giveaway in front of the net gave Ryan Foss (Oakville, ON) an opportunity to open the scoring. Huskies goalie Eric Brassard (St. Hubert, QC) had to be sharp early to keep the game scoreless. 

    Once the Huskies started getting their feet moving, the game evened out. With a couple back-to-back power plays, they generated chances with shots from the point and opened the scoring halfway through the period.  

    On the man advantage, Stephen Johnson (Moncton, NB) came into the zone down the right wing. The rebound from his sharp angle shot popped straight out in the slot to Keith Getson (Bridgewater, NS), who put home the rebound. Anthony Repaci (Toronto, ON) also assisted. 

    The Axemen responded with just under four minutes left in the first frame. In a pretty passing play down low, the puck danced between Jordy Stallard (Brandon, MB) and Mason McCarty (Blackie, AB) before getting dished to Cristiano Digiacinto (Hamilton, ON), who had an open net for the Axemen’s first goal. 

    After an Acadia power play, the first period ended with the teams tied 1-1, each with 10 shots. 

    Saint Mary’s had two power plays early in the second period, putting Acadia on the defensive. After killing them off, however, the Axemen took the lead with a breakaway goal. Slipping behind the Huskies’ defenders in the neutral zone, Owen MacDonald (Elora, ON) received a stretch pass from Ryan Foss (Oakville, ON). After a nice deke to his backhand, MacDonald flipped the puck over a sprawled Brassard to take the lead with eight minutes to go. 

    Just a couple plays later, the Huskies evened the score. Gaining the zone with speed, they cycled the puck in the corner for a minute before Johnson dished it to Balmas at the back door, who tipped it into the net. Repaci got another assist with the play. 

    Tied 2-2, the Huskies were on the power play with less than a minute to go in the second period. At the far side of the net, Repaci got passed the puck in tight, and it looked to be a sure goal, but goalie Logan Flodell (Regina, SK) made what was surely the save of the game. 

    Five minutes into the third period, the Huskies got on the power play again and capitalized. On the half wall, Logan Denoble (Peterborough, ON) sent the puck on net. Dawson Theede (Brooklin, ON) was on the doorstep and after a couple of attempts, put it in the net. Bronson Beaton (Springhill, NS) had the other assist on the Huskies’ third goal. 

    The Axemen, given two power play opportunities late in the period, were throwing pucks on net trying to find the equalizer, but some shot blocking by the Huskies helped to kill off the penalties. 

    Acadia pulled their goalie with about a minute left in the game. Repaci potted an empty net goal with 24 seconds to go, making it 4-2 for the Huskies. That would be the final score. With the win, the Huskies move into third place over the Moncton Aigles Bleus. 

    The Subway Player of the Game, with one goal and two assists, was the Huskies’ Repaci. Honourable mentions went to Johnson and Flodell, who faced 40 shots in the game. 

    Source, Sarah Moore for SMU 

    Photo Nick Pearce 

  • Axewomen comeback in opening set and deliver 3-0 match win over SMU

    Axewomen comeback in opening set and deliver 3-0 match win over SMU

    WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Axewomen volleyball team captured their second win in a row in the new year with a 3-0 sweep of the visiting Saint Mary’s Huskies in front of a boisterous crowd at Stu Aberdeen Court.

    Acadia’s Lucy Glen-Carter was named the AUS Subway Player of the Game for another outstanding game high 15 kills, 15 digs and four solo blocks.

    “It feels great. The energy was great out there tonight. It’s the first time beating SMU this season,” said Glen-Carter after the match.

    Glen-Carter noted the crowd’s impact to their play tonight. “Our football boys really bring it home. Our friends are amazing. We do it for them.”

    The Axewomen trailed the Huskies 12-5 in the early going of the opening set. A kill by Taylor Collombin triggered Acadia’s comeback at 13-20. The Axewomen went on a 10-3 run that tied the match at 23. An attack error by the Huskies coupled with a Glen-Carter kill gave the Axewomen a 25-23 first set win.

    Out to a 16-8 lead in the second set, the Axewomen maintained a significant lead for the duration of the second game, wrapping up with a 25-17 win and 2-0 match advantage.

    Acadia continued their high-pressure offense and stellar defense into the eventual final game. The Huskies had an early lead that built up to 12-9, but the Axewomen tied the set at 12 and pushed ahead to a 15-12 lead before Saint Mary’s tied the match at 16 on an Acadia service error and then took a one point lead at 17-16 on a kill by Anna Watt.

    Glen-Carter’s kill that tied the third game at 17-17 marked the last time in the match that the Axewomen would trail the Huskies. First year setter Sydney Zakutney and veteran outside hitter Hannah Helm added two kills to give Acadia a 19-17 lead that they would not relinquish.

    Pushing out to a 22-18 lead, Acadia would hold on to win the third and final set 25-21. The Axewomen recorded a hitting efficiency of 0.206 for the third game.

    Zakutney would finish the match with 32 sets, five digs and two service aces. Hannah Helm added seven kills to a team total of 35.

    Huskie Anna Watt was named the Player of the Game for Saint Mary’s. Watt posted eight kills and two service aces for the Huskies.

    The Axewomen improve to 11-4 and head to UNB tomorrow and Saturday, while the Huskies drop to 13-7 and host Memorial for two matches next weekend.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics 

  • U SPORTS No. 1 UNB slip by No.6 Axemen with 2-1 OT/SO win

    U SPORTS No. 1 UNB slip by No.6 Axemen with 2-1 OT/SO win

    FREDERICTON, NB – The U SPORTS No. 1 UNB Reds scored a 2-1 shootout win over the No. 6 Acadia Axemen, in an exciting game at UNB’s Aitken Centre, on Friday night. 

    Kris Bennett (Brampton, ON) scored the Reds’ shootout winner, and was named the Subway Player of the Game. 

    “I thought, if I had a little pump fake, it might fake him out and it did,” said Bennett. “Fortunately, I’m lucky and I really think we deserved that win, one way or another.” 

    “Credit to the guys, especially Sam Harvey in net. It was a huge win,” he said. 

    The visitors struck first when Acadia’s Jordy Stallard (Brandon, MB) jammed home a loose puck at the side of the Reds net at 4:14 of the first period. 

    The Reds drew even mid-way through the opening frame. 

    With UNB short-handed, Samuel Dove-McFalls (Montreal, QC) tipped a Joe Gatenby (Kelowna, BC) shot past Acadia goalie Logan Flodell (Regina, SK). 

    The second period saw the Reds flex plenty of offensive muscle, but the Axemen held the line defensively. 

    UNB outshot Acadia 13-8 in the frame, but the Axemen kept the Reds off the scoresheet. 

    While the Acadia defence was tested, it was a Reds defender who stole the spotlight. 

    Connor Hall (Cambridge, ON) caught Stallard, on a breakaway, with about 3:30 left in the period, preventing the Axemen forward from getting a shot off and thus preserving the tie. 

    The teams skated through another scoreless period in the final 20 minutes, prompting overtime. 

    With 1:14 left in overtime, the Reds were called for too many skaters on the ice. 

    Acadia had a couple of chances on the power-play, the best coming when Stephen Harper (Burlington, ON) fed a cross-slot pass to Cristiano Digiacinto (Hamilton, ON). Reds netminder Samuel Harvey (Alma, QC) somehow managed to get across the crease to block Digiacinto’s one-timer. 

    “The other guy was ready to shoot, so I kind of knew he was going to pass, and I was able to slide over and make the save,” said Harvey. “We made other good plays during the game. That was just part of it.” 

    In the shootout, Bennett’s game-winning goal came in the fourth round. 

    “That’s fun hockey, that’s what you play for,” said Harper. “You play for those 2-1 games. When you’re out there, you’re just having fun. Both teams are going hard. I’m happy we got the point.” 

    “A shootout is a toss-up,” added Harper. “You hope for the best, but it was a good fought game on both sides, both teams worked hard and I’m happy we got the point.” 

    The Axemen are now 17-5-1. 

    They head to Moncton for a Saturday evening game against les Aigles Bleus. 

    With the win, the Reds are now 19-4, and three points up on Acadia atop the Atlantic University Sport standings. 

    UNB welcomes the Saint Mary’s Huskies to the Aitken Centre on Saturday afternoon. Game time is 4:00pm. 

    RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics 

    PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics 

  • Axemen Close-out 2019 with OT Win Over Moncton

    Axemen Close-out 2019 with OT Win Over Moncton

    WOLFVILLE N.S. – The Acadia Axemen closed out the 2019 half of their season on a high note with a nail-biting overtime win over the visiting Moncton Aigles Bleus.

    Acadia took advantage of a powerplay opportunity to get their first goal of the night. After some patient play from Owen MacDonald, he feathered a perfect pass across the ice to Jordy Stallard who ripped a wrist shot over the blocker of the Moncton goaltender. The goal came at 6:49 of the first and was also assisted by TJ Fergus.

    The rest of the period remained quiet with solid goaltending from both Moncton’s Etienne Montpetit and Acadia’s Logan Flodell.

    It was 1-0 Axemen after the first period.

    Les Aigles Bleus were next to strike, tying up the game just before the halfway mark of the second period. After dangling through a pair of Acadia players creating a 3 on 1, Danick Crete eventually finished off the rush by slamming home a rebound at the side of the Acadia goal. Robbie Graham and Alexis Roy assisted.

    The Axemen regained their lead at the 14:03 mark of the period on the powerplay. Right off of an offensive zone faceoff, the puck took a weird bounce off of a Moncton players’ helmet before glancing off the goalie for a rebound potted home by Cristiano DiGiacinto on the edge of the crease. Mason McCarty grabbed the assist. The period closed with the Axemen on top 2-1.

    Maurizio Colella would give the Axemen a two-goal cushion on the powerplay 5:59 into the third period. A long battle along the boards eventually came loose to Mason McCarty who fed Colella in the slot for a one-timer that beat Montpetit to the blocker side. Cristiano DiGiacinto had the second assist.

    Though time was running low, Moncton would not go quietly.

    Maxime St-Cyr brought Les Aigles Bleus within a goal with 1:51 left in the final period. His wrist shot from the point sailed through a sea of bodies and beat Logan Flodell to his blocker side. Alexandre Bernier and Vincent Deslauriers had the helpers. They were not done there. 

    Robbie Graham would tie the game at three with just 39 seconds remaining, after a mad scramble in front of the Acadia goal ended with Graham burying the loose puck over the down and out Axemen goalie. Maxime St-Cyr and Francis Thibeault assisted. 

    Next stop: Overtime.

    The extra period concluded with just a minute and half remaining. After TJ Fergus did well to keep the puck in the Moncton end, he found his way towards goal before feeding Owen MacDonald whose quick move in tight to the forehand put the game away for the Axemen.

    Axemen assistant coach Kris MacDonald, who manages the powerplay team, was happy to have scored on three of four powerplay opportunities.

    “We had some lucky bounces and the boys executed well and got the job done and it was nice to see. We have had a lot of guys out of the lineup and a lot have stepped up. Our group is tight and a have a ton of character and great work ethic,” said MacDonald

    Axemen goaltender Logan Flodell made 33 saves, while Etienne Montpetit made 29 stops for Moncton. While Moncton was unsuccessful in their 3 powerplay opportunities, Acadia capitalized on 3 of their 4 extra-man chances.

    Both the Axemen and Les Aigles Bleus head into the break following that Saturday’s game, as they will return to action on January 3rd. Acadia will take on Saint Mary’s to ring in the new year, and Moncton will be facing off with StFX.

    Provided by Griffin Herrington, Acadia Athletics Communications

  • No. 7 Axemen remain in first place with a win over No. 1 ranked UNB

    No. 7 Axemen remain in first place with a win over No. 1 ranked UNB

    WOLFVILLE N.S. – After a quick back and forth game of hockey, the Acadia Axemen won their third straight game with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the U SPORTS No. 1 ranked UNB Reds.

    Acadia was the first team to strike, taking advantage of a powerplay opportunity. Alexander Lepkowski buried his second of the season after finding a loose rebound from a Johnny Corneil shot, and flipping the puck over the downed goalie and into the net.

    The goal celebrations were short-lived as the Reds answered right back just under a minute later with a goal of their own. After Alexandre Goulet ripped a shot off the post, Olivier LeBlanc was in the right place to gather the rebound and stuff the puck in the open Acadia goal. Stephen Anderson also assisted. The game was tied 1-1 after the first.

    It took only 24 seconds into the second period for the Axemen to reinstate their lead. A speedy two-on-one rush was ended by Eric Henderson driving the net hard and having Maurizio Colella‘s pass bounce off of him and past UNB goalie Rylan Parenteau.

    Jack Flaman was next on the scoresheet for the Axemen, scoring 6:27 into the frame. He was sprung on a breakaway following a blocked shot and squeezed a quick wrister through the netminder. The Reds responded with a goal of their own under a minute later. Matthew Boucher received a perfect backdoor pass from Alexandre Goulet for an easy tap-in to bring UNB within a goal. The period ended with the Axemen leading 3-2.

    Though there were numerous chances at both ends of the rink, neither UNB nor Acadia could muster up a goal in the final frame.

    The game concluded with the Axemen on top by a score of 3-2. Acadia goalie Logan Flodell was solid between the pipes making 40 saves, while UNB netminder Rylan Parenteau made 24 stops.

    “We worked all week in practice to stay tight in our zone and letting them pass around. They are a fast team and they usually try to get everyone running. I thought we did a good job staying in the middle,” noted by Flodell following the game.

    Both teams had three extra-man opportunities, though only the Axemen were able to capitalize with one goal on the powerplay.

    Acadia plays host to the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus Saturday night in their final regular season game before the Holiday break. The Axemen will be aiming to add a fourth straight win.

    The UNB Reds will be paying a visit to the Saint Mary’s Huskies in their next game on Saturday night with hopes to close out the 2019 half of the season with 2 points.

    Provided by Griffin Herrington, Acadia Athletics Communications

  • Axewomen Sweep Weekend Matchup with UNB

    Axewomen Sweep Weekend Matchup with UNB

    WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Axewomen volleyball team swept a weekend matchup against the visiting UNB Reds with a 3-0 match win in the second of two games last weekend against UNB.

    Peyton DeWolfe led the Axewomen with 10 kills, while teammate Taylor Collombin had nine.

    The opening set was an exchange of points and not until a UNB service error was there a separation between both teams at 9-9.

    The Axewomen went on a five-point tear to take a 14-10 lead that eventually formed a 19-11 Axewomen advantage.

    A DeWolfe kill and a UNB attack error gave the Axewomen a 25-18 opening set win.

    Acadia separated themselves from the Reds quickly in the second set with a 10-7 lead but UNB worked back to a 13-13.

    Rookie Sydney Zakutney put together two service aces to give Acadia a 21-15 lead, but again the Reds fought back to trail 24-23. A Hannah Helm kill closed out the set 25-23.

    The third and eventual final set was no different from the previous two. A tight back and forth battle was decided on the last points. The Axewomen possessed the largest lead of 17-14 but UNB worked back to close the gap to 23-21.

    Ahead 23-22, a kill by Lucy Glen-Carter followed by a second kill by Taylor Collombin ended the set 25-22 and a 3-0 Acadia match win. Hannah Helm was named the Subway Player of the Match with five timely kills and a great defensive effort. UNB’s Paige Lehto was named the Reds’ Player of the Match. UNB will head home and prepare to host the AUS teams in a mid-season tournament this weekend.

    Eric Cederberg is the Director of Communications for Acadia Athletics

  • Axemen advance to Uteck Bowl with 31-1 win over Bishop’s in AUS championship game

    Axemen advance to Uteck Bowl with 31-1 win over Bishop’s in AUS championship game

    WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The U SPORTS No. 4 ranked Acadia Axemen will be hosting the U SPORTS Uteck Bowl after handing the visiting Bishop’s Gaiters a 31-1 loss in the AUS Championship Loney Bowl.

    Undefeated in the regular season, the Acadia Axemen extended their winning streak to 9-0 with a championship win over the Gaiters.

    Despite a Maritime snowstorm the night before, Acadia’s Raymond Field was in great shape for an early November football game with weather conditions ideal for football.

    The Axemen broke the Gaiter goose egg early converting a fumble recovery on the Gaiters’ 40- yard line into a 33-yard Ben George field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.

    The Gaiters struggled with field position throughout the opening quarter and conceded two points with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter to trail the Axemen 5-0.

    With a 5-0 lead heading into the second quarter, Acadia’s Dale Wright scored the first of three touchdowns on a four-yard scamper to the end zone to cap a 5 play 91-yard drive that was highlighted by a 27-yard run by Wright, followed by a 50-yard reception by Matt Gledhill.

    Ben George chipped in another field goal from 23 yards to give the Axemen a 15-0 lead with 6:36 remaining in the second quarter.

    Acadia would extend the lead to 22-0 with 1:50 remaining on the score clock in the opening half when Dale Wright posted his second touchdown of the day on a three-yard dive. The touchdown concluded a seven-play, 72-yard drive.

    The Gaiters were unable to deliver any sustained drives in the opening half and the saga continued into the second.

    Noah Laursen added an early third quarter rouge that would turn out to be Bishop’s only point scored.

    Acadia’s Wright would add his third touchdown of the game at the 8:37 mark of the third quarter to give the Axemen an insurmountable 29-1 lead in the third quarter. A safety in the closing minutes of the game ended the scoring in the championship game, giving Acadia a 31-1 win over the Gaiters.

    The Gaiters only mustered 158 total offensive yards that included only nine first downs, 21 yards rushing and 152 yards passing. The Axemen recorded 486 total offensive yards, lead by 269 yards in the air.

    Axemen pivot Hunter Guenard was 18 for 33 passes, while Matt Gledhill pulled in four receptions for a game-high 106 yards including a 50-yard reception.

    Dale Wright, who was named the AUS Don Loney Most Valuable Player of the Championship game had 118 yards on the ground – 5.9 yards per carry average and all three Axemen touchdowns.

    “It’s surreal. When you hear guys on TV saying winning championships are surreal, that’s the feeling I have right now. I have goosebumps on me,” said Wright following the game after being announced as the AUS Championship Game MVP.

    “Bishop’s threw a lot of stuff at us in the first quarter, but we were able to figure it out and get the win,” said Wright.

    “We just got to prepare, keep doing what we are doing, keep staying consistent, take care of our bodies right now. It’s a crucial time especially with it being cold. Take care of our bodies. That’s key,” noted Wright when asked what steps need to be taken to prepare for next weekend’s Uteck Bowl at Acadia.

    The Axemen will have six days to prepare for the Montreal Carabins who handed the Laval Rouge et Or a 25-10 loss in the RSEQ championship game.

     

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