Inductions to take place at the Acadia Celebrity Hockey Dinner June 19th

The Acadia Hockey Program is proud to induct another 3 members to the hallowed hockey honour roll list. This year’s inductees include Milan Dragicevic, Jeff Mercer, and Mark Richards.

Dragicevic, a defenceman originally from Edmonton, Alberta, now calls Richmond, British Columbia home, was an Axemen from 1990-94 and was a key member of the 1993 National Championship team.

Mercer, a physical forward originally from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, was an Axemen from 1995-1999, and was a member of Acadia’s 2nd National Championship, in 1996. Jeff now lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Richards, an assistant coach with Acadia’s hockey program for over 23 years from 2002 to present, winning a pair of AUS titles, a U Sports Bronze Medal in 2017 and coached in 6 national championship tournaments. Mark resides in New Minas, Nova Scotia.

Congratulations to our Hockey Honour Roll inductees, you are #ForeverAnAxemen.

Former Axemen Forward Lew Robicheau Continues Remarkable Recovery

Lew Robicheau, a native of Middleton, NS, suited up for the Acadia Axemen from 2001 to 2005. A hard-working forward during a rebuilding era for the program, Lew tallied 26 points across 92 games while bringing grit and determination to the ice each night.

Following his time at Acadia, Lew returned to his hometown where he married his wife Sarah, and together they are raising two children, Austin, 14 years old, and Lila, 11. Both Austin and Lila are avid hockey players, who share the love of hockey like their dad, Lew.

Life changed dramatically for Lew and his family over a year ago, on May 16, 2024, when Lew was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. With a traumatic brain injury, Robicheau was given less than a 5% chance of survival, his prognosis was grim—but in true Robicheau fashion, he has fought every step of the way.

Now 44, Lew continues his recovery at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. He is able to move his whole body, but due to muscle spasticity, he can’t move his left side well and for the time being is in a wheelchair. While the road ahead remains long and some lasting effects are likely, recent progress has sparked hope that he may return home in the near future, once home renovations are complete to accommodate his needs—something few would have believed possible just months ago. Lew will need intense physio, occupational, and speech therapy as he continues his recovery.

Former Axemen Mike Fougere described Robicheau as a great teammate saying, “Lew was always a no nonsense guy. He worked very hard on and off the ice and that shows in the success of his family business and not surprisingly that he has worked through the odds that were stacked up against him with his accident.”

Before joining the Axemen, Lew was a standout with the U18 Valley Wildcats from 1995–1998. He posted an incredible 76 points in just 34 games during the 1997–98 season, earning NSMMHL league MVP honours. He was selected by the Halifax Mooseheads in the 13th round of the 1997 QMJHL Draft, then went on to play for the Antigonish Bulldogs of the MJAHL from 1998–2001. There, he amassed 184 points over 142 regular season games—including an impressive 78 points in his final year.

Acadia Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns sends his encouragement saying, “Lew was a very beloved teammate with the Axemen, a consummate team player during his career. We are so happy that he is making such positive progress and we continue to think of him everyday.”

Lew has always valued the connections he’s made through hockey, and while recovering he would love to hear from former teammates or anyone he crossed paths with during his Acadia years, both on and off the ice. If you’d like to send Lew an encouraging text message or give him a call, please send us a private message through our social media accounts to request his contact information.

Axemen add another skilled forward

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome Roenick Jodoin to the hockey program. The speedy forward from Cornwall, Ontario joins the Axemen after 3 years in the OHL and last year in the BCHL.

We asked Roenick what enticed him to commit to Acadia, and he said, “I chose Acadia because of the coaching and reputation that its had and the opportunities that it presents, not only on ice, but academically too!”

The 5’8” forward was drafted by the Barrie Colts and joined the team in 2021-22 where he would score 17 points in 47 regular season games as rookie. He would follow that season up with 20 points in 56 games in 2022-23. In his 3rd season with the Colts, he had his strongest season statistically with 29 points in 61 games, for a combined 66 points in 164 games.

Last season, Jodoin would head West to the BCHL to join the Salmon Arm Silverbacks where he would score 38 points in 44 games, including 20 goals. He would also add 4 points in 4 playoff games.

Acadia Axemen head coach Darren Burns sees Jodoin as a strong fit for the team and the AUS saying, “Roenick has elite level speed which is tailor made for our ice surface. We feel this will be a big boost to our offensive punch. We also like his grit and determination to play in smaller buildings. He is an extremely passionate player who plays with a lot of heart. He’s an exciting addition to our lineup because we believe he is an extremely well rounded player.”

Jodoin is looking forward to hitting the ice in Wolfville, saying, “Fans can expect speed, skill, and hard work from me! I am playmaker and can score goals!”

Roenick is the third Axemen recruit announced for the upcoming season, as he joins forward Zak Lavoie and defenceman Brayden Schmitt. Stay tuned for more recruit announcements in the coming weeks! #GoAcadiaGo

 

Story by Chris Richards

Skilled Forward Commits to Acadia

(Photo credit: Sebastien Gervais)

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome forward Zak Lavoie to the hockey program. The 5’11” native of Ottawa, ON joins the Axemen after 4 major junior seasons in the OHL and finishing up last season in the QMJHL.

 

Lavoie is looking forward to his time at Acadia saying, “I felt a connection from my very first conversation with the staff. It’s a great fit for me as a student athlete.”

 

In 2020, he was picked in the first round, #7 overall by the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL draft and after the cancelled 2020-21 season due to the pandemic, Lavoie broke into the OHL in 2021-22 with the Mississauga Steelheads where he scored an impressive 44 points in just 64 games, including 23 goals.

 

After a strong start to the 22-23 season, with 19 points in 28 games, Lavoie was traded to the Niagara Icedogs where he would continue his strong season adding 38 points in 41 games, for 57 points and 29 goals in 69 games overall.

 

Zak was named the IceDogs Captain in 23-24, and was moved to the Brantford Bulldogs midway through the season. Combined between the 2 teams he recorded 55 points and a career high 31 goals.

 

2024-25 saw Lavoie begin the season in Brantford for his overage season scoring 20 points in 35 games before moving to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL where he would add 5 points in the final 11 games. For his CHL career, he notched 181 points in 246 regular season games.

 

Acadia Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns liked the addition of the skilled forward to the offence saying, “Zak has a passion for the game of hockey. He is a very intelligent player who wants to score goals and create offence. He’s a pure shooter who will always be an offensive threat inside the opponent’s blueline.

 

Lavoie summed up his game for Axemen fans saying, “I love to score goals and play with skill.”

 

Lavoie is the 2nd Axemen recruit named for the 2025-26 season joining defenceman Brayden Schmitt.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we continue to introduce our new additions to the roster! #GoAcadiaGo

 

Story By Chris Richards

Axemen add talented defenceman to the roster

Photo: Courtesy: Mike Sullivan

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome Brayden Schmitt to the hockey program. The agile, two-way defenseman from Truro, NS joins the Axemen after playing 5 seasons in the QMJHL, most recently with the Cape Breton Eagles.

Schmitt says, “I decided to choose Acadia University because I love the Valley and the town of Wolfville. The coaching staff was extremely welcoming and kind in our talks, and with old teammates and friends currently on the team I felt it was a perfect fit for me to pursue my schooling and hockey career here. The rink and facility are top-notch and I love playing on the big ice.”

Brayden began his junior career in 2020-21 with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, being named Captain of the team in 2022. After 2 and a half years with the Armada, he was traded at the holiday break in 2022 to the Cape Breton Eagles.

In 2023-24 he recorded his best statistical season scoring 49 points in 68 games. Brayden was named an assistant captain of the Eagles in 2024-25 where he would post 27 points in just 45 games, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was also named QMJHL’s student athlete of the month in February of this year.

Over his 5 seasons in the QMJHL, Schmitt played in 273 regular season games, scoring 135 points, and adding 8 points in 29 playoff games.

Axemen head coach Darren Burns is excited to add Schmitt to their defense core saying, “Bringing Brayden into our program is extremely significant on and off the ice. He personifies leadership and character and he’s a widely respected player in Atlantic Canada and in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. He is an excellent skating defenceman who has the ability to bring the puck up the ice with ease. His ability to jump in the rush and his polished puck moving ability immediately helps a team’s transition. He plays the game with grit and passion which are key ingredients in the AUS.”

As for Brayden, he says “The Axeman fans should expect to see a smooth-skating defenceman that loves to join the rush and get involved offensively, whilst being able to get back and shut down defensively.”

Schmitt is the first announced Axemen recruit for the upcoming season and he reunites with former Eagles teammate Conor Shortall on the Axemen blueline. Stay tuned for more Axemen commitment announcements in the coming weeks. #GoAcadiaGo

Story by Chris Richards

For Immediate Release

Montreal Canadiens Legend Larry Robinson to Headline Acadia Hockey Fundraiser

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Larry Robinson waves to the crowd during pre-game ceremonies to retire his No.19 in Montreal Monday Nov. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS, Ryan Remiorz)

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Darren Burns, head coach of the Acadia University men’s hockey team, announced today that Larry Robinson, Montreal Canadiens legend and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman, will headline this year’s Acadia Axemen Celebrity Hockey Dinner in June.

Nicknamed “Big Bird” in part for his size (6’4’’ and 225 pounds), Robinson was a big and strong yet highly mobile defenceman. He played 17 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens and another three seasons for the Los Angeles Kings, until his retirement after the 1991–92 season. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy twice (1976–77 and 1979–80) as the league’s most outstanding defenceman and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 1978 playoffs. He was named to the league’s first and second all-star teams three times each. Larry Robinson’s name appears on the Stanley Cup ten times, six as a player, three as a coach or assistant coach and once as a scout. He turned professional in Halifax, spending 1971 to 1973 with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the American Hockey League before making it to the National Hockey League with the Canadiens.

“We’re so excited to have Mr. Robinson headline our silver anniversary dinner,” said Burns. “The man is a legend, one of the greatest defenceman in NHL history and a hero to generations of hockey fans. We are fortunate to have him.”

The 25th Acadia Axemen Celebrity Hockey Dinner takes place on Thursday, June 19th at the Andrew H. McCain Arena in Wolfville.  Since starting in 1998, the event has raised close to $500,000 in support of the men’s varsity hockey program at Acadia. Tickets and corporate tables are available by visiting the Acadia Box Office or calling 902-542-5500 or by visiting: https://acadiau.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2572

For further information on the Celebrity Dinner event, contact Len Hawley, Chairperson at (902) 698-9692 or via email len.hawley@acadiau.ca.

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Media Contact:

David Salter

709-315-7868

david.james.salter@gmail.com

UNB Sweeps Best of 5 series, 3-0

The UNB REDS completed a semifinal sweep of the Acadia Axemen with a 4-1 victory Monday in Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey action.

The win secured a 3-0 series victory for the REDS, who advance to the AUS championship against the winner of the Saint Mary’s-Moncton series.

Ethan Ernst scored Acadia’s lone goal on the power play at 1:03 of the third period, assisted by Brady Burns. Cole Nagy won 12 of 18 faceoffs, while goaltender Thomas Couture made 38 saves on 42 shots.

UNB opened the scoring at 2:24 of the first period on a power-play goal from Kale McCallum, assisted by Cole MacKay and Benjamin Corbeil. The period saw multiple penalties, including a high-sticking call on UNB’s Sam McGinley at 14:27, but Acadia was unable to capitalize.

UNB extended its lead in the second period with two goals from Sean McGurn at 12:38 and 15:38. The REDS outscored Acadia 2-0 in the frame and maintained their shutout heading into the third.

Ernst’s goal early in the third brought Acadia within two, but UNB responded quickly when MacKay scored on the power play at 4:26. Acadia’s Bailey Peach had taken a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for checking from behind.

McGurn led UNB with two goals and a plus-four rating, while McCallum and MacKay each contributed a goal and an assist. Corbeil added two assists, and Cody Morgan finished with a plus-four rating.

Axemen return home for Game 3 on Monday night

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS scored three times in the first period and three in the third on route to a 7-1 win over the Acadia Axemen on Friday night and a two-games-to-none lead in their best-of-five Atlantic University Sport semi-final series. 

The game was played before a sellout crowd of 3374 spectators at UNB’s Aitken Centre. 

Macauley Carson (Midhurst, ON) scored four goals to lead the REDS. He was named Tim Horton’s Player of the Game. 

The fourth-year REDS’ forward opened the scoring just 2:55 into the first period when he took advantage of an Axemen turnover, skated in alone and lifted a backhand past Acadia goaltender Thomas Couture (Levis, QC) for a short-handed goal. 

His second goal came five minutes later. 

Liam Kidney (Enfield, NS) scored Acadia’s only goal at the 10:40 mark of the first, but Peter Reynolds (Fredericton, NB) restored UNB’s two goal lead a short time later. 

Cody Morgan (Gilford, ON) pushed UNB’s lead to 4-1 with the only goal of the second period. 

Carson added two more in the third and Reynolds got his second of the game. 

Cole Huckins (Upper Kingsclear, NB), Benjamin Corbeil (Granby, QC), and Justin Nolet (Mississauga, ON) all had two assists for the REDS. 

Carson’s four-goal game came a night after Morgan recorded a hat trick in UNB’s 5-2 win in the series opener. 

Samuel Richard (Ste. Catherine, QC) made 18 saves on 19 shots for the win in the UNB net. Couture made 35 saves on 42 shots. 

The Axemen will host the third game of the series Monday night. Game time is 7:00pm. 

The winner of this series advances to the AUS Championship Series and qualifies for the U SPORTS Championship, in Ottawa, March 20-23. 

 

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics 

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics