CIS #4 Ranked Axemen Down the Dalhousie Tigers

Axemen Continue to Roll with 6-1 Win Over Dalhousie

The Acadia Axemen continue to roll towards a date with destiny.  That destiny is a meeting with the UNB Varsity Reds in their last regular season game, a game that has huge implications for first overall in the conference. It’s a game that promises to have a major impact on the AUS playoff picture.

But first, the Dalhousie Tigers stood in the way.

The Axemen proved why the Tigers were no more than a speed bump on the road to first place.  They dropped the Tigers with a resounding 6-1 victory on home ice February 8, outshooting them 48-18, including a 22-5 edge in the first period.  It was a barrage that resulted in a 3-0 Acadia lead after the opening frame.

The CIS fourth ranked Axemen made a statement to UNB that they will keep pace with them, as UNB also won their game, 4-0 over Moncton.  They currently sit two points back of UNB in the standings.

Mike Cazzola led the Axemen attack with two goals.  Liam Heelis, Taylor Makin, Travis Gibbons, and Michael Clarke all added singles.  Brett Thompson chipped in with three assists.  Acadia netminder Brandon Glover stepped in and was sharp when he was needed to be, stopping 17 of 18 shots.

Francois Gauthier responded for Dalhousie.  Tigers goaltender Bobby Nadeau was spectacular in a losing cause, stopping 42 of 48 shots.

View the video recap of the game:

The stage is set for a huge final weekend for the Axemen, as they prepare to host the Moncton Blue Eagles on Friday, February 14 and then preparing to welcome the UNB Varsity Reds in the final regular season game for both teams on February 15.  If the two teams follow their current script, the Saturday game will have huge implications for both Acadia and UNB.  Come out and support the Axemen next Friday and Saturday and cheer them to first place in the AUS Conference!

You can also watch the games on www.austv.ca and follow in game action on Twitter by following @axemenhockey and @openingfaceoff!  Both games start at 7:00pm.

Game story from Justin Halbersma of openingfaceoff.net