Game Preview: Acadia Axemen vs Windsor Lancers
Axemen Quest for the University Cup Starts Thursday Night
The Acadia Axemen will open their quest for the University Cup on Thursday night in Saskatoon as they face the University of Windsor Lancers at 10pm Atlantic time at the Credit Union Centre. You can watch Thursday’s game live online at http://www.cis-sic.tv/
You can also listen to Len Hawley’s call of the game on AVR Radio in the Annapolis Valley, 97.7FM, or online at avrnetwork.com
The AUS Hockey Champion Axemen are in search of their first CIS National Championship since 1996, while Windsor is looking to claim their first National crown for Men’s hockey.
Windsor is coming off a hard fought 3-2 Queen’s Cup win over the OUA East division-winners McGill Redman this past Saturday night; it was a one game, winner take all game, to crown the OUA champion, and was the first time in 16 years that the Lancers took the Queen’s Cup, led by an incredible 50-save performance by their goaltender and player of the game Parker Van Buskirk.
The path for Windsor to the University Cup in Saskatoon began with the Lancers knocking off the Toronto Varsity Blues 2 games to 0, then taking the Western Mustangs 2 games to 1, and in the OUA West Finals, they defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves 2 games to 0. As mentioned, in the 1 game Queen’s Cup OUA Championship, they defeated McGill 3-2.
The Axemen meanwhile, have had some time to regroup, heal some bumps and bruises, and prepare for the CIS Championship tournament. They defeated the Saint Mary’s Huskies in Game 4 of their best of 5 series last Monday, March 10th to win the AUS Championship series 3 games to 1.
Acadia had a first round bye in the AUS and defeated the Moncton Aigles Bleus 3 games to 1 in the best of 5 Semi-finals.
Acadia posted a 21-7 record this regular season, and were no strangers to winning on the road with an 11-3 road record. They are led by the power line of Liam Heelis (24 goals, 42 pts), Mike Cazzola (31 assists, 42 pts) and Brett Thompson (33 pts), with AUS First Team All-Stars Chris Owens on defence (31 pts) and Evan Mosher in goal (23 games, 17-5 record 2.21 GAA, .919 Save %).
Windsor was led by #11 Spencer Pommels in regular season scoring with 32 points, including a team leading 13 goals. Other top scorers included Drew Palmer, Evan Stibbard, and Mac McDonnell with 25, 22, 21 points respectively on the regular season.
In goal for the Lancers, #29 Parker Van Buskirk played in 26 games this year, with a 16-10 records, a 2.66 GAA and .920 Save %.
The Axemen were an offensive force in the regular season averaging 4.21 goals per game, while Windsor put up on average 3.18 goals per game.
The special teams could play a factor in this game with Windsor posting a 87.2% penalty kill compare to Acadia’s 85.6%, while Acadia has a 22.7% efficiency on the power play compared to the Lancers 18.1%.
Depending on the result of Thursday’s game, the Axemen will prepare to play either Friday or Saturday night against tournament host University of Saskatchewan Huskies. A win Thursday gives the Axemen Friday off and a 10pm Atlantic time game against the Huskies on Saturday, a loss and the Axemen play Friday night at 10pm Atlantic time.
Stay tuned for more news and updates, and follow the Acadia Axemen on Twitter at @axemenhockey or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/axemenhockey