The Production Line Produces
Acadia Axemen down Dalhousie Tigers 4-0 in AUS Season Opener
The Axemen’s production line started off the season doing what they do best, produce. The top scoring line from a year ago of Liam Heelis, Mike Cazzola, and Brett Thompson picked right up from last year, scoring 3 of Acadia’s 4 goals, and leading the Axemen to a 4-0 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers.
The Axemen outshot the Tigers by a wide margin, with Acadia blasting 45 shots on goal, to Dal’s 16. The Tigers started rookie goaltender Corbin Boes in goal and he played very well, holding the Axemen at bay on many great powerplay chances.
Acadia went with second year goaltender Brandon Glover in goal, he recorded 16 saves for the shutout.
Coach Burns was pleased with the win, noting the battles were won in the trenches tonight saying, “It was a very tough opening game. Dal are vastly improved, they are well coached, can skate, and work hard. This game was a battle from start to finish.”
Acadia opened up the scoring just under 5 minutes into the game when Mike Cazzola fed a beautiful saucer pass through two Dal defenceman, to a streaking Brett Thompson who cradled the pass and put the puck past Boes. Travis Gibbons picked up the second assist on the play.
It looked like that would be the end of the scoring in the first period of play, until Scott Trask was able to find the back of the net with just 30 seconds remaining in the period. Dylan Anderson and rookie Remy Giftopolous picked up the assists on the goal that gave the Axemen a 2-0 lead.
At 6:36 over the 2nd period, Brett Thompson picked up his second marker of the night, taking a pass from Liam Heelis and sliding it home. Daniel Poliziani picked up the second assist on the play. That was the only goal of the second period.
The third period was a back and forth affair, with Dalhousie getting a great chance while killing off a penalty; they found themselves with a breakaway on the Axemen goalie, but Glover was up to the challenge, turning the shot aside, as well as the rebound.
With just under 3 minutes remaining and Acadia back on the powerplay, co-scoring leader from last season, Mike Cazzola took a pass in the slot and roofed the puck top corner to close out the scoring. The only assist on the goal went to Brett Thompson, although an assist may be added later as it appeared Liam Heelis was also in on the play.
Despite not showing up on the score sheet, the rookie line of Zach Franko, Boston Leier, and Sam Fioretti was dangerous all night, showing their speed and skill which will be a dangerous combination for opponents on the large ice at Acadia’s Andrew H. McCain Arena.
A few video clips here of the game:
The Axemen now return home to prepare for their home opener and raising of their AUS Championship banner on Friday night when they host the UPEI Panthers, and finish off the weekend hosting the St Thomas Tommies on Saturday night.
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