Round 2 Playoff Preview: Acadia Axemen vs UNB Reds

Acadia faces tough task against USports #1 ranked Reds

The Acadia Axemen advanced to the AUS semi-finals in dramatic fashion, sweeping the StFX X-Men 2-0 in their best-of-three quarterfinal series. However, they now face a much steeper challenge as they take on the USports No. 1-ranked UNB Reds in a best-of-five showdown, beginning Thursday at 7 p.m. in Fredericton.

UNB’s Dominance

The defending UCup champions have been nearly unstoppable over the past two seasons. After going undefeated last year from exhibition through playoffs, UNB followed up with a 28-1-1 record this season, suffering just one regulation loss and one overtime defeat.

The Reds boast an offensive powerhouse, with five of the top six AUS scorers on their roster. Emmit Sproule led the way with 43 points, finishing second in the conference behind SMU’s Derek Gentile. Freshman Peter Reynolds was the league’s top goal-scorer, netting 21 goals in 30 games, while offensive defenseman Kale McCallum added 39 points in just 27 games.

Between the pipes, AUS Second Team All-Star Samuel Richard anchored UNB with a stellar 1.48 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, finishing the season 21-2.

After a 12-day break since their last game on February 15, the question remains—will UNB show signs of rust, or will they simply be fresh and well rested.

Acadia’s Momentum

The Axemen enter the series with confidence and momentum, not only from sweeping round one, but also from their dramatic comeback in Game 2, erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period to win by two.

Head Coach Darren Burns praised his team’s resilience:

“In round one, we liked the way our players handled adversity and setbacks—whether it was early penalties in Game 1 or falling behind extremely early in Game 2, but we continued to play well. Coming back to score four in the third period says it all. Our guys’ trust and belief in what they were doing was crucial.”

Acadia showcased a balanced attack in the quarterfinals, with six different goal scorers. Regular-season leading scorer Brady Burns has yet to find the back of the net in the opening round of the playoffs, but others have stepped up, including Liam Kidney (4 points in 2 games) and captain Peyton Hoyt, who is from Lincoln, NB, which is just outside of Fredericton, scored twice for the Axemen. Burns and AUS All-Rookie Team member Cam MacDonald will be counted for their offensive punch in this series.

Goaltender Thomas Couture will be a key factor in this series, as he has proven capable of stealing a game on any given night and the Axemen will need his stellar play against the high octane Reds attack.

Looking ahead, Coach Burns emphasized the importance of staying true to their game:

“We just need to continue playing to our capabilities. We aren’t the same team we were in September. The players have worked hard and stayed committed. Belief is important. AUS hockey is incredibly competitive, and the postseason is short—it’s all about embracing the moment and doing everything you can to make it last.”

Series Schedule

  • Game 1: Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 pm in Fredericton
  • Game 2: Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 pm in Fredericton
  • Game 3: Monday, March 3 at 7 pm in Wolfville
  • Game 4 (if necessary): Tuesday, March 4 at 7 pm in Wolfville
  • Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, March 6 at 7pm  in Fredericton

🎟️ Get your tickets for Game 3 at the Acadia Box Office or online at acadiau.universitytickets.com.

📺 Watch the road games live on AUStv.ca or listen to Len Hawley and Dave Salter’s call of the game on AVR 97.7 FM and avrnetwork.com.

#GoAcadiaGo