Axemen Set to Open Pre-Season Saturday

Exhibition Preview & New Role for Longtime Axemen Assistant Coach

The Acadia Axemen hit the ice this Saturday at 2 p.m. when they face the Dalhousie Tigers at the Halifax Forum, kicking off their 2025 pre-season schedule. With eight new players joining the lineup and a number of familiar faces moving on, fans will get their first look at a retooled Axemen squad.

We caught up with Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns to ask about the team’s goals heading into the exhibition schedule.

“The three games is a short window, but we want to balance getting everyone a chance to prove themselves while also working on our systems and player combinations,” said Burns. “I feel it’s a balance and both are important. We’re excited to see our new additions and the play of returning veterans who have come back with something to prove.”

Pre-Season Lineup

With three exhibition games on the schedule, Coach Burns says the staff’s goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible for players to showcase their game.

“We are doing our best to get everyone an opportunity,” he explained. “Obviously, playing only three games presents a challenge as certain players and positions need more opportunity to play. That is something we’ve discussed as a staff. We’re no different than any other team—there isn’t a perfect way to do it. However, seeing what everyone has is important to our staff.”

Summer Focus on Development

This past off-season, the Axemen placed a major emphasis on player development, including on-ice sessions throughout the summer and bringing in a special guest coach—Florida Panthers goalie coach and two-time Stanley Cup champion Robb Tallas—who worked with the Acadia goaltenders.

“With recent changes in hockey, recruiting has changed, and I think the challenge for U SPORTS teams to show they can develop players has become even more important,” said Burns. “The AUS is still a great league, but as a team we wanted to adapt and make every effort to promote our players and give them every opportunity to get better.

We increased workout opportunities in the summer and during the season. Our players skated once a week in June and July with our staff. Bringing in Robb Tallas to work with our goalies and players was a huge benefit. These things have paid dividends, and we’re fortunate to have tremendous support from our school, alumni, and community to help us fundraise for these extra opportunities to improve our team and the player experience.”

New Role for Longtime Assistant Coach Mark Richards

The Axemen coaching staff will have a slight adjustment heading into 2025, with assistant coach Mark Richards, who has been with the team for 24 years, moving into a new role.

“Our coaching staff will remain the same except for a change in role for longtime assistant Mark Richards,” explained Burns. “As scouring the country for talent and character across the numerous leagues has become more important, he will move into a role of recruiting and advanced scouting of opponents.

It is vital to be looking at all the leagues in the country. We’ve always had this mentality, but with an influx of major junior players going to the States, this is now a must. Richy has always played a huge part in our recruitment process, and our yearly lineup over the years has always had many players which he identified. Now we can get him on the road earlier in the year.”

Upcoming Pre-Season Schedule

After Saturday’s pre-season opener against Dalhousie, the Axemen return home to Andrew H. McCain Arena to host the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus on Wednesday, September 17, before wrapping up the exhibition schedule against the Saint Mary’s Huskies on Wednesday, September 24 in Wolfville.

🎟️ Get your tickets for both pre-season home games at the Acadia Box Office or online at acadiu.universitytickets.com.