Axemen Open AUS Playoffs at Home Against StFX in Quarterfinal Showdown

Acadia looks to depth, structure, and strong goaltending in best-of-three series with the X-Men

The Atlantic University Sport (AUS) playoffs get underway Wednesday night as the Acadia Axemen open their quarterfinal best-of-three series against the StFX X-Men, with Game 1 set for Wolfville.

Acadia enters the postseason as the third seed after finishing the regular season with a 17-8-5 record, while StFX secured the sixth spot at 14-13-3. The season series was tightly contested, with the Axemen holding a narrow 3-2 edge. Both X-Men victories required extra time—one coming in overtime and the other in a shootout in the final game of the regular season last Saturday in Wolfville.

The Axemen will receive a boost to their lineup with the return of Cole Nagy, who missed the season finale due to a one-game suspension.

Ahead of the playoff opener, Acadia head coach Darren Burns emphasized the importance of consistency and identity.
“We need to focus on playing the game with structure and energy. We have focused on being a strong 200-foot team all year and this cannot change.”

Offensively, Acadia has been driven by Brady Burns, who led the team with 31 points in 30 games, alongside linemates Kian Bell (28 points) and Marc Boudreau (26 points). The Axemen have also seen a surge from the line of Liam Kidney, Bailey Peach, and Zak Lavoie. Peach and Kidney each recorded 10 points over their last seven games, with Peach finding the back of the net six times during that stretch.

When it comes to navigating the intensity of playoff hockey, Burns stressed simplicity.
“We need to keep our game simple. AUS playoffs are intense, fast, and they are a short series. Keeping consistency is crucial.”

StFX will counter with offensive threats Ryan McGuire, who paced the X-Men with 27 points, and Lucas Canning, the team’s leading goal scorer with 17. Acadia will also need to be aware of dynamic defenseman Charlie Callaghan, who recorded 23 points in 27 games and is known for jumping into the rush.

Between the pipes, goaltending has been a season-long strength for the Axemen. Thomas Couture appeared in 27 of Acadia’s 30 games, posting elite numbers with a .929 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average, ranking him among the top goaltenders in U Sports. He is expected to play a pivotal role in the short series. StFX is likely to turn to Patrick Lever, who started 22 games this season and finished with a 10-13 record, a .899 save percentage, and a 3.44 GAA.

Depth has been another hallmark of Acadia’s season, something Burns believes will be critical as the playoffs begin.

“Depth is very important for any team. It’s no different for us. This time of year, having everyone ready is extremely important. We have relied on playing a strong team game this year and this needs to be the same focus heading into game one.”

The Axemen blue line has been a staple for the team all season featuring a balanced mix of skill and physicality. Tyler Deline led the defense corps offensively with 25 points in 28 games, while Brendan Tomilson provides defensive stability and Conor Shortall adds a physical presence that will challenge the X-Men forwards to keep their head on a swivel. Freshmen Brayden Schmitt, Cole Whynot, Charlie Desroches, and Luke Zazula have brought strength to the squad at both ends of the ice throughout the season.

Getting off to a strong start in the best of 3 series is a must, and Acadia will look to do that on home ice on Wednesday at 7pm.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Friday night in Antigonish, with Game 3, if necessary, returning to Wolfville on Sunday night.

Tickets for Wednesday night’s playoff opener are available through the Acadia Box Office or online at acadiau.universitytickets.com. #GoAcadiaGo 🏒🔥