Category: Team Stories

Thomas Couture reflects on growth, gratitude, and the people who shaped his U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year season.

Consistency had already defined Thomas Couture’s career entering the season, but excellence elevated it to another level.

After posting strong numbers over his first two years with the Acadia Axemen — appearing in 50 games with a .909 save percentage and a goals-against average just under three — Couture returned determined to push his game even further. That commitment translated into a historic season, one that saw him named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year.

Starting a career-high 27 regular season games, Couture delivered a sparkling .927 save percentage alongside a 2.49 goals-against average, anchoring the Axemen night after night.

For Couture, the jump in performance did not come from a technical overhaul, but from a shift in mindset.

“This year, I tried to approach games with a different mindset,” he explained. “I think the hardest thing for me when it comes to playing a lot is mental fatigue. I tried to put less importance on bad practices, bad games, losses, and superstitions. I tried to focus on things I could control instead of focusing on things I couldn’t, and just tried to give my best night in and night out.”

A fiercely competitive athlete, Couture learned to keep the long season in perspective.

“I’m a competitive person, and I think sometimes I forget that I didn’t win or lose the Stanley Cup in the second game of the season or in a practice in November.”

Preparation Behind the Performance

Much of Couture’s development has come alongside Acadia goaltending coach Dan Turner, who has worked closely with him since joining the program last season. Turner points to Couture’s preparation habits as the foundation of his success.

“He brings a level of preparation to his craft that I have not seen before,” Turner said. “They have a full schedule with ice times and lifts and school. But somehow he makes time to do all the little things over and above.”

Turner frequently witnessed the extra work few others saw.

“I have often walked in to just him in our room on the bike, doing mobility exercises, doing hand eye work, or stretching. On his own when no one else is there. Practice starts at 4:30, I see him go on at 3:45 on the regular. Putting in his reps.”

For Turner, Couture’s recognition comes as no surprise.

“He did everything humanly possible to give himself the best opportunity to succeed. He deserves any recognition he receives.”

A Partnership Built on Trust

Couture is equally quick to credit Turner’s impact on his growth, emphasizing the support system surrounding the Axemen program.

“Dan’s support was and is incredible,” Couture said. “He invests so much time and resources to make sure that, not only Acadia’s goaltenders, but the Axemen as a whole, has what it needs to be successful.”

That commitment extended well beyond the season.

“Dan would drive me and other players and coaches once a week during the summer to go practice on Monday nights in Cole Harbour to make sure that we had ice time when there was no ice in the Valley. He traded a week of his time at a goalie school in exchange for the goalie coach to come work with us for an hour.”

“These are just small examples of what this program and its players mean to him.”

Built on Winning — Driven by Improvement

Couture arrived in the AUS already carrying championship experience, having won a Memorial Cup with the Saint John SeaDogs in 2022. He immediately made an impact at Acadia, earning AUS All-Rookie Team honours and AUS First Team All-Star recognition in 2023-24.

Yet despite those accolades, Turner believes Couture’s defining trait remains his desire to improve.

“I think he is a better goalie today than he was a year or two ago,” Turner said. “He continues to put work in on his game — he’s very self aware. I never bring things up to him that he hasn’t already noticed himself.”

“We have always been on the same page that way, when we look at his game. And he’s always looking for ways to improve.”

A Historic Honour — Shared Success

As Couture prepares to close his chapter with the Axemen and move on to the next stage of his hockey journey, his national recognition marks a milestone for the program. He becomes the first goaltender in Acadia hockey history to be named U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year.

For Couture, however, the award belongs to far more than just himself.

“I am a big believer that a goaltender can only be as good as the team in front of them,” he said. “I am extremely fortunate to have earned these awards and recognition, but believe me when I say that none of this would be possible without the block shots, the back checks, and everything involved by my teammates to make my job easier.”

“With that being said, I want to thank my teammates whose names should be written next to mine on the awards.”

He also acknowledged the broader group behind the scenes.

“I also want to thank the coaches and, specifically, Dan Turner, who have shown confidence in me since the first day I got here and have given me the opportunities for success. All the supporting staff provided me with treatment, clean laundry, and sharp skates, which often go unrecognized but are extremely appreciated.”

“Finally, I want to thank my family, my girlfriend, and her family for their support and belief in me. They never missed anything and provided support through the good and bad games.”

As Axemen fans know, those bad games were few and far between, as Couture consistently gave Acadia a chance to win every night over the past three seasons.

Turner perhaps summarized it best.

“He’s truly a pro on and off the ice. And a great person too.”

Veteran bench boss enjoying SeaDogs role as part of continued growth for himself and the Acadia program.

Acadia Axemen Head Coach Darren Burns is adding another chapter to his long coaching resume.

On March 8, Burns joined the Saint John SeaDogs organization as a senior adviser and assistant coach, supporting Acadia Axemen alumnus (’98) Brian Casey and his coaching staff. Casey, who was named interim head coach of the SeaDogs on February 26, is no stranger to the Axemen program. An AUAA All-Star and member of Acadia’s 1996 National Championship team, Casey now finds himself working alongside a familiar face — Burns served as an assistant coach on that same championship-winning squad.

For the Axemen bench boss, the opportunity has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.

We asked Burns what it’s been like coaching alongside Casey, he said, “It’s been a great experience coaching with Case. Anyone that knows him gets excited to see him everyday. He has that personality; you know he’s there for you and excited to work together with you.
He has done an excellent job. I’ve always felt the best coaches in any sport are real and you see their true personality on display when they’re in the work environment. He’s passionate, extremely knowledgeable and most importantly will go through the wall for his players on and off the ice.”

Burns is also deeply familiar with the Saint John organization on a personal level. His son Brady, who has led the Axemen in scoring the past 3 seasons, spent five seasons with the SeaDogs from 2018–2023, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and helping lead the club to a Memorial Cup championship in 2022.

After 25 years behind the Acadia bench, stepping into a different environment has offered a unique perspective for the longtime Axemen head coach.

When asked about the experience of being behind the SeaDogs bench over the past several weeks, Burns said, “Theres no question it’s a new experience not being behind the Axemen bench. After my family and close friends, Acadia Hockey has been my whole life and I don’t regret that for a second. It’s something that’s been engrained in me because of what Acadia Hockey has given me. Being able to have this opportunity with Saint John also carries many of the same feelings because of what this program has done for my family. About eight or nine years ago a relationship started that has created lasting memories and friendships. The Seadogs organization has now given me an opportunity to learn a lot over the past few weeks from ownership, management staff and players. This game is like life itself, you can learn everyday, and I am trying to do just that.”

As the QMJHL regular season concludes and Saint John prepares for the first round of the playoffs, Burns has been impressed with the group he has joined during the stretch run.

Asked about the SeaDogs’ play heading into the postseason, Burns said, “Anyone involved in hockey knows that playoffs are a special feeling. I have been overwhelmed by the positivity and willingness to learn by this group of players here. They are young, energetic and want to get better. They should feel very confident heading into post season. The future for this team is extremely bright and I think they will take full advantage of this opportunity to better themselves as players and as a team. I am very excited to be with them and share in their enthusiasm.”

While Burns’ focus has temporarily expanded, his foundation remains firmly rooted in Wolfville. The experience, he says, is already providing valuable insight he plans to bring back to the Axemen program.

“This experience has been tremendous for me. I have learned a lot everyday and it’s also helped me draw many parallels of good things we are doing at Acadia. You also get to see things we can do on and off the ice to create the best environment for the players. I’ve witnessed professionalism, enthusiasm and an environment where people go out of their way to care about each other. I don’t think there is anyone that would disagree that this is a blue print to succeed.”

Following their playoff run, Burns will remain a Senior Adviser with the team, but will return full-time to his head coaching duties with the Axemen. With recruiting and preparations already underway, the Acadia program will benefit from the added experience and perspective gained during his time in Saint John as the team turns its attention toward the 2026–27 U SPORTS season.

The Acadia Axemen wish Coach Burns, Coach Casey, and the Saint John SeaDogs continued success as they begin their QMJHL playoff journey. #AcadiaPride

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 🏒🔥

2nd place Acadia back in action January 5th

The Acadia Axemen are back on the ice on January 5 following the holiday break, beginning a shortened second half of the AUS regular season with just 12 games remaining.

Through the first 18 games, Acadia has compiled an impressive 11-4-3 record for 26 points, good for second place in the conference—just two points behind Moncton. The strong showing marks a significant improvement from a year ago, when the Axemen finished the entire 2024–25 regular season with 31 points.

Offensively, Acadia is tied for the second-most goals scored in the conference alongside UPEI, trailing only UNB. Defensively, the Axemen have allowed the third-fewest goals against, behind UNB and Moncton.

Axemen head coach Darren Burns reflected positively on his team’s first-half performance.

“I thought our team did a good job at regaining its identity after a tough start. We had really good preparation in August and September which was preceded by a strong off season. We lost our first two but rebounded well. I thought our consistency was solid in the first half as well.”

The Axemen will receive an added boost to the lineup as Cole Nagy returns to the roster. Nagy played three seasons with Acadia before taking the last term off and is expected to make an immediate impact, particularly in the face-off circle and on the penalty kill.

Burns emphasized that Acadia’s success is rooted in a collective effort.

“It’s not about a single player. Our success has been relying on everyone, and I feel there has been an inter accountability which is crucial in any sport. In saying that in adding Nags we are adding a very good faceoff guy who is an excellent penalty killer. He is a big body who can shut down offensive players and adding a player with his size will help as there is less space in the second half. He’s a smart player and very good two-way player. He’s a big addition for us for the stretch drive.”

Looking ahead to the second half, Burns stressed the importance of preparation during the extended break.

“The short second half started the day after our last game of the first half. There are about five weeks to prepare for game one so the training days are the most important. When we hit the ice for practices hopefully our conditioning is at a high level. This will help with execution for practices preparing for game one. It’s a short second half. If we aren’t prepared physically it’s tough to play catch up. The inputs from the month of December will prove crucial. In the stretch run, everything is magnified now less games, higher intensity level, and smaller margin for error.”

Acadia will benefit from a favorable home schedule in January, playing six of its first eight games at the Andrew H. McCain Arena. The stretch comes after an extended run on the road during the first half while Wolfville hosted the curling tournament. Playing on the Olympic-sized ice at home could provide the Axemen with an added advantage.

The second half gets underway on January 5 with a rare Monday evening matchup as Acadia hosts the Dalhousie Tigers at 7 p.m. at the Andrew H. McCain Arena. Tickets are available now at acadiau.universitytickets.com.

#GoAcadiaGo

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.

Axemen hockey strive for Excellence for Player Development

The Acadia Axemen hockey program was proud to welcome Florida Panthers goaltending coach Robb Tallas to the Andrew H. McCain Arena this past weekend. Tallas, fresh off helping the Panthers capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, worked closely with Acadia’s varsity goaltenders while also dedicating time to minor hockey goalies from the surrounding community.

As part of Acadia’s ongoing commitment to player development, Tallas spent extensive time on the ice with the Axemen’s four netminders – Thomas Couture, Nicholas Sheehan, Brayden Peters, and Jett Miller – delivering hands-on instruction and sharing his wealth of professional experience.

In addition to his work with Acadia’s varsity goaltenders, Tallas conducted 12 goalie training sessions with local minor hockey players. His guidance provided aspiring young netminders with exposure to elite-level teaching and further demonstrated Acadia hockey’s dedication to fostering grassroots development.

Axemen Hockey Sport Performance Manager Craig Slaunwhite shared how the idea came together:

“Dan (Axemen goaltending coach Dan Turner) had the original idea of bringing in a high level (hopefully NHL) goalie coach to work with our guys this summer. We talked back and forth about it for a while and then I said, let’s start at the top. Robb Tallas has been a friend ever since working together with the Panthers from 2009-2014, so I suggested approaching him. The timing was good because a few weeks later Dan and I took our kids to Ottawa to watch the Sens play the Panthers and we had a chance to pitch the idea to Robb in person. He was in from the beginning. I was worried that all the extra excitement and commitment from winning the cup again would cause him to cancel but he’s a great guy and still came through.”

The weekend left a major impression on both players and staff.

“It was amazing. The players soaked it up. I actually learned a ton as well. Robb is so good at explaining concepts and thinking outside the box”, said Slaunwhite.

When asked about the impact on Acadia’s goaltenders, Turner said:

“The weekend far surpassed any expectations that I had hoped for. To be able to listen to someone like Tallas, who is arguably the best in the world at what he does, was incredible. His ability to simplify the game will have a lasting impact on our guys. He breaks things down so well, all the little details that he touches on. You try to take as much of it in as you can. To have this opportunity to learn from him is hard to comprehend. It may be a once in a lifetime situation.”

Beyond the university team, Tallas’s experience translated seamlessly to younger players as well.

Slaunwhite added, “Robb has run many goalie camps in the past, so he has lots of experience working with kids. I think he had a lot of fun with that youth session.”

Tallas has served as the Florida Panthers’ goaltending coach for the past eight years, overseeing the training and progression of all goalies within the organization. Throughout his career, he has worked with legendary netminders including Roberto Luongo, Tim Thomas, Jose Theodore, and Tomas Vokoun.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Tallas enjoyed a 13-year professional playing career, suiting up with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Now based in South Florida, he continues to support goaltender development through his highly regarded Tallas Goalie Development camps, offering elite-level instruction to goalies of all ages.

The opportunity to bring a coach of Tallas’s calibre to Wolfville underscores the Axemen’s drive to provide their players – and the next generation of goalies in the region – with access to the highest levels of knowledge and mentorship.

 

Axemen add Kiefer Avery to the roster

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome Kiefer Avery from Westville, NS to the program. Avery, a 6’3” forward, played the last 4 years with the MHL’s Pictou County Weeks Crushers, serving as Captain of the team the past 2 seasons.

In 4 years with the the Pictou County Jr. A squad, Avery notched 128 points in 173 regular season games, adding 13 points in 23 playoff games. He is coming off his strongest offensive year this past season scoring 60 points in 52 games. The Crushers advanced to the MHL league finals, before being swept 4-0 by the Edmundston Blizzard.

Kiefer is looking forward to joining the Axemen, saying, “I’ve heard nothing but great things about both the program and the school. I know how much Acadia supports their sports teams, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Acadia Axemen head coach Darren Burns likes the addition of Avery to his roster saying, “Kiefer is a player who has an extremely high character level. He was an excellent leader in junior. Any time a forward plays the point on the powerplay it immediately shows that he is a very intelligent hockey player. His work ethic and commitment to the game is something a team can never have enough of. We feel he is a player who continues to get better each year.”

When asked what Axemen fans can expect from his game, Keifer said, “You can expect a 200-foot, responsible game from me every night, taking care of my own end first and then turning that into offence. I love the feeling of winning and I’m excited for the opportunity to have a great year.”

Axemen hockey action is just around the corner, with training camp beginning early in September and the Axemen will host a pair of exhibition games, facing the UdeM Aigles Bleus on September 17^th and the Saint Mary’s Huskies on September 24^th.

#GoAcadiaGo

Story by Chris Richards

Skilled forward from Falmouth, NS joins Axemen

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome the Valley’s own Cole Burbidge to the hockey program. Cole a 6’1” forward from Falmouth, NS, joins the Axemen after 3 years in the QMJHL with the Saint John SeaDogs and most recently the Cape Breton Eagles.

 

We asked Burbidge what made him choose Acadia, and he said, “I knew it was a place where I could grow both as a hockey player and a student. I had great conversations with the coaching staff as well as current and former players, and everything they said made me feel like this was the right fit. I grew up just outside of Wolfville, which is a small town where the community and fans are passionate and always show up for the team. Acadia offers the opportunity to compete at a high level, earn a good education, and be part of a tradition.” 

 

Burbidge starred with the Valley (Kings Mutual) Wildcats of the NSMBHL back in 2019-20 scoring 80 points in just 32 games, adding 11 points in 2 playoff games. In the 2021 QMJHL draft, Cole was chosen 29^th overall, in the 2^nd round by the Saint John SeaDogs. After the pandemic year, he then moved on to Mount St. Charles Academy U16 in the United States where he notched 59 points in 52 games.

 

As a rookie with Saint John he had an impressive 50 points in 68 games in 2022-23, in the off-season he was traded to the Cape Breton Eagles where he would score 57 points in 68 games in 2023-24. This past season Cole notched 43 points in 61 games. Overall in his time in the QMJHL he scored 150 points in 197 career games, adding 12 points in 25 playoff games. Burbidge will have a number of familiar faces on the Axemen, joining former Eagles teammates Brayden Schmitt and Conor Shortall, along with former SeaDogs teammates Brady Burns and Charlie Desroches.

 

Coach Darren Burns is excited to add the talented local player to the team saying, “Cole has qualities you can’t teach. His intelligence and playmaking ability is second to none. He is an extremely smart player who can make plays when sometimes it doesn’t appear there’s a play to make. Playmaking centers are pivotal in any lineup, in any league, and he is going to be a huge addition for us. An extremely low maintenance player that adds instant offence to our roster.”

 

We asked Burbidge what Axemen fans can expect from him on the ice, and he described his game saying, “The fans can expect to see a playmaking centerman with good hockey IQ who will be able to contribute in any position required.”

 

In addition to adding Burbidge, the Axemen have a deep recruiting class which includes defenceman Brayden Schmitt and forwards Justin DeZoete, Jordan Grill, Ryder McIntyre, Zak Lavoie, and Roenick Jodoin. Anticipation is growing for the upcoming season as we welcome a total of 7 new recruits to the Axemen roster for 2025-26 in addition to a strong core of returning players.#GoAcadiaGo

Story by Chris Richards