Boes the difference as Dal tops UPEI 3-1

(Halifax, N.S.) – Corbin Boe's (Saskatoon, SK) 36-save performance helped the Dalhousie Tigers top the visiting UPEI Panthers 3-1 on Friday night at the Halifax Forum.

Boes was aided on the offensive end by a strong Tigers powerplay unit that struck twice.

The hosts opened the scoring less than 30 seconds into the contest, courtesy of the man-advantage.

UPEI took a delay of game penalty in the opening 10 seconds of the contest and Dalhousie capitalized, as forward Andrew Rieder (Regina, SK) netted a slapshot just 27 seconds into the first frame.

The Tigers had a great chance to increase the lead to two just over four minutes into the period, as forward Jackson Playfair (Fort St. James, BC) used his speed to create an odd-man rush, however his shot went just wide.

Playfair would get a second opportunity just over 10 minutes in shorthanded, as he received a tape-to-tape pass from forward Andrew Wigginton (Sackville, NS), however Panthers goalie Matt Mahalak (Monrow, MI) absolutely robbed him with his right skate.

UPEI had trouble maintaining sustained pressure due to three minor penalties in the opening 20 minutes, however they did create some solid offensive chances.

Their best opportunity occurred six minutes in on a wraparound from centre Brent Andrews (Hunter River, PE) however Boes was able to stretch his left pad over to maintain the Tigers one-goal lead.

Dalhousie would capitalize on the powerplay yet again in the second period – this time coming at 4:58.

Defenceman Myles McGurty (Hoboken, NJ) was able to find Colton Heffley (Swift Current, SK) and he made no mistake to increase the Dalhousie lead to two.

UPEI had a plethora of chances to narrow the deficit in the middle frame, however Boes stood firm.

The Panthers best opportunity occurred in the final two minutes of play, as winger RT Rice (Invermere, BC) was left alone on the doorstep but was stoned twice by the right pad of Boes.

The Panthers pressed hard to narrow the 2-0 gap in the third period, however Boes stood firm.

His most impressive save of the last 20 minutes occurred with 7:20 left as he flashed his glove on a deflected shot by winger Kurt Etchegary (St.John's, NL).

The Tigers would put the game to bed at 18:41, as Rieder potted an empty net goal.

UPEI would spoil Boe's bid for his first shutout of the season in the final minute on a tally by centre Gabe Guertler (Plantation, FL), however it was too little too late as Dalhousie held on for the win.

Win the victory Dalhousie advances to 5-4-3, while UPEI falls to 5-4-2. Both teams play again tomorrow night. UPEI will travel to play StFX, while Dalhousie will host UNB.