X-Men defeat Tigers 5-2

Source: Alyssa Spridgeon, STFX Sports Information

Antigonish, NS - In a Wednesday night matchup at the Charles V. Keating Centre, the StFX X-Men outscored the Dalhousie Tigers 5-2, propelling the X-Men to the top of the AUS table.

The first period was an even affair, with both teams exchanging shots back and forth in the opening 10 minutes. Goaltenders Joseph Raaymakers (Chatham, ON) and Connor Hicks (Kanata, ON) each made several key saves to keep things scoreless for the duration of the first period.

Midway through the period, Raaymakers held his ground to come up with a big breakaway save off a shot from Tigers forward Logan O'Neil (Sydney, NS). O'Neil evaded StFX defensemen to attack the X-Men goal unchallenged but was unable to put the puck away as Raaymakers deflected the shot away with his stick.

Heading into the second period, both teams fought to break the deadlock in a spirited display of hockey. The first goal for the X-Men came 11 seconds into a powerplay off a shot from Jacob Hudson (Antigonish, NS). A pass played across the ice easily found Hudson on the right wing, who fired the puck low into the back of the Tigers net.

Continuing to put pressure on the Tigers defence, the X-Men were rewarded two minutes later with a second goal. Patrick Kyte (Pembroke, ON) worked the puck around the back of the Tigers net and spotted Matthew Philip (Ilderton, ON) alone in front of goal. Philip easily received Kyte's pass and slotted the puck low past Hicks.

The Tigers remained persistent in their pursuit of a goal, frequently looking to play the puck down the ice for players to chase. However, the X-Men defence showed their strength and did well to pick off Dalhousie passes, looking for the counterattack. Raaymakers appeared determined to preserve the shutout as he once again made a key breakaway save off a shot from Campbell Pickard (Halifax, NS) who was searching for the five-hole. Tigers forward Derek Gentile (Sydney, NS) was another key contributor for Dalhousie, doing his part to launch several shots at the X-Men goal.

To close out the second period, Sam Allison (Cole Harbour, NS) brought the score to 3-0 while also recording his first career goal with the X-Men. Dallas Farrell (Cardigan, PE) beat a lone Tigers defenceman before passing across goal to an unmarked Allison, who easily placed the puck in the top corner of the net.

The third period saw rising tensions, with both the X-Men and Tigers taking penalties. The Tigers capitalized on the powerplays, scoring both of their goals as the X-Men played shorthanded.

Eight minutes into the period, Brett Crossley (Dartmouth, NS) put the Tigers on the scoreboard as he received a pass played across the crease. Raaymakers was caught marking his near post, leaving Crossley free to place the puck into the open net.

Unwilling to allow the Tigers to launch a comeback, the X-Men promptly responded with another two goals, each scored in quick succession. Adam Holwell (St. John's, NL) fired a slapshot into the top corner of the Tigers net at the nine-minute mark.

Only 15 seconds later, Zack Trott (Mulmur, ON) brought the score to five for the X-Men, scoring off a Josh Nelson (Lockport, IL) assist as he beat Hicks on the far post.

Pickard recorded his first goal of the season as he took advantage of the powerplay in the final five minutes of the game. Finding himself unmarked on the near post, Pickard managed to sneak the puck past Raaymakers.

The X-Men led the Tigers 37-27 in shots. Tigers goaltender Hicks recorded 32 saves, while StFX's Raaymakers turned aside 24.

For the X-Men, Conner Bruggen-Cate (Langley, BC) earned third star honours, while Josh Nelson received the second star. Sam Allison earned the first star and was named Subway Player of the Game.

The X-Men return to action on Friday, November 12 at 7pm as they travel to play the UPEI Panthers.

The Tigers host UPEI at home on Saturday, November 13 in a 7pm game.

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