Dal defeat Moncton 2-1 in return to season

The Dalhousie Tigers defeated the Moncton Aigles Bleus 2-1 in Moncton Friday night to open the new semester.

Barret Kirwin (Barrie, ON) had the first significant chance of the game on a breakaway. However, it was saved by Olivier Adam (Drummondville, QC) about nine minutes into the first period.

Nathael Roy (Lévis, QC) had a chance for Moncton just a minute later with a high wrist shot. Tigers keeper Nicholas Chenard (Tecumseh, ON) made the save.

With about 6:30 left of the first period, Shaun Miller (Enfield, NS) got a shot on goal through traffic, almost fooling Adam, who made the save.

Moncton had a few chances in the final seconds of the first period, but none would truly challenge Dal. The game remained scoreless going into the second period.

About four minutes into the second period, Samuel Guilbault (Varennes, QC) brought the puck to the front of the net but could not get the shot off. It was a play well defended by Dal.

5:53 into the second period, both goaltenders stood firm until Roy opened the scoring for Moncton. Denis Toner (Saint-André, NB) and Alexis Arsenault (Bonaventure, QC) assisted the goal.

Jarrett Baker (Black Rock, NS) blasted a shot from the point to tie the game 1-1. The goal came 13:56 into the second period and was set up by Miller and Joseph Serpa (Cambridge, ON) on the powerplay. 

The Tigers had two one-time chances towards the end of the period—one from Baker on the right side of the ice, with a great save from Adam. The second came from Miller on the left side of the ice, with another save from Adam.

Moncton once again had a last-second chance in the period but was saved by Chenard, keeping it 1-1 heading into the third period.

In the third period, Alec Belanger (Quebec, PQ) scored his 15th goal of the season. Belanger, who finished tied for first in goals heading into the holidays, hasn't missed a beat. Serpa and Miller once again picked up assists on the goal that came 4:40 into the third period.

Moncton peppered Chenard with several chances with just under 14 minutes left of the game, but Chenard remained spectacular, helping Dal keep its lead.

Derek Gentile (Sydney, NS) set up Kirwin on a two-on-one later in the frame, but Adam made a great save to keep Moncton within one goal.

The Tigers held on, achieving the 2-1 victory on the road against the second-placed team.

Chenard made 36 saves in the game and was spectacular throughout the victory.

Adam made 25 saves in the loss but made key saves to keep Moncton in the game.

The Tigers next play tomorrow against the University of New Brunswick Reds at 4pm at UNB.