Tigers fall to Panthers 5-1

HALIFAX, N.S. — The UPEI Panthers cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers on Saturday night.

UPEI jumped out to an early lead in the first period when Kaleb Pearson scored on a power play at 14:03, assisted by Brett Bressette and Kurtis Henry. The Panthers then dominated the middle frame, adding three more goals to secure a commanding 4-1 lead by the second intermission.

Carter McCluskey doubled UPEI's advantage early in the second period at 4:34, before Pearson netted his second power-play goal at 5:47 to put the Panthers in control. Dalhousie finally got on the board at 9:15 when Colin MacDougall scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Ryan Del Monte, but it was a brief spark for the Tigers.

The Panthers added to their lead late in the second period, with Michael Stubbs scoring shorthanded at 19:38. Keiran Gallant sealed the win with another shorthanded goal at 19:52 in the third period.

Despite facing a barrage of shots, Dalhousie goaltender Nicholas Chenard was busy all night, finishing with 34 saves. UPEI's Joe Ranger had a solid performance in net, making 18 saves on 19 shots to earn the win.

UPEI dominated the shot count, outshooting Dalhousie 39-19. Both teams struggled on the power play, with UPEI converting two of six opportunities while Dalhousie went 0-for-4.

Pearson was named the player of the game.

The Tigers open the second half of the season on January 6 when they host the Acadia Axemen. The Panthers host Moncton on January 8 to open the second half.