The men’s hockey team drops another game against UNB

Going into Sunday’s game against the powerful UNB Varsity Reds, STU’s men’s hockey team had one win on their season. A win against the best team in the league would surely spark some much needed momentum.

But the Reds had other things in mind. As per usual, they dominated the game against the Tommies from the outset, skating smoothly to a 4-0 victory.

The first period was a lopsided affair, with UNB outshooting the Tommies 16-4. If it wasn’t for Tommies goalie Charlie Lavigne, the game could have been over before the second period began. Lavigne would only allow one goal all period, which was scored by Hunter Tremblay half way through the period.

The Tommies offensive attack was limited by UNB’s stellar defense. The line of Labonte-Dulle-Cheremetiev was the only one which sustained much of an attack in the UNB zone, but they were unable to finish off their scoring chances. The forwards’ inability to score on their chances has been a common trend this season.

“We got to get greasy out there,” says Kenton Dulle. “We can’t keep trying to make pretty plays.”

During the first minute of the second period, Lavigne had to provide more stellar goaltending for the Tommies. He made two big back to back saves (including a hard slap shot that went off his face mask) to keep his team within a goal.

Like the first period, the Tommies were unable to get an offensive attack going. They were, yet again, limited to a mere four shots on goal in the frame.

The Tommies did have one success in the period, however. With the Tommies already on the penalty kill, Scott Judson took a four minute high-sticking penalty, putting UNB on a five on three power play. The Tommies penalty kill worked to near perfection, and UNB failed to score on the advantage.

Whatever momentum was gained from the strong penalty kill would be lost in the final minute of play in the second period. With just 21 seconds left on clock, UNB scored a goal on a rebound to take a 2-0 lead.

The mountain for the Tommies heading into the third period seemed too high to climb. With UNB dominating the game, and disallowing the Tommies offense to get going, their two goal deficit looked like too deep of a hole.

The Tommies had an opportunity to get back into the game early in the third, when they went on the power play for the first time in the game. But the Tommies managed just a single shot on goal.

UNB would cap their lead later in the period. Hunter Tremblay scored two more goals to complete the hat –trick; giving UNB a 4-0 victory.

Despite the loss, Tommies head coach Mike Eagles was pleased with the effort his team showed against their powerful opponent.