For the second time in two weeks, STU beats Dalhousie

STU’s men’s hockey team split their two home games this weekend against St. FX and Dalhousie. The Tommies suffered a disappointing loss to the X-Men 7-6, but were able to pummel Dalhousie 9-3 the next day.

The Tommies looked poised to dominate their home opener on Friday against St.FX. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, lead by Jason Cassidy’s two-goal performance. With 8:22 left in the period, Matt Eagles was kicked out of the game on a questionable checking-from-behind penalty.

As soon as the second period started, it was clear that St.FX wasn’t about to roll over and lay dead. They went on the attack early and scored with just over a minute left on the clock, cutting the lead to 3-1. About seven minutes later, the X-Men banged home a loose puck in front of the Tommies’ net. Now the Tommies had a mere one-goal lead.

Thirteen seconds after the St.FX goal, Kenton Dulle would relieve any panic by scoring on a rebound, making it 4-2 for the Tommies. At the end of the second period, the Tommies strong offensive game had them ahead 6-3.

It took just 22 seconds for St.FX to begin their comeback in the third period, when goalie Charlie Lavigne was beat on a wrap around.

The Tommies were looking weak defensively in the third period, and the X-men looked strong on the attack. It was no surprise when St.FX scored to make it 6-5 with 12:40 left to play. Suddenly, there was a tense feeling in the arena.

Then, with 8:55 left to go in the third period, St.FX tied the game with a power-play goal. It was a brand new game on the score board, but St.FX had all the momentum.

With 7:24 still to play in the period, STU went on the powerplay, giving them a good opportunity to score the go ahead goal. Instead, the Tommies gave away the puck at the blueline, creating a shorthanded breakaway for the X-men. Lavigne was beaten high over his shoulder. The score was now 7-6 St.FX and the crowd was stunned.

The Tommies had their chance to tie the game, but St.Fx was able to hold on for the one goal victory.

The Tommies were frustrated with how they let the game slip from their hands.

“It’s unacceptable to let your play slip like that,” said coach Mike Eagles. “Our team can’t play risky offensively. We have to play solid defensively.”

“We got too comfortable, we lost focus,” said Tommies defenseman David Crossman. “We gotta be pissed off with how we played tonight and make a big effort tomorrow.”

The Tommies started Saturday’s game against Dalhousie determined for a win. The Tommies went ahead 2-1 in the first period, but the lead came at a high price.

Defenseman Keith Wynn skated off to the dressing room after being body checked hard into the boards. Then, with just two seconds left in the period, Tommies defenseman Bryan Main was tripped by a Dalhousie player and went head first into the boards. An eerie silence filled the arena. Main did not seem to be moving on the ice. Eventually, he was placed onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital. The Dalhousie player was given a two-minute minor penalty.

“I thought it was a terribly dangerous play, to trip a guy going full speed towards the boards,” said Eagles about the accident.

With Wynn questionable to start the second period and Main gone to the hospital, the Tommies became determined to win the hockey game.

“We were playing for Wynner and Mainer,” said Tommies captain Erick Tremblay

The Tommies play motivated hockey in second period.

Corey Banfield scored early to give them a 3-1 lead. About 5 minutes later, Wes Welcher scored on the powerplay to make it 4-1. Dalhousie would make a goalie change, but it did nothing to stop the Tommies, who ended the period ahead 6-1.

The third period was a rough and physical one. Dalhousie looked frustrated and spent a lot of time in the penalty box. Both teams got involved in altercations after whistles, where sweaters were grabbed and a few punches thrown.

In between the rough stuff, the Tommies were able to score three more goals in the third period.

Dalhousie would score two late goals to make the final score 9-3

Although the Tommies forwards stole the show with their offensive performance, a lot of credit must be given to the four defenseman (Lehr, Tremblay, Crossman, Andricopoulos), who played most of the game with Wynn and Main leaving early with injuries.

After the game, Mike Eagles was pleased with how his team rebounded from the previous night’s loss.

“I think the guys were disappointed with last night’s game,” said Eagles. “They did some soul searching.”