Tigers fall to REDS
Kai Dunits and Zak Smith scored for the Tigers in the loss.
FREDERICTON, N.B. — UNB REDS secured a decisive 11-2 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday night, with a dominant seven-goal second period setting the tone at home.
The first period commenced with a strong defensive effort from both teams, as Dalhousie and UNB exchanged several missed opportunities. Dalhousie's offensive started early with Ryan Del Monte and Luke Johnston both testing UNB's goalie Remi Delafontaine, but to no avail. UNB capitalized on its chances, with Luca D'Amato scoring at 7:40 off helpers from Jax Dubois and Justin Nolet, marking the sole goal of the period. The Tigers attempted to respond but faced persistent blocks and saves, including a blocked attempt by Ethan Martini. Robbie Forbes, Dalhousie's netminder, managed numerous saves to keep the score close. As the period ended, the Tigers found themselves down a player due to a late interference penalty on Josh O'Connor, giving UNB a power play advantage heading into the second frame.
UNB extended their lead over Dalhousie in the second period with a series of goals, solidifying a strong position. Jax Dubois opened the scoring at 13:11, assisted by Colton Kammerer, during a shorthanded situation for the Tigers. Camaryn Baber followed with consecutive goals at 10:45 and 10:00, the latter assisted by Kammerer and Michael Petizian. Despite Kai Dunits cutting into the lead with a goal for Dalhousie at 5:16, UNB continued their offensive surge. Braeden MacPhee and Nick Blagden added goals at 4:17 and 3:59, respectively, with Peter Reynolds pushing the score further at 2:36. Dalhousie's Zak Smith scored on a power play at 1:36, but Petizian capped the period's scoring at 0:53 for UNB. The period ended with UNB holding a commanding 8-2 lead.
UNB had a commanding performance in the third period, starting with Cody Morgan's goal at 17:27, assisted by Dubois and Reynolds, extending their lead. The Tigers struggled to capitalize on their power play opportunity following a hooking penalty on Gage Heyes, as UNB's defense held strong. Michael Petizian further widened the gap with a goal at 3:18, assisted by Cole Huckins. Just a minute later, Heyes added another goal at 2:18, with assists from Nicolas Savoie and Thomas Larouche, sealing an 11-2 victory for UNB.
Dunits scored one goal on four shots and won 10 faceoffs for Dalhousie. Smith tallied a power-play goal, converting one of his two shot attempts while blocking two shots. Forbes, in goal, made 38 saves despite allowing 11 goals. Del Monte added one assist and won four of his 10 faceoffs.
The Tigers continue their road trip on Saturday, travelling to UPEI to face the Panthers.
