Tigers come up short against X-Men
Ben Bujold had two goals in the Tigers 3-2 loss versus STFX.
HALIFAX, N.S. —The Dalhousie Tigers fell to StFX in a 3-2 home loss on Wednesday night.
Dalhousie led in shots 36-26 but was unable to overcome StFX's decisive two-goal third period.
The first period between Dalhousie and StFX ended scoreless, with both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Dalhousie was particularly active on offense, registering a significant number of shots, but StFX's goalie, Jack Milner, was steadfast, stopping every attempt including saves against Ethan Martini at 2:29 and Brody Fournier at 4:11. StFX also faced penalty trouble, with Antonino Pugliese and Ryan McGuire each serving time, but Dalhousie couldn't convert on the power plays. Carter Richardson, guarding the net for Dalhousie, was equally effective, making crucial saves, notably against Mark Woolley at 12:48 and Antonino Pugliese again at 19:56. Despite the defensive efforts, both teams remained even at the close of the first period.
In the second period, StFX quickly took the lead as Dominik Godin scored at 1:34, assisted by Milner and Connor Roberts, putting the visitors up 1-0. Dalhousie responded at 9:22 with a goal from Ben Bujold, assisted by Fournier, tying the game at 1-1. Both teams had power play opportunities later in the period but were unable to capitalize. Dalhousie and StFX each finished the period with a goal, keeping the game in a deadlock heading into the final frame.
StFX secured a 3-2 victory over Dalhousie in a tense third period. StFX capitalized on a power play early in the period as Lucas Canning scored with helpers from Pugliese and Cameron Mercer at 10:55. A pivotal moment occurred when McGuire extended the lead by converting a penalty shot for StFX after a tripping penalty against Dalhousie's Preston Pattengale. Dalhousie responded with an extra attacker goal from Bujold, assisted by Fournier and Jared Cosman, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Milner, StFX's netminder, made several crucial saves to maintain their one-goal lead until the final horn.
Bujold scored twice and finished with a plus-minus of +2, contributing significantly to Dalhousie's offensive efforts. Fournier added two assists while maintaining a plus-minus of +1. Cosman recorded an assist and boosted his team's performance with a plus-minus of +1. Richardson, in goal, made 23 saves despite allowing three goals in his start.
Ben Bujold was named the player of the game for his two goal performance.