Tigers fall to Axemen in OT

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Acadia University secured a 4-3 overtime victory against Dalhousie University on Tuesday night at home. Dalhousie built an early lead with two goals in the second period, but Acadia rallied with three goals in the third period and sealed the win in overtime.

The first period began with Acadia controlling the early faceoffs, but Dalhousie quickly took the lead after Brody Fournier scored the opening goal at 5:05, assisted by Grady Logue and Jared Cosman. Despite numerous attempts from the Axemen, with shots from Ryder McIntyre and Brady Burns among others, Dalhousie goaltender Kaiden Kirkwood kept the visitors off the scoreboard with several saves. Dalhousie maintained their one-goal advantage, entering the intermission ahead 1-0, as they limited Acadia's shooting accuracy and controlled key faceoff battles.

Kai Dunits opened the scoring for Dalhousie at 3:07 of the second period, with assists from Fournier and Liam Rodman, giving the home team a 2-0 lead. Despite Acadia's power play opportunities, Dalhousie's penalty kill, including key saves by Kirkwood, kept the visitors off the board. Luke Johnston extended Dalhousie's lead to 3-0 with a goal at 8:58, assisted by Ryan Del Monte and Owen Kindree. Acadia had several chances with shots from Burns and Roenick Jodoin, but Kirkwood's efforts in goal preserved Dalhousie's advantage through the period.

Acadia surged in the third period, overcoming a two-goal deficit to tie the game. Brendan Mairs initiated the comeback at 2:32, scoring with assistance from Brayden Schmitt. Zak Lavoie further propelled the Axemen with two goals, the first at 12:02 assisted by Jodoin, and the second at 13:10 with another assist from Schmitt. Despite Dalhousie's attempts to reclaim the lead, Acadia's relentless offense and solid defense preserved the 3-3 stalemate by the end of regulation.

In overtime, Acadia secured a 4-3 victory over Dalhousie. The extra frame began with Del Monte facing off against Liam Kidney, and Acadia gained early possession. Dalhousie came close to scoring when Jack Harper's shot hit the pipe at 00:36. The decisive moment came at 1:53 when Kian Bell, assisted by Tyler Deline and Keagan Slaney, found the back of the net to end the game. 

Fournier scored one goal and added an assist, contributing to the offensive effort. Johnston found the back of the net with one goal on three shots. Dunits also recorded a goal, enhancing the team's overall performance. In goal, Kirkwood made 35 saves, facing intense pressure throughout the matchup.

The Tigers return to the ice on Saturday when they host the SMU Huskies.