Mike MacIsaac's tip-in powerplay goal early in the third period lifted the UPEI Panthers to a 2-1 win over the St. FX X-Men in Atlantic University Sport men's hockey action Saturday night at MacLauchlan Arena.
The Panthers grinded out the rest of the third period for the team's second home win of the weekend, after edging the Saint Mary's Huskies 5-3 Friday night.
The weekend sweep came after a month-long break in the AUS season and improved UPEI's regular season record to 10-6.
"It felt good. All the guys worked hard all game and we had a lot of chances," said MacIsaac, of O'Leary, on getting the game-winner. "We couldn't get it balanced but, in the end, it worked out for us."
UPEI alternate captain Jared Gomes got the first goal of Saturday's game on a power play at 7:09 in the first period.
Jason Bast tied the game up for St. Francis Xavier less than five minutes later at 11:19 with the X-Men enjoying a two-man advantage.
Both teams played a tight-checking style, hoping for a break and the lead until MacIsaac's goal, assisted by Reggie Traccitto and Alex Wall, early in the third period.
UPEI had to weather a dramatic finish with the visitors enjoying a two-man advantage in the dying minutes to end the weekend with four points.
The X-men were also able to pull their goalie for the extra attacker but could not score the equalizer.
"We just all had to commit to playing defense and taking care of our own end," said MacIsaac. "Everyone played well defensively and did their job."
UPEI assistant coach Kris MacDonald agreed the win was a team effort, adding that a couple of the Panthers played despite injuries.
Matt Boyle was one of those players. The second-year defenseman left Friday's game early after taking a stray puck to the face and losing a number of teeth.
It didn't stop the defenceman from playing a big part in Saturday's win, said MacDonald.
"He (Boyle) battled through," said MacDonald. "And when you see a guy like that playing, he inspires the rest of the team."
"Our fourth line guys did a lot for us too," added MacDonald. "Harrison McIver, Nathan McQuaid and Brandon Biggers, those guys all really stepped up."
Panthers goalie Mavric Parks stopped all but one of the 28 shots he faced. St. FX's Joseph Perricone blocked 17 of 19.
"We have 12 games left and this weekend was a good start, but we're on the road next weekend," said MacDonald. "We've got to have a big week of practice then just get back at it."
The Panthers play the same teams again in road games this coming weekend, as they face the Huskies in Halifax on Friday and the X-Men Saturday in Antigonish.
Women's Panthers
The St. FX X-Women downed the UPEI Panthers 2-1 in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action at MacLauchlan Arena B in Charlottetown Saturday afternoon.
Brittney Perkins scored the game-winner for St. FX at 8:19 in the second period.
Leah Boucher scored the X-Women's other goal at 10:13 in the first.
Samantha Sweet scored the only goal for UPEI at 11:04 in the second period.
St. FX goalie Katie Greenway blocked 22 of the 23 shots she faced. UPEI's Kristy Dobson stopped 27 of 29.
The Panthers will face the Saint Mary's Huskies in their next game at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 in Charlottetown.
