The UPEI Panthers men's hockey team clinched an 8-7 victory over the top-ranked UNB Varsity Reds in Atlantic University Sport action in Fredericton, N.B. Saturday.
The win was the third time the Panthers have beaten UNB this season. The Varsity Reds have been top-ranked in every CIS top 10 poll so far this season.
UPEI alternate captain Jared Gomes scored his second goal of the night with less than two minutes left in the third period to break a 7-7 tie and lift the Panthers to victory. The goal was assisted by defenceman Matt Maione and puts the Panthers up to 26 points in the competitive AUS conference. UPEI now sits only four points behind UNB (30) in the standings.
Maione also scored ton a powerplay exactly eight minutes into the first period. UPEI's other goals were scored by Reggie Traccitto (PP), Chris Desousa (2), Jordan Knox (short-handed) and Travis McIsaac (SH).
UNB's goals were scored by Nick MacNeil (2), Dion Campbell (PP), Daine Todd, Stefan Salituro, Chris Culligan (PP) and Luke Gallant (SH).
UPEI's Mavric Parks stopped 38 of 45 shots while UNB's Travis Fullerton played two periods blocking 12 of 17 shots. Seamus Bowen played the other period, stopping 8 of 11 shots faced.
The Panthers are back in action next weekend when the team faces off against the Dalhousie Tigers Friday and Acadia Axemen Saturday at MacLauchlan Arena. Game times are 7 p.m.
