FREDERICTON, N.B. — Kris Bennett and Matthew Boucher each had a goal and an assist to pace the UNB Varsity Red to a 3-1 victory Thursday over the UPEI Panthers in Game 1 of their Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey semifinal.
Game 2 in the best-of-five series goes tonight in Fredericton, N.B., with Game 3 set for Monday at MacLauchlan Arena. Game times are 7 p.m.
Mark Rassell also scored while Olivier Leblanc, Matt Murphy and Morell’s Stephen Anderson each had an assist.
Kameron Kielly from Owen Headrick and Filip Rydstrom responded on the power play for the Panthers. It was UPEI’s lone power play while the Panthers killed both of the Reds chances with the extra attacker.
Matthew Mancina stopped 52 shots in the loss while Alex Dubeau made 24 saves for the victory. The Panthers were outshot 25-4 in the second period.
The game was scoreless after the first while UNB took a 2-1 lead to the third.
Game 4, if necessary, would be played Tuesday in Charlottetown with Game 5 going Thursday in Fredericton.
Saint Mary’s defeated St. FX 3-0 in Game 1 of the other semifinal on Thursday.
Former Charlottetown Islanders forward Jake Coughler scored the winner 1:03 into the second period. Hunter Garlent and Kensington’s Thomas Stavert also scored while former Isles netminder Eric Brassard made 23 saves for the shutout.
Game 2 is Saturday in Halifax.
