UNB sweeps Acadia in AUS semifinal series

WOLFVILLE — The UNB REDS completed a semifinal sweep of the Acadia Axemen with a 4-1 victory Monday in Atlantic University Sport men's hockey action.

The win secured a 3-0 series victory for the REDS, who advance to the AUS championship against the winner of the Saint Mary's-Moncton series.

Ethan Ernst scored Acadia's lone goal on the power play at 1:03 of the third period, assisted by Brady Burns. Cole Nagy won 12 of 18 faceoffs, while goaltender Thomas Couture made 38 saves on 42 shots.

UNB opened the scoring at 2:24 of the first period on a power-play goal from Kale McCallum, assisted by Cole MacKay and Benjamin Corbeil. The period saw multiple penalties, including a high-sticking call on UNB's Sam McGinley at 14:27, but Acadia was unable to capitalize.

UNB extended its lead in the second period with two goals from Sean McGurn at 12:38 and 15:38. The REDS outscored Acadia 2-0 in the frame and maintained their shutout heading into the third.

Ernst's goal early in the third brought Acadia within two, but UNB responded quickly when MacKay scored on the power play at 4:26. Acadia's Bailey Peach had taken a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for checking from behind.

McGurn led UNB with two goals and a plus-four rating, while McCallum and MacKay each contributed a goal and an assist. Corbeil added two assists, and Cody Morgan finished with a plus-four rating.