STFX tops Acadia in Game 1 of best-of-three series

STFX defeated Acadia 4-1 in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series, scoring twice on the power play in the opening period to set the tone.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. in Antigonish.

Zak Lavoie scored the lone goal for Acadia. Liam Kidney recorded an assist and won 11 faceoffs, while Bailey Peach added an assist and finished plus-one. Goaltender Thomas Couture made 21 saves.

STFX opened the scoring at 8:36 of the first period when Lucas Canning converted on the power play, assisted by Logan O'Neil and Logan Chisholm. The visitors extended their lead to 2-0 at 14:31 on a goal by Ryan McGuire, assisted by Charlie Callaghan.

Raegan Wiles added another in the final seconds of the period, with assists from O'Neil and Callaghan, giving STFX a 3-0 lead at the intermission after a period marked by sustained pressure.

STFX increased its lead in the second period when Matt Cato scored at 10:47. Acadia generated chances throughout the period, including shots from Kian Bell and Charlie Desroches, but STFX goaltender Patrick Leaver made the saves to keep the visitors ahead.

Acadia got on the board at 5:35 of the third period when Lavoie scored, assisted by Peach and Kidney, cutting the deficit to three. The Axemen created additional opportunities, including a power play with shots from Brady Burns and Cam Whynot, but could not add another goal.

The final period featured multiple penalties and misconducts as both teams continued to battle. STFX maintained its lead to secure the 4-1 win.

Ryan McGuire recorded the game-winning goal and won 19 of 30 faceoffs. Wiles finished with a power-play goal and a plus-three rating. Canning added a power-play marker, while Leaver made 30 saves in the victory.