Tigers fall to X-Men 9-2

ANTIGONISH, Nova Scotia — Dalhousie fell to STFX with a final score of 9-2 on Friday night. Despite the loss, Dalhousie managed to capitalize on two power play opportunities.

The first period between Dalhousie and StFX began with both teams eager to establish dominance, as Dalhousie's Ben Bujold won the opening faceoff. StFX's Cameron Mercer scored the first goal at 11:05, assisted by Antonino Pugliese, putting the home team ahead. Dalhousie responded with a power play goal at 14:00 by Bujold, assisted by Zak Smith and Jack Harper, tying the game. Shortly after, StFX regained the lead with a power play goal from Lucas Canning at 17:18, assisted by Logan Chisholm and Connor Roberts. The period concluded with StFX holding a 2-1 lead.

In the second period, StFX capitalized on their scoring opportunities to widen their lead. Mercer put the X-Men ahead at 5:42 with his first goal of the season, assisted by Charlie Callaghan. Less than ten seconds later, Canning scored his first goal of the season, with helpers from Dominik Godin and Chisholm, pushing the score to 3-1. Canning struck again at 8:12 after being set up by Godin, prompting a goaltending change for Dalhousie as Kaiden Kirkwood replaced Carter Richardson. Canning completed his hat trick at 17:26, assisted by Drew Maddigan and Mercer, giving the X-Men a commanding 6-1 lead by the end of the period. Dalhousie struggled to convert on their power-play opportunities, as Patrick Leaver and the X-Men defense thwarted their efforts.

StFX extended their lead early in the third period when Pugliese scored at 2:04, assisted by Mercer. The home team continued to apply pressure, and Logan O'Neil added another goal at 10:52, with help from Callaghan. Despite being on the defensive, Dalhousie found a breakthrough with Grady Logue scoring on a power play at 18:37, assisted by Colin MacDougall and Ethan Martini. The period ended with the X-Men securing a decisive victory, benefiting from a strong offensive performance and maintaining control throughout.

Bujold scored one goal and won 13 faceoffs, contributing a power play goal for the team. Logue also netted a power play goal on four shots, adding impact in offensive scenarios. Martini recorded an assist and blocked four shots, showing strong defensive involvement. Goaltender Richardson made 19 saves despite allowing five goals, starting the game in net.

The Tigers hit the road next Friday, heading to PEI to battle the Panthers.