Dragan and Fournier score in loss

HALIFAX, N.S. — Dalhousie Tigers fell to the UPEI Panthers 9-2 on Friday night, with both of Dalhousie's goals coming from power plays in the third period.

UPEI dominated the first period, securing a commanding 5-0 lead over Dalhousie. Ben McFarlane opened the scoring at 8:29, with an assist from Brett Bressette. The Panthers capitalized on Dalhousie's penalties, with Derek Pys netting a power play goal at 11:47, assisted by Alexandre De Gagn and Keiran Gallant. Just over two minutes later, McFarlane scored again, assisted by Simon Hughes and Cole Larkin, extending UPEI's advantage. In the closing minutes, Donovan Arsenault scored at 19:00, following assists from Elias Cohen and Isaac Vos, and Josh Currie capped the period with a goal at 19:53, assisted by Yanic Crête. Dalhousie struggled to find the net, despite multiple attempts.

In the second period, the Panthers extended their lead with a goal by Colby Huggan at 5:26, marking his first of the season. Dalhousie faced penalty trouble throughout the period, with multiple infractions including a 10-minute misconduct to Ben Bujold and several two-minute penalties, which gave UPEI power play opportunities. Despite this, Carter Richardson managed to make crucial saves, facing numerous shots from Cohen and Arsenault. Dalhousie had opportunities on the power play but failed to convert, keeping the score at 6-0 in favor of UPEI by the end of the period.

UPEI maintained control throughout the third period, taking an early lead with Crête scoring at 2:17, assisted by Patrick LeBlanc. Crête struck again at 9:07, with LeBlanc and Marc Richard assisting, extending the Panthers' lead to 9-0. Pys quickly followed up with another goal at 9:30, further increasing the margin. Dalhousie responded with goals from Brody Fournier at 10:07, assisted by Ethan Martini and Bujold, and Seth Dragan at 16:43, assisted by Luke Johnston, bringing the score to 9-2. Despite their efforts, Dalhousie's late scoring surge wasn't enough to overcome UPEI's commanding lead.

Fournier scored a goal on the power play, contributing offensively. Dragan also recorded a power play goal, maintaining pressure on the opposing defense. Bujold added an assist and won 13 faceoffs, showing efficiency in the faceoff circle. 

The Tigers return to the ice on Saturday, facing the UNB REDS.