Myself and a couple of others made the 'short' jaunt to the Mac and back. Despite playing with 3 rookie D-men plus a rookie forward on the back end, SMU came up with the win. I had not seen a game here for a couple of years and had forgotten how bad the reffing can be. Other than the major against Fraser, UPEI was given free rein to run the SMU players. High hits, guys leaving their feet, hits long after the puck had gone; these were the norm. Goaltending was the key in the game. Savage was not very good and Peters was stellar. UPEI had a real strong 2nd period, scoring on a 5-3 PP and putting a lot of pressure on SMU. The Hillier goal with 12 seconds left was a dagger to heart, giving SMU a 3 goal lead again. Peters kept SMU in it during the 3rd with several great glove saves. Frustration was evident as one player after another slammed their stick or the gate when going back to the bench. I've commented in the past how much I like how UPEI plays. I have to qualify that by saying 'I like how they play on the road'. Their road games are played with speed and controlled aggression. They are complete idiots at home. Seriously, I could count at least 10 times where there was "intent to injure". I'm glad they're out.....
On the injury front, D'Orazio is out for the season with a knee injury sustained at UPEI on the final weekend. Beyers has the dreaded 'upper body' injury from the final weekend at UPEI. Doornboch skated pre game but did not play. Stickland is done for the season.
SMU will be in tough against a healthy, rested UNB. The win will save me some gas money as I don't have to go to Moncton to watch Acadia on the road. I get to see the Axemen and Huskies at home. Looking forward to Wednesday night opener in Wolfville.