REDS Win In OT, Eliminate Panthers

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) Luke Torrance's goal 46 seconds into overtime lifted the UNB REDS to a 2-1 win over the UPEI Panthers in game three of their Atlantic University Sport men's hockey semi-final series on Tuesday night, in Charlottetown.

With the victory, the REDS win the series and advance to the AUS final where they'll face Moncton, who eliminated Acadia on Tuesday night.

The win also earns UNB a berth in the U SPORTS Championship Tournament, March 19-22, in Halifax.

Early in the extra frame, Eli Barnett blocked a shot just inside the UNB blue line and the puck rolled right on to the stick of Cody Morgan.

He turned up ice and, after crossing the PEI blue line, fed a pass to Torrance who ripped a wrist shot past Panthers' goalie Joe Ranger.

"I had a feeling going into OT that our line was going to get it done," said Torrance. "When Morgs got the puck, I saw an opportunity to find open ice for him, and he put it in the perfect spot for me to capitalize."

The two teams played a tight checking game through a scoreless first and second period.

Mid-way through the third, Stuart Rolofs gave the REDS a 1-0 lead when his dump-in attempt caromed off a stanchion and into the PEI net.

But four-and-a-half minutes later, Derek Pys beat REDS goalie Remi Delafontaine with a long wrist shot to tie the game and force the overtime, brief as it would be.

"I'm really proud of the group," said REDS' head coach Rob Hennigar. "It was a gutsy effort. It's never easy going to the Island, but I thought we played well and found a way. It's a huge win for our group."

"It means a lot, to score a goal like that," said Torrance. "To end a series and in a tough arena like that."

UNB will host Moncton in game one of the best-of-three AUS final. The date and time of that game is still to be determined.

Regardless of the outcome of the championship series, both teams will compete in the University Cup, along with host Saint Mary's.

"We're looking forward to the national championship tournament," said Torrance. "We have a lot of guys that know what it takes to get there. But we still have a series to win before that. The job is not finished for us."

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS BY: Janessa Vanden Broek/for UPEI Athletics