Axemen down Tommies in exhibition play

In AUS exhibition hockey action tonight from Wolfville, the Acadia Axemen defeated STU 4 - 2.  Justin Collier got his first start in goal since his victory against St-FX back on November 12th and Sebastien Bernier played his first game for St. Thomas.

Chris Owens scored the only goal of the first period on the powerplay.  Acadia would score 2 more goals in the second frame at 10:04 and 16:30 to make it 3 to 0 heading to the third.

In the final period Jordan Scott, unassisted, took advantage of the Acadia goaltender's miscue to cut the lead early in the third.  Liam Heelis would score on the PP at 10:57 to restore the 3 goal lead but Chris Morehouse would get his first as a Tommie on the powerplay with the assists to Gallant and Bernier.   STU pulled Collier in the final minute of the game but could not get any closer.

Final shots were 35 - 24 in favor of Acadia.  BOX SCORE.  STU will return home and play U de M on Monday night, 7 PM at the LBR.

D-Man added to Tommies roster for charge to playoffs

Sebastien Bernier - Courtesy QMJHL

After a long year of waiting on the sidelines, defenseman Sebastien Bernier will finally be playing for the Tommies this coming Friday night against Acadia in Wolfville.

Originally from Lac Saint-Charles, QC this well travelled D-man last played for 3L du Riviere-du-Loup of the LNAH until December of 2010.  Previous to this, Bernier played for the Castors d'Avignon of the French Division 1 League and the Matane Castors of the LHSEQ.

In the junior ranks Sebastien played for 7 teams in his 4 year QMJHL career.  His best year being his overage one where he totaled 52 points between Gatineau and Rimouski in 2007-08.

When Chris Van Laren returns to the line-up against Dalhousie on January 6th, it will give STU 8 D-men and if everyone is healthy, the possibility of a full roster plus one.  Bernier is expected to be very similar in style to rookie Felix Poulin.  With the season Poulin is having lets hope the comparison is an apt one.

Welcome aboard Sebastien! 

St. Thomas & City agree on recreation deal

The City of Fredericton and St. Thomas University are in the final stages of signing a new 20 year recreation deal that will see the two identities partner on the new south side arena and sports field.

The deal will see STU contribute $140,000 to the new Scotiabank South sports field (Soccer & rugby), as well as their reported 1.5 million dollar investment in the Grant*Harvey Centre (Ice Hockey).  Also included is a sports advertising agreement between the two parties. (Information via The Daily Gleaner)

Tommies first half review

December 24th Update: It is really beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Fredericton after a small snow storm pushed through yesterday and left us with a beautiful white blanket of the fluffy stuff.  We hope everyone is in the festive spirit and would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone and a joyous/prosperous New Year.

Thank you very much to Coach Ryan and Bissonnette for allowing us to post this first half review.  Thank you as well to Captain Matt Eagles for contributing to it and Harold DeCourcey for his behind the scene work with the Friends of STU Hockey.  It is very much appreciated. I also want to thank our rookie players this year for choosing St. Thomas University, you won't be disappointed with your decision.

"It is important to establish, understand, and enjoy the process before we can expect success. Winning just doesn’t happen and learning to win just doesn’t happen. Sometimes these successes arise from hard times." Coach Troy Ryan

"The team has shown tremendous tenacity and the “NO QUIT” mentality that define what the Tommies are about during the first half." Coach Eric Bissonnette

"We play for each other, we play hard, and we have fun. Coach Ryan has done a great job of not only preparing us for our opponents, but also nurturing our team chemistry and spirit." Captain Matt Eagles

MEN'S TOMMIES FIRST HALF REVIEW

Daily Gleaner: Tommies making strides

Grant-Harvey Centre update

Grant-Harvey Centre front view

The Grant*Harvey Centre construction is in full swing now and contrary to many published reports of a March or April opening, a June completion date is probably what we are going to see.

Work is coming along nicely now as the roof is completed or nearly complete, exterior cladding is being installed quickly, and interior work is really starting to take off.

The state of the art facility is going to be a great new home for our men's and women's hockey teams.

Take a look through the recent photos and check out the progress to November 24th.



THE AQUINIAN - Grant-Harvey Centre set to open in April 2012

STU Athletics - Artist renditions of completed Grant-Harvey Centre PHOTOS

Squirrels trump Tommies in overtime

Chasing down the puck.  Courtesy Dylan Buell

The final Battle of the Hill 2011editon is in the books.  It saw UNB eek out an overtime victory against the visiting Tommies at the AUC.  STU was heavily out shot 43 - 16 but were able to stick to the game plan for the entire 60 minutes plus.

UNB opened the scoring in the first period when Diane Todd snapped one past Charles Lavigne in the STU net.  The Tommies generated few chances in the opening frame and were out shot 14 - 3.

Stephen Sanza (Cameron) would tie things up at 7:22 of the second when he raced down the right side and sniped one past Travis Fullerton.  UNB would surge ahead at 16:14.  The goal is recorded as being shorthanded but it came just as a STU penalty expired and the Tommies were starting a PP.  Bryan Main had just stepped onto the ice from the penalty box, so unofficially it was a 4 on 4.  The Squirrels pounded Charles Lavigne with 21 shots in the second and mounted several long periods of sustained pressure in the St. Thomas end.

The tying goal.  Courtesy Dylan Buell

The third had the Tommies tie the game at 4:37 off the stick of Randy Cameron (Reich, Sanza).  According to the referee, the puck just went over the goal line after sneaking by the UNB net minder.  The goal light did not come on and the Squirrels were not impressed with the call but the goal stood.

St. Thomas would have several power plays late in the third period, including a long 5 on 3, but UNB held on to force overtime.  Travis Fullerton made a larcenous save with under a minute to go and bailed his Squirrel team mates out.

The overtime didn't last long as UNB controlled the play in the STU end but the winning goal was flukey, as it went past Lavigne, after hitting a Tommies d-man's leg.  The winner was scored at 1:54 of the extra frame.

Even though Lavigne made 40 saves on the night, he wasn't even awarded a star of the game honour.  He was first STAR in our books with #2 to Steve Sanza and #3 to Randy Cameron.

That wraps up the first half and when the second half resumes we hope Matt Eagles, Christian Morin, and Alex Labonte will be healthy enough to resume playing.  We are also looking forward to the return of Chris Van Laren from suspension, as well as adding Sebastian Bernier to the line-up.  Maybe if we are lucky, Coach Ryan will land another player to add as well.

Moncton upends STU

The Tommies head to the Christmas break with 9 points and 5th position after they dropped their final game of the first half 7 - 3 to U de M.  Kayla Blackmore continued her strong weekend with 2 more goals after a 4 point game against Dalhousie on Saturday.

The Tommies came out hard on Sunday afternoon and dominated Moncton early on, out shooting Les Aigles 10 - 1 in the first eleven minutes of the game.  Cassidy McTaggart (Fox, Critch) would get STU on the board first at 2:24 when she banged home a Courtney Fox pass from the side of the net.  U de M's first shot was their first goal at 5:59 on the PP but Kayla Blackmore (Burns, Scott) scored on a breakaway at 7:34 to retake the lead.  Unfortunately it wouldn't last, as Moncton would score 3 more times in the last 4 minutes of the period.  Shots were 12 to 10 for STU in the first.

U de M would chase starting goaltender Julia Sharun in the second period, scoring 2 goals in the first 3:30 of the period for a 6 to 2 lead.  Kristen Wolfe would come in and only allow one goal at 4:47 of the third period before Kayla Blackmore, with her second of the game, scored at 7:53.  Final shots on goal were 36 to 27 in favor of St. Thomas.  Daily Gleaner: Blackmore solid but STU settles for split

Tommies come from behind to down Tigers

With fifth place on the line tonight at the LBR, the Lady Tommies came back from a 2 - 0 first period deficit to win 4 - 3.  Captain Kayla Blackmore had four points and was named player of the game.

The Tigers scored at 11:18 and 17:05 of the first to take the early lead.  Katie Brewster (Blackmore, D. Miller) scored with 47 seconds left in the period to trim the margin. STU led in shots 10 - 9.

Kayla Blackmore would score a beauty breakaway goal at 2:50 of the second period on a perfect break out pass from Courtney Fox.  Dalhousie would regain the lead on an easy tap in at 11:03.  The Tigers would hold on and take the 3 - 2 advantage to the third period.  Shots were 14 - 4 for STU.

With the Tommies holding the edge in play, it only took until the 3:35 mark before Dani Miller (Blackmore) tied the game.  The game winning goal saw Blackmore race down the right wing and snap the  winner past Brittany McMacken on the short side.  The Tommies would hold on for the victory but in the final few seconds of the game, with the extra attacker on for Dal, the Tigers slid one just past the post.  Final shots were 32 to 28 for the Tommies.

The win puts St. Thomas two points up on the Tigers and in 4th spot in the AUS.  The Tommies are home tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM against U de M.

What the hell just happened?

One Happy Squirrel

I don't know for sure but I think 24 or so Squirrels just kicked me in the who-ha.  My stomach aches, I am a little woozy, and I can't see straight.  Yes, I have concluded that I was kicked in the who-ha.

On the strength of 4 shorthanded goals in the the third period (Yes four, don't make me repeat it) UNB wiped out a 3 goal deficit to defeat a STUnned Tommies team.

The STU goals were scored by Jonathan Bonneau (Poulin, Chermetiev) with a beauty, Steve Sanza (Zandbeek, Poulin), and Mike Reich (Poulin, Zandbeek) on the PP.  The Tommies held a 2 - 0 lead after the first and a 3 goal lead after the second.

Missed opportunity at 3 -3. Courtesy Dylan Buell

The rest will live in infamy.

UNB. Friday night.

It's our first game of the season against cross campus rivals UNB on Friday night. The Squirrels are in first place and will be looking to do...well...what they normally do to STU - Kick the snott out of us. No word if Captain Matt Eagles or Alex Labonte will be in the line-up after each of them left games early against PEI and Moncton respectively this past weekend.

Daily Gleaner - Tommies looking for Gallant effort

The Journal Pioneer - Gallant having good run with Tommies

Daily Gleaner - It could be time for the Tommies Bruce Hallihan's column. (No jinx, fingers crossed, rabbit's foot and lucky clovers ready to go)

Daily Gleaner - If there was ever a time Bill Hunt column.  In his column Bill mentions the last time STU defeated UNB, October 26th, 2006.  I still have the Daily Gleaner from the next day.  Always meant to recycle it but held onto it for some reason, tucked away under my desk.  "Tommies topple V-Reds" it says under a picture of Justin Bowers shooting a backhander at Squirrels Jesse Ferguson and Reg Bourcier in the UNB net.  As the years went by I couldn't part with it. I hope the Tommies find a way to help me put this 5 + year old paper in the grey box.

Lady Tommies at home vs. Dalhousie & Moncton

The St. Thomas Tommies finish off the first half of the AUS schedule with a Saturday evening game vs. Dalhousie and Sunday afternoon tilt against U de M.  The Tommies are are currently tied for 5th in the league with the Tigers, each with 7 points.

On Sunday STU will host their inter-provincial rival U de M.  St. Thomas is looking for a little pay back after a 5 - 0 white washing in Moncton's home barn back in October.  Captain Kayla Blackmore had this to say about Moncton in today's Daily Gleaner,

"I think the biggest thing with them is we try to catch them in their transition game," said the captain. "Moncton is the kind of team that likes to jump on the turnovers we create and they go back hard the other way. We're really focusing on our transitioning in preparation from offence to defence and defence to offence."

Daily Gleaner: Blackmore bouncing back

Please make note that the Lady Tommies will be raising money in support of Movember on Saturday night and will be accepting non-perishable food items for the Fredericton Food Bank at both games.

Panthers scratch out 1 - 0 OT win over STU

The Lady Tommies dropped a tight game to the UPEI Panthers this afternoon in Charlottetown.  Amber Gaudette scored with 17 seconds left in the extra period.  Julia Sharun was great in net stopping 27 pucks, as UPEI out shot the Tommies 28 to 19.

The Tommies finish off the first half next weekend with two home games versus Dalhousie and Moncton.  The Tigers and Tommies currently sit tied for 5th in the AUS, each with 7 points.

Panthers double Tommies 6 - 3

A short staffed Tommies played to win this evening in Charlottetown but ended up on the wrong side of a 6 to 3 decision.  Alex Labonte, Erick Tremblay and Chris Van Laren did not suit up for STU.  Prince Edward Island native Randy Cameron scored all three goals for St. Thomas.

The Panthers scored two goals in the first period for a 2 - 0 lead, out shooting STU 11 - 6.

Randy Cameron (Andricopoulos, Morin) scored his first at 1:13 of the second period on the powerplay, riffling a bullet past Jhase Sniderman in the UPEI net.  Jarod Gomes responded 58 seconds later  giving UPEI a 3 - 1 lead.  Just over a minute later, with the Tommies back on the PP, Cameron took a great pass from Felix Poulin to shrink the lead to one.  Bryan Main had the other assist.  UPEI's Dana Fraser restored the two goal lead at 11:18 and Matt Carter, with a beauty, beat Charles Lavigne for a 5 to 2 advantage heading to the third.  Matt Eagles was knocked out of the game in the second period and did not return.

With only nine forwards and 5 defensemen, the Tommies looked a little overwhelmed by the Panthers early on in the third. To their credit they didn't quit and Randy Cameron completed the hat trick, his second one of the season, to shrink the lead to two goals with 5:30 to play.  Dana Fraser would get his second of the night in the last three minutes to cement the win for UPEI.

Tough weekend for the STU crew and they have until Friday night to mend any wounds, as arch rival UNB invade the Lady Beaverbrook Rink looking to continue their dominance of the Tommies.

Tommies drop heartbreaker to Moncton

On the strength of a goal at 18:37 of the third period the U de M Aigles Bleus defeated St. Thomas 3 to 2 tonight at the LBR.  The Tommies hung with Moncton the entire game but were not able to find that extra goal in the third period for the win.

The first period saw 9 minor penalties called against both teams and it was the Tommies who struck first with the two man advantage.  Randy Cameron fired home a nice cross ice pass from Jonathan Bonneau and Felix Poulin for the first goal.  REPLAY  Alex Labonte, who would later leave the game with an unspecified injury, put STU up by two at 10:08 on the PP with an easy tap in off a rebound. REPLAY Jonathan Bonneau and Mike Reich picked up the assists.

U de M came right back at 10:51 on their own powerplay and would tie it up at 15:32 on another man advantage.  After the first period the Tommies out shot Moncton 12 - 7.

There was no scoring in the second period but U de M held the territorial advantage and led in shots 11 to 5.

The third period was a dead heat until late.  The Tommies had the potential to clear the zone but Marc-Andre Cote intercepted the puck and went in and fired one top shelf past a stunned Charles Lavigne.  STU would pull the goalie and Moncton would draw a penalty but to no avail, as U de M held on for the win.  Final shots favored STU 32 - 28.  Daily Gleaner: UdeM takes over top spot

St. Thomas still sits one point behind St-FX for the final play-off position, as the X-Men dropped a 4 to 1 decision to Saint Mary's.  The Tommies hit the road for the final time this half tomorrow night against UPEI.  The UPEI webcast is available HERE.

Felix-Antoine Poulin coming up big for STU

Felix Poulin -
STU Athletics

With 10 points in 10 games Felix-Antoine Poulin has started off at STU just as he left off in junior hockey, scoring at a point a game clip. He's been a big factor in STU's turn around this season but he is quick to point out in today's Daily Gleaner that it is a team effort.

"It's the whole team system," he said. "We have to realize that maybe we aren't the kind of team that each player can play for themselves, because maybe we don't be successful...It might sound boring, but the players know what they have to do and we're doing it well, and pretty much every night we have a good chance to win."

Daily Gleaner: Poulin making seamless step at STU

Come out and watch Felix and the rest of the Tommies take on inter-provincial rival Moncton tomorrow night in a big tilt. Game time is 7 PM at the LBR.

Tombits

Getting back to center ice: Another excellent article by Tommie Chris Morehouse. Here is a little taste.

It’s been almost a full year since I arrived in Fredericton. Going to school while waiting to regain my eligibility – the hardest part of leaving pro – is almost over. With my shoulder almost 100 per cent, and my first game later this month, the excitement is building.

I am at a good place in my life. Being a student athlete has allowed me to appreciate my time at the rink and put life in perspective. I know my grandfather, a principal for more than 50 years, would be proud.

I’m hoping to combine my love for the game with a journalism degree. Reaching the pro hockey ranks in some way, shape, or form is still my goal.

Chris' first game back will be November 25th versus UNB. Aqunian article

Lavigne and Miller AotW at STU: Charles Lavigne and Jordan Miller were the athletes of the week at St. Thomas. This is the first time in a long time both recipients came from men's and women's hockey. STU Athletics article

Tommies trump X-Men in shoot out

Tommies celebrate SO win - Courtesy Dylan Buell

With a full team effort the St. Thomas Tommies pulled out a dramatic 6 - 5 shootout win against St-FX. With the win the Tommies have matched last season's win total with three. They also sit 1 point behind the X-Men for the final playoff berth in the AUS.

Tonight's game was less than two minutes old when Coach Troy Ryan called a time out to settle his players before things could go wrong. His team responded. STU was first on the score sheet at 11:24 of the period when Andrew Andricopoulos (Sanza) pinched in from the point to score his second of the season. It was the only goal of the period as STU would take the 1 - 0 lead into the intermission.

Brad Gallant would get called for a 4 minute high sticking penalty at 4:05 of the second period but Steve Sanza would squeak one through the pads of Joseph Perricone on a break away to give STU a two goal lead and league leading 5th shorthanded goal of the season. X would capitalize on the same powerplay at 7:07 to cut the lead and would score again on the PP at the 19:00 minute mark to tie the game going into the third period.

In the final regulation period, the teams would combine to score 6 goals in a see-saw battle. Steve Sanza (Morin, Eagles) scored his second of the night at 1:22 but X responded at 3:11. Jonathan Bonnneau (Gallant) would pull the Tommies ahead again at 4:29 and once again X comes back with a goal at 7:59. Bryce Swan would get his second of the game to give the X-Men their first lead of the night at 12:22 but Robert Zandbeek (Andricopoulos, Bonneau) tied the game on the PP with 5 minutes left.

Shortly after the goal Bryce Swan was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for head contact on Mike Reich. The Tommies played out the third on the powerplay but could not get the winning goal.

Several penalties were called in overtime but both teams' penalty killing units were up to the task. After 70 mintues of play the game remained tied at 5's with STU outshooting the X-Men 35 - 30.

The shootout went six deep before it was decided. Jordan Scott would get the winner after Yuri Chermetiev, F-A Poulin, Jonathan Bonneau, Randy Cameron, and Steve Sanza all failed to score. Charles Lavigne was brilliant in the shootout foiling all six X shooters. Scott was named 1st star of the game with the winner and Steve Sanza with 3 points was named 3rd star. A big win indeed for STU. Watch the entire shootout HERE. (Thanks to Tommies TV and Randy Corey for the link)
In AUS women's play, the Lady Tommies defeated the SMU Huskies 4 - 2. The Tommies were down 2 - 0 after the first period but the line of Jordan Miller, Kayla Blackmore and Dani Miller did the damage in the comeback victory.

Jordan Miller had 2 goals and an assist, Dani Miller a goal and two assists and Kayla Blackmore a goal and three assists for St. Thomas. Julia Sharun picked up the win. The Tommies were 1 for 6 on the powerplay and 2 for 3 on the PK. Shots were 36 to 20 in favour of STU.

The Ladies take on St-FX tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM. The game will be webcast HERE.

X-Women handle Tommies 5 - 2

St. Thomas was defeated this afternoon 5 to 2 by the St-FX X-Women in Antigonish. The Tommies actually lead after the first period 2 to 1 on goals scored by Dani Miller (Brewster, Blackmore) and Katie Brewster (Boyle, Fox). Both were on the power play.

The second period was dominated by St-FX with the X-Women scoring 3 goals and out shooting STU 18 - 1.

In the third period the Tommies played better than the period before but could not edge any closer and allowed one more to X midway through the period. The PP was 2 for 6 and the PK was perfect, holding X without a goal on 6 opportunities.

Julia Sharun was tagged with the loss facing 49 shots. STU answered with 16. The Ladies will have one week off before heading to Charlottetown next Sunday to take on the UPEI Panthers

Tommies fall to Huskies in OT

The Tommies earned a point this evening, losing 2 - 1 to the Saint Mary's Huskies before 742 fans at the LBR. STU played well against the Huskies but SMU dominated in the third and the Tommies were fortunate to force overtime.

Saint Mary's opened the scoring on the power play when 6'7" Justin Wallingford blasted a point shot past Charles Lavigne in the STU net. That goal would hold up until the third period as the Tommies out shot the Huskies 17 - 14 over the first two periods.

The Huskies dominated most of the play in the third period but Jonathan Bonneau received a perfect pass from Mike Reich and went in on a breakaway to score the tying goal at 16:02. The Tommies held on from there and forced overtime. Shots favoured SMU in the period 13 to 2.

The overtime didn't last long as Justin Wallingford got the puck deep in the STU end and did some fancy stick work before lifting a backhander past Lavigne for the winner at 1:47 of the extra frame.

With the OT point the Tommies move into sole possession of 7th place and remain 2 points behind St-FX for sixth, as the X-Men suffered a similar fate in overtime against Moncton losing 3 - 2. The X-Men will be the Tommies opponents tomorrow night at the LBR. 7 PM start time. Daily Gleaner: Wallingford comes up big

The Lady Tommies will be on the road in Halifax to face SMU on Saturday. The game starts at 7 PM. There is no webcast for this game. You can follow @SMUHuskies on Twitter for updates.

Tommies looking to improve records this weekend

The men are at home this weekend for two games versus the Saint Mary's Huskies and the St-FX X-Men. The Tommies have really leaned on goalie Charles Lavigne, who leads the league in shots faced, and he hasn't disappointed. The Daily Gleaner caught up with Charlie recently. Lavigne keeping his cool

In regard to Chris Van Laren's suspension, this is what Coach Ryan had to say in the article.

"I think Van Laren deserves the four-game suspension, and I don't believe, I don't think, the Moncton player deserves the four-game suspension," Ryan said.

So until we find out what the final decision is, that should just about end the debate.

The Lady Tommies head to Nova Scotia for two games versus SMU and St-FX. The X game will be webcast on SSN, I don't think there is anything from Halifax. I'll have the links, if and when they are available, on Saturday.

Van Laren suspended for four games

Well it's official now, Chris Van Laren has received 4 games for the hit he delivered in Moncton on Saturday night to Les Aigles' Chris Gaudet.

Van Laren was given a match penalty for a hit he delivered to the head of Aigles Bleus forward Christian Gaudet. Quesnel came to Gaudet's defence after the hit and was handed a match penalty for slashing Van Laren.

Match penalties in the AUS carry automatic four-game suspensions.

Daily Gleaner "Tommies blueliner banished for four"

Moncton has appealed and is looking to get Van Laren's suspension increased and Qusnel's decreased. This is ridiculous. If Van Laren hit was high, he'll have to suffer the consequences. Fair is fair. I did see the hit but have not seen it again, so my opinion is based on 1 view. Gaudet got stood up at the Tommies blueline trying to enter the offensive zone, that is almost an impossible play to tell a defenseman not to make the hit.

As for Quesnel, he should get extra games for "intent to injure". The question I keep asking myself is why he goes after Van Laren with his stick, using it as a a weapon. Where is that in the hockey code? Where? If he challenged Van Laren to a fight or perhaps even tackled him, that I could understand and say you were sticking up for your team mate. Quesnel went too far, and lucky for Chris, didn't seriously injure him. Sticking up for your team mate is important but where do you draw the line?

(I wrote this the other day, see story below) I have personally seen a similar hit to that of Van Laren's two other times at the JLL. First time was in 2005 when Thatcher Bell of the Tommies was laid out by a Moncton player. Second time was the first game of the 2009 season and Wes Welcher was hit in the Tommies end of the ice, in a similar fashion by a Moncton defenseman, who had stepped up out of position looking for it. Wes sustained a concussion and separated shoulder on the play and had to be helped from the ice. No Tommie used a stick as a weapon in either case. My point being that hits are always going to happen, skate with your head up (as I was told in Moncton), but coming after a player with your hockey stick is not right. What ever Van Laren gets for a suspension then Quensel gets double for intent to injure. Just my green and gold two cents.

Tommies drop 4 to 2 decision against Moncton

I'm not really in the mood to write this tonight but I will say, as kindly as I can, another Tommies versus Aigles Bleus moment. Their wrong, we're wrong, everyone's wrong. Hope Chris Van Laren doesn't have a broken leg and Moncton players skate with their heads up....and sincerely hope all players, on both teams, are OK.

The game was tied 1 - 1 after the first, 2 - 2 after the second, and Moncton scored two powerplay goals in the third for the difference. Mike Reich and Jonathan Bonneau (Gallant, Labonte)scored for STU.

Charles Lavigne takes the tough loss in the net. Not sure what the final shots were but Moncton had the advantage because with 10 minutes left they were 28 to 18.

Times & Transcript: Aigles Bleus win, but Gaudet sidelined with injury

NOTE: A little clarification is needed on the following quotes from the article

The Moncton-St. Thomas game was marred by an incident late in the third period, when Aigles Bleus forward Christian Gaudet was hit in the head by Chris Van Laren of the Tommies.

Laren was given a major and match penalty. Gaudet stayed sprawled on the ice in a puddle of blood for a few minutes.

Van Laren hit Guadet at the Tommies blueline just seconds after Gaudet had dropped passed the puck. It looked like his shoulder made contact with his head but Gaudet hitting the ice probably hurt him as well.

Alex Quesnel of the Aigles Bleus also took a match penalty after going after Van Laren following the incident.

Quesnel did in fact go after Van Laren but after reading this most would assume he tackled him or approached him to fight. No, what happened was Van Laren went after the puck and when he touched it, the play was whistled for the penalty. Quesnel attacked him from behind and laid a brutal two handed slash to the back of Van Laren's leg. He went after him all right, with his stick.

I have personally seen that same sort of hit two other times at the JLL. First time was in 2005 when Thatcher Bell of the Tommies was laid out by a Moncton player. Second time was the first game of the 2009 season and Wes Welcher was hit in the Tommies end of the ice, in a similar fashion by a Moncton defenseman, who had stepped up out of position looking for it. Wes sustained a concussion and separated shoulder on the play and had to be helped from the ice. No Tommie used a stick as a weapon in either case. My point being that hits are always going to happen, skate with your head up (as I was told in Moncton), but coming after a player with your hockey stick is not right. What ever Van Laren gets for a suspension (if he is suspended) then Quensel gets double for intent to injure. Just my green and gold two cents.

X-Women slam Tommies 6 - 1

Lead by a 4 point performance by last years CIS Rookie of the Year Alex Normore, the St-FX X-Women humbled the Tommies 6 - 1 this afternoon at the LBR.

The X-Women raced out to a 3 - 0 lead by the nine minute mark of the first period before Erin MacIsaac scored on a pretty wrap around attempt for the Tommies. Cassidy McTaggart got the only assist.

The rest of the game was all X having period leads of 3-1, 4-1, and the final 6-1. Final shots were 52 - 18 for X. Julia Sharun was solid in the STU nets and made a few beautiful saves to keep STU close. The Ladies head on the road next weekend for one game against UPEI.

Daily Gleaner: Tommies women see it from both sides

Tommies move back into the win column

Powered by a a 4 point performance by returning Captain Kayla Blackmore, the St. Thomas Tommies defeated the SMU Huskies 7 to 1 this afternoon at the LBR.

Saint Mary's would score their first and only goal past Julia Sharun 59 seconds into the game off the stick of Cailyn Byers. STU replied at 14:10 on a second attempt goal by Renata Mastna to even things up. The teams headed into the second period tied at ones.

The Tommies would dominate the rest of the game but it took until 12:08 of the period for Cassidy McTaggart, with her first as a Tommie, to get their second goal and eventual game winner. Katie Brewster (Blackmore, D. Miller) and Carly Critch (Brewster, Blackmore), with her first, staked STU to a 4 - 1 lead after two periods.

St. Thomas pulled away in the third with three more goals scored by Dani Miller (Blackmore, Steinert), Kayla Blackmore (Brewster), and Cassidy McTaggart (unassisted) with her second of the game. Julia Sharun gets the win facing 23 shots. STU had 39.

The Tommies are back in action tomorrow afternoon against St-FX. The game will be live on Tommies TV.

Tommies defeat Panthers for second win in a row

It has been a while since this has been reported but the St. Thomas Tommies have won 2 games in a row. Tonight a four goal third period helped them to a 6 - 3 victory over the UPEI Panthers.

Stephen Sanza (Poulin, Labonte) got the game off on the right foot for STU just 31 seconds in. It only took the Panthers 50 seconds to equalize as Chad Locke took a cross ice pass and buried it by Charles Lavigne. Shortly thereafter Coach Ryan pulled Lavigne from nets in favour of Justin Collier and had some stern words for our #1 goalie. It seems to have been enough and 38 seconds later Charlie was back in net.

STU would regain the lead on the powerplay at 18:05 off the stick of Jonathan Bonneau (Eagles, Poulin) but UPEI would tie it up with 14 seconds left in the period. Shots were in STU's favour 12 - 11.

The Tommies ran into penalty trouble in the second period and it proved to be the difference as Reggie Traccitto would score for the Panthers on a two man PP at 15:39. UPEI would take a one goal lead into the third being outshot in the second period 11 to 9.

With the Panthers clinging to the one goal lead and time ticking down the never quit Tommies responded. With a delayed penalty call against the Panthers, F-A Poulin found the extra attacker, Brad Gallant, all alone in front of the net. Gallant(Poulin, Eagles) made no mistake and tied the game for STU. The excited crowd at the LBR hardly had a chance to stop cheering when 10 seconds later Gallant (Scott, Bonneau) drove hard down the right wing and fired the go ahead goal past a bewildered Mavric Parks.

Brad Gallant's second of the game would prove to be the winner, as Robert Zandbeek (Van Laren, Gallant) at 18:48 and Steve Sanza (Main, Eagles) at 19:17 would both score into the empty net, to cement the big win.

Charles Lavigne was solid in the win facing 31 Panther shots for his first win of the season. The Tommies fired 31 shots the other way. Daily Gleaner: Gallant effort for Tommies, and another win too (Article states Lavigne was pulled for most of the 1st period, he was not. It was for less than a minute.)

STU heads to Moncton tomorrow night looking for a tough win in a tough barn against U de M. Moncton will be hungry after a hard fought 6 - 3 loss to the Squirrels tonight. Former Tommie Matt Davis has joined UNB and got the win for the Squirrels in his green goalie pads (tap of the stick to D.K on that squirrel bit). Tomorrow's game can be watched on the Moncton webcast HERE starting at 7 PM. GO TOMMIES GO

Tommies legend Walter "Bubsy" Mills passes away

It is with deep regret we mention the passing of Walter "Bubsy" Mills.  Walter was a multi sport athlete at St. Thomas when the university was located in Chatham and was a great hockey player.  He was inducted into the "Tommies Wall of Fame" in 2010.  We would like to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.  He will always be remembered as a great Tommie.

Walter “Bubsy” Mills was an integral part of athletics at St. Thomas in the 1950s. Ac­cording to the legendary Vance Toner, he was “a remarkable character who played what­ever you wanted played.” He was a talented two-way player in football as a fullback and linebacker and always left everything on the ice in a hockey game. Vance Toner recalled in a letter in 2003 one high school hockey game which ended in a tie and moved to sudden death overtime. “Bubsy implored me to ice his line and he promised to score immediately and end the contest. I started a fresher line. The next change was Bubsy’s line. Bubsy proceeded to the Fredericton bench and warned the players they could take off their skates, he was going to score immediately. From the face-off, he received the draw from the centre, made two evasive moves toward the goal and scored.” His first outing as a high school basketball player saw him named most valuable player at a tournament in Fredericton. Bubsy Mills was an all-round athlete who excelled at every sport which is why many said had he focused on one, he would easily have made a professional career. Source

Moncton Times and Transcript: Former STU Hockey player dies

Big weekend coming up for Tommies

The STU men's and women's hockey teams look to improve on their single victory seasons this weekend as they both play two games.

The men play UPEI on Friday night hoping to build off their big win against St-FX.  Randy Cameron, who scored 4 goals in that game, was named the Tommies male athlete of the week at STU for the effort.  Here is a Gleaner article on Randy talking about his big weekend. Friday night's game will be webcast on Tommies TV with Randy Corey and special guest commentator Chris Morehouse.  On Saturday the Tommies head to Moncton and take on the 5 and 1 Aigles Bleus.  You can watch the game live here HERE. (Yes Squirrel fans, same link for your game on Friday, copy away)

The Lady Tommies are home for both games and both will be on Tommies TV.  Opponents this weekend include the Saint Mary's Huskies (4 PM Saturday) and St-FX X-Women (2 PM Sunday).

Panthers pounce Tommies

Every team is going to have an off game and the Lady Tommies had a doozy today.  After leading early, St. Thomas dropped a 7 - 2 decision to the UPEI Panthers.

With Kristin Wolfe getting her first start in the Tommies net this season, the whole team was hoping to give her some support.  It all started well enough, as goals by Courtney Fox (D. Miller, E. MacIsaac) and Jordan Miller (C. McTaggart, A. Burns) with a UPEI goal sandwiched in-between, saw STU take a one goal lead into the first intermission.

From there it went downhill in a hurry with UPEI scoring three goals in the second and three more in the third to easily dismantle the Tommies.  Ferran Brown of the Panthers had a five point performance in the win.

The Tommies have less than a week to right the ship, as they stay at home to take on Saint Mary's on Saturday & St-FX on Sunday.

TOMMIES WIN!! Defeat X-Men for first victory of season

The Tommies finally got their first win of the season in a solid, well deserved, hard fought, 6 to 4 final over the #8 nationally ranked St-FX X-Men tonight in Antigonish.  Not only was this STU's first win of this season, it was their first road victory since October 31st, 2009 win they beat Dalhousie.

Randy Cameron scored the first 3 goals for STU as the game was tied 2 to 2 after the first and 3 to 3 after the second.  The X-Men scored early in the third on the PP to take the lead but the no quit Tommies replied with a goal from Felix-Antoine Poulin and  another quick one from Randy Cameron, with goal four and the game winner.  Stephen Sanza would score into the empty net to wrap things up.  Justin Collier gets the win in the STU nets and was huge when called upon.

In AUS women's play, the Lady Tommies were defeated 4 to 1 by Mount Allison.  Scoring for STU was Katie Brewster.

Huskies outlast Tommies

It can't be said enough, there is no quit in our Tommies this year. NONE!! STU loses another close one tonight 4 - 3 to the Saint Mary's Huskies but word is starting to spread in the AUS, STU isn't to be taken lightly.

The Tommies jumped out to an early 2 to 0 lead in the first 7 minutes of the game on goals by Robert Zandbeek (MacDonald, Eagles) shorthanded and Brad Gallant (Zandbeek) on the powerplay. SMU replied with three straight goals, including two by Chris MacKinnon 1 minute apart, to take a 3 - 2 lead after one period.

STU tied the game at 10:41 of the second period - while shorthanded....again - when Brad Gallant chipped in a Jonathan Bonneau pass to make it 3 - 3. SMU would respond just over a minute later with their fourth goal and eventual game winner.

The third period began with SMU dominating most of the play but the final 8 minutes of the period drug on and on as SMU kept icing the puck and slowing down the Tommies at every turn. No matter what they tried, the Tommies could not find the equalizer. Charles Lavigne was magnificent in goal facing 37 shots. BOX SCORE

The Tommies will try to get in the win column tomorrow night against St-FX, who fell to Moncton this evening 4 to 2.

Four games scheduled this weekend

The Tommies hit the road for three of four games this weekend with an afternoon game at home on Sunday.  The men are set to invade Halifax tonight looking for their first win and take on the 2 - 3 Saint Mary's Huskies at 7 PM.  You can watch the SMU webcast HERE. Tomorrow night they head up the highway to St-FX and battle the X-Men. Game time is 7 PM, watch their webcast HERE.

The Lady Tommies head to Sackville tomorrow night and take on the Mounties at 5 PM. There is no broadcast available for this game. On Sunday the Tommies will be back home at the LBR to take on the UPEI Panthers. Game time is 2 PM AST and you can catch all the action with Randy Corey on Tommies TV.

GO TOMMIES!!

Tommies humbled in Moncton

The St. Thomas Tommies women's team headed to Moncton today hoping to settle the score somewhat after a disappointing 6 - 1 loss to Les Aigles in the pre-season. It didn't work out that way and STU lost by the same margin, a 5 - 0 thumping.

The first period was fine as the game remained scoreless. The second period saw U de M score one goal at the 7:00 minute mark, just as a Tommies penalty expired and then the wheels fell off.

Amanda Burns

Moncton would score 4 times in the third to bury St. Thomas. M-P Arseneault scored 4 times for U de M. Julia Shurun stopped 39 of 44 shots in the loss.

Amanda Burns was named interim Captain of the Tommies for this game in absence of Kayla Blackmore, who is sidelined indefinitely with an injury.

Lady Tommies on the road today

After more than a week since their last game the Lady Tommies head down the Trans Canada Highway to Moncton and take on the U de M Aigles Bleues at 2 PM. The team will be playing without their team Captain Kayla Blackmore, as she is recovering from a lower body injury she suffered last weekend versus Mount Allison. No time frame has been given on her return.

Today's game will be webcast and you can watch it HERE. Good luck Ladies. GO TOMMIES GO

STU Athletics recently caught up with Coach Peter Murphy and spoke to him about this year's Tommies. Here is the video interview and link to the full story.

STU Athletics: NEXT GENERATION OF TOMMIES JOIN A TALENTED SQUAD - WOMEN’S HOCKEY SEASON PREVIEW 2011 - 2012

Tommies' valiant comeback falls short against Axemen.

There's no quit in these Tommies.  The new STU attitude was on display tonight at the LBR as the Tommies battled back from a 3-goal deficit in the third period, but ultimately fell short, 7-5 to Acadia.

St. Thomas captured the early momentum at 2:15 of the opening period when Alexandre Labonte (Felix-Antoine Poulin) beat Axemen goaltender Peter DiSalvo for a power play goal, his first of the season, to give STU a 1-0 lead.  But the flow shifted back Acadia's way as they capitalized on a pair of power play opportunities of their own, with goals from Spencer Jezegou and Michael Ward.  Acadia outshot St. Thomas 11-9 in the first.

The Axemen jumped out quickly in the middle stanza on Joe Gaynor's first of three to make it 3-1.  STU responded quickly, drawing to within a goal on Brad Gallant's (Randy Cameron, Jordan Scott) marker at 2:34.  Andrew Clark restored Acadia's 2-goal advantage on a shot at which Charles Lavigne would wish to have another crack.  Clark expanded the lead to 5-2 at 9:01 on the powerplay, and the Tommies appeared to be down and out, trailing by 3 after 40 minutes, outshot 13-8 in the second period.

But the 2011-12 STU Tommies are demonstrating a resolute tenacity early on this season.  After some good work by Robert Zandbeek, Randy Cameron chipped a puck over to Chris Van Laren for his first goal as a Tommie at 5:21 of the third period to make it 5-3, setting the stage for the Steve Sanza show.  On an Acadia powerplay, Sanza took advantage of a turnover, using Matt Eagles - who would earn an assist on the goal - as a decoy on a 2-on-1, beating DiSalvo with a short-side wrist shot to pull St. Thomas within a goal at 6:39.  Sanza (Labonte) then potted his second of the night at 8:41, and the 493 in attendance came alive with the prospect of an exciting finish with the game tied at 5.  However, Gaynor scored at 12:47 to re-establish the Acadia lead at 6-5, and with Lavigne on the bench for an extra attacker, Gaynor outraced Poulin for the puck and finished off both the hat trick and the Tommies' hopes for their first victory of the season, sealing the 7-5 win.  Final shots on goal favoured Acadia 29-24.

The Tommies' men are on the road next weekend, with tilts versus Saint Mary's and St. F-X.

Tigers outduel Tommies

The Dalhousie Tigers pulled out a 5 - 3 win tonight over the Tommies in the final home opener at the LBR.  A good effort by STU nonetheless but not enough to secure a win in front of a raucous home crowd.

Trevor MacKenzie with a one-timer at 13:55 got the Tigers off and running in the first period.  DAL's goalie, Bobby Nadeau, was solid holding the Tommies scoreless facing 15 shots in the period.

STU would reply early in the second on a powerplay when Matt Eagles outwaited Nadeau and slipped the puck by him at 1:34 to tie the game. REPLAY  Nadeau was replaced in goal by Wendell Vye after suffering an injury on an earlier play.  Dalhousie scored the next 2 goals at 4:49 and 13:43 to take a 3 - 1 lead.  The Tommies came right back 28 seconds later at 14:11 on a goal by Jonathan Bonneau assisted by Robert Zandbeek and Jordan Scott. REPLAY  The prettiest goal of the night was scored shorthanded by Andrew Andricopoulos at the 17 minute mark to tie the game.  Crops got the puck in the neutral zone and skated by the DAL defenseman, went to the front of the net, and wristed a shot that beat Vye. REPLAY The second period ended with the teams deadlocked at 3's.

The Tigers came out hungry in the third and heavily out shot STU 18 - 7 in the period.  The winning goal was scored at 6:17 by Pierre-Alexandre Vandall right off a face-off.  The Tommies could not recover and would give up an empty net goal to Ben Breault at 18:16 to fall by a score of 5 - 3. Daily Gleaner: Tommies keep trying for Ryan

St. Thomas will try to get their first win of the season tomorrow night versus the Acadia Axemen.  You can catch all the action with Randy Corey live on Tommies TV at 7 PM.

Matt Eagles named Tommies Captain

Matt Eagles

The St. Thomas Tommies have named Matt Eagles as the new Captain of the team. No surprise really as Matt was rumored in the preseason to be taking over from Erick Tremblay, who is spending extra time concentrating on his academics this year. Eagles is no stranger to wearing the "C" as he was the team captain in Moncton for his junior team. Daily Gleaner: "Eagles dons "C" for Tommies"

Don't forget that Friday night is the men's home opener versus the Dalhousie Tigers.  This will mark the 43rd and final opener at the LBR since the Tommies started playing in Fredericton back in 1964. (STU did not ice a team between 1975 and 1979)  It should be a loud one at the LBR, as it will also be a residence challenge, so there should be some extra motivation for the men. IF you aren't able to attend don't forget that all Tommies HOME games are webcast this year on Tommies TV.

A quick shout out to the following players on being named CIS Academic All Canadians for 2010-2011. A lot of hard work goes into an award like this, these players certainly deserve the recognition.

Jason Cassidy (Toronto, Ont)
Matt Eagles (Fredericton, NB)
Ben MacFarlane (Woodstock, NB)
Guillaume Miszczak (Montreal, QC)
Christian Morin (Dartmouth, NS)
Erick Tremblay (Gatineau, QC)
Kayla Blackmore (Fredericton, NB)
Kathleen Boyle (Saint John, NB)
Andrea Fischer (Bern, Swiss)
Jessica Holt (Woodstock, NB)
Lyse Rossignol (Fredericton, NB)
Laurianne Savard (St-Adelphe, QC)
Julia Sharun (Edmonton, AB)

Congratulations!!!

"New hockey coach, new approach" by Chris Morehouse

Here is an article from the Aquinan written by Chris Morehouse, a soon to be Tommie. I didn't know that Chris was taking Journalism at STU but if this article is any indication, he should do well. As a Tommies fan I must admit that it gives me hope. I hope it does for you as well. For that I say "Thanks Chris".

Here are a few excerpts from the article. The link to the full article is below.

Hours before practice starts at the Lady Beaverbrook Rink, and hours after, he’s preparing: everything from sharpening skates to cleaning the dressing room to doing the players’ laundry. Those may not sound like regular coaching duties, but Ryan isn’t your average coach.

“I feel that by changing the atmosphere and expectations of our team and making players proud to be a Tommie will create success and change our team’s image.”

The Aquinan - New hockey coach, new approach

Tommies pull out OT win over Mounties

The Lady Tommies opened their season tonight at home against Mount Allison with a big win in overtime. Mt. A opened the scoring at 10:02 on the powerplay on a goal from Chelsea King, assisted by Courtney King. Later in the period, captain Kayla Blackmore went awkwardly into the "White Monster", suffering a lower body injury. Blackmore stayed on the ice for several minutes before eventually being taken off by stretcher to hospital. Reports are she's doing OK, and we wish Kayla a full recovery and look forward to her return to the Tommies as soon as she is able. The period ended with the Mounties up by a goal, having outshot STU 9-2.

The second period was scoreless, Mt. Allison held a 7-6 edge in shots, but the Tommies controlled much of the play in the last half of the period.

St. Thomas found the back of the net to tie things up at 11:47 of the third on a goal from Erin MacIsaac, assisted by Jenna Scott. The Mounties again outshot STU 12-9 as the game advanced to overtime.

The Tommies killed off an Amanda Burns penalty in the extra period to keep the win possible. Just a few minutes later Dani Miller sent a great pass to Renata Mastna, who fired a quick shot past the Mt. Allison goalie to give the Tommies the opening night victory and win for their team captain, who was listening to the game in the hospital. AUS Box score  Aquinan Article

In AUS men's hockey from Wolfville, the Tommies fell 3 - 1 to Acadia. The teams were tied 0-0 after the 1st. Acadia scored two quick goals to open the 2nd period but the Tommies fought back to close the gap and the period ended 2-1 Acadia. Acadia put the game on ice with a goal mid way through the 3rd. STU's lone goal came off the stick of Jordan Scott (Brad Gallant - Rob Zandbeek).

Charles Lavigne took the loss in net making 38 saves as Acadia out shot the Tommies 41-29. Bryan Main earned the game's 2nd star honors. Acadia Athletics story and box score

Home opener tonight versus Mount Allison

Tonight marks the final home opener for the Tommies at the venerable Lady Beaverbrook Rink.  St. Thomas takes on the Mount Allison Mounties at 7 PM.  If you are planning to come to the game please think about rocking some pink attire this evening as the Lady Tommies are supporting Breast Cancer awareness.  An absolute great cause!!

Can't make it to the game tonight?  No problem!  St. Thomas University will be webcasting all men's and women's home games this season.  Thanks to Randy Corey for doing the PxP, now the official voice of the Tommies, not just the men.  Here is the link, http://w3.stu.ca/stu/athletics/broadcast/default.aspx You will find a permanent link on the side really soon.

Meanwhile in Wolfville, the men will be looking to get into the win column against the Acadia Axemen. It was a tough 2 to 1 loss last night for STU and it won't get easier tonight versus Acadia on their notoriously tough olympic size ice surface. You can watch the game live RIGHT HERE.

Good luck to both our teams and GO TOMMIES!

Close call but Tommies fall to Tigers

The Tommies couldn't get that one extra bounce they needed tonight and lost a close 2 to 1 game in Halifax versus the Dalhousie Tigers.

It started off great for STU, as Felix-Antoine Poulin scored 39 seconds into the 1st period with Randy Cameron and Steve Sanza getting assists. The Tigers would tie the game later in the first when Shea Kewin got the lucky bounce off his skate to go by Charles Lavigne. Shots in the period were 10 to 9 for STU.

The second period was scoreless but dominated by Dalhousie as they pumped 21 shots on the STU net. The Tommies could only muster 6 on Bobby Nadeau, as the score remained tied after two.

The Tigers took the lead at 3:08 of the third on a goal by Jordan Gagne and held on for the victory, as STU couldn't get the equalizer. STU held the shot advantage in the period 10 - 9 but overall the Tigers, with a strong middle stanza, out shot STU 41 - 28. CIS Boxscore

The Tommies move on to Wolfeville tomorrow night against a strong Acadia team that was thumping Moncton tonight 9 to 2 late in the third. I'll have the link for the broadcast (both men's and women's) tomorrow.  Daily Gleaner: Tommies fall to Tigers and HCH AUS roundup: Tigers top Tommies

AUS Preview pegs Tommies for 8th

The always excellent AUS Preview by Bruce Hallihan is available in today's Daily Gleaner. Unsurprisingly, the Tommies are predicted to finish last in the always tough AUS conference.  Bruce has prognosticated the standings as follows:

1. UNB
2. St-FX
3. Acadia
4. SMU
5. UPEI
6. Moncton
7. Dalhousie
8. St. Thomas

Daily Gleaner AUS preview
Daily Gleaner: Coaches expectations

Tommies fans are of course hoping to prove Bruce wrong.  At the least, you need to crawl before you walk, and we're hoping to see some on-ice improvement this year.

It all begins tonight for STU against Dalhousie. Here is the webcast link for the game.

On another note, UNBHockeyFans.com is conducting their 3rd annual AUS Hockey Pool.  Check it out and play along.

Also, congratulations to former Tommie Keith Wynn on signing with the ECHL's Bakersfield Condors.

Lady Tommies building for nationals

The Tommies may not have all the pieces to the puzzle yet but Coach Murphy is working on it and although he lost some good players this year, he's brought in some good ones too. Jamie Ross of The Daily Gleaner caught up with Peter Murphy recently and looked ahead to the 2011-2012 season and Nationals in 2014.

Their regular season gets underway this weekend with a Saturday night match up against the Mounties at 7 p.m. at the Lady Beaverbrook Rink.

Murphy said he likes what he's seen of his new-look squad thus far, though the 6-1 loss to UdeM made it clear the team needs more time to get on the same page, organizationally speaking.

"They're coming along. They're making better and better decisions the more they play," he said. "It was a good test for us. Moncton is a team where you need to be sharp on your systems, and (a game like that) exposes the younger team a little bit."

In regard to Nationals:

Murphy said the team will strive to maintain or improve on its third place regular season finish from last season, meanwhile continuing to build toward 2014.

"We still have two recruiting seasons between now and then," he said.

"You have to look at who will be done next, and where the holes in the roster are going to be. How do you fill those holes, and how can you get there in two years?"

Check out the full article DG: The Tommies are building, not rebuilding, says Murphy

Not a Grand night for Tommies

The U de M Aigles Bleus pounded the Tommies tonight 11 to 2 in Grand Falls. Moncton was "on" from the "get go" and had scored 5 goals by the 7:06 mark of the first period. Charles Lavigne was pulled after goal number four and replaced by Justin Collier, who would surrender the final seven.

Moncton would score their sixth goal at 3:24 of the second period before Brad Gallant (Labonte, Cameron) scored on the PP at 4:10 and Matt Eagles (Morin, Andricopoulos) on the PP at 13:30 to make it 6 to 2. They would get no closer.

U de M would score one more time in the second frame and four more in the 3rd period to round out the scoring.

While this wasn't the ending to the preseason STU had hoped for, the big win on Friday night versus the Panthers should be a better measuring stick to gauge their progress. The Tommies looked sluggish tonight and perhaps with good reason. They arrived early this morning from PEI to have a few hours sleep before boarding the bus again early this afternoon to play in Grand Falls. Let's hope for better results next week in the regular season.

Tommies defeat Panthers for first exhibition win

The monkey is off Troy Ryan's back, as his St. Thomas Tommies recorded their first win under his tenure, 2 to 1 over the UPEI Panthers.

The first period was scoreless but goals by rookie Chris Van Laren at the 13 minute mark of the second period and Alex Labonte in the third were enough to ensure the victory. Andrew Andricopoulos, Randy Cameron, and Stephen Sanza all had assists. UPEI also scored in the third but the Labonte goal proved to be the winner.

Charles Lavigne was stellar in net tonight for St. Thomas stopping 29 of 30 shots while STU fired 26 the other way. The Tommies are back in action tomorrow night against U de M in Grand Falls. GO TOMMIES!

Tommies hit the road for final weekend of preseason

The Tommies continue their exhibition hockey schedule this weekend with two away games at neutral sites. On Friday night STU heads to Summerside to take on UPEI at Credit Union Place. Game time is 7 PM. The Panthers defeated the Tommies in their opening pre-season game on September 21st, 7 – 3. Of significance in this game will be the return of four year St. Thomas player Devan Praught to a green jersey. Unfortunately (for us) it will be for the Panthers, as Devan received word this week that he has been given approval by the CIS to play this season for the Panthers without sitting out a year. Congratulations are in order and we wish him well in the B Ed program at UPEI.

On Saturday night the Tommies head to Grand Falls to take on the U de M Aigles Bleus. The game will take place at 7 PM at the E.P. Sénéchal Centre. The Aigles Bleus have been solid in exhibition play so far this year with wins over Acadia, Dalhousie, and UPEI. This is the final preseason tune-up before the regular season gets underway next Friday night the 14th against Dalhousie in Halifax. The Lady Tommies start next Saturday night the 15th at home against Mount Allison.

Men's Tommies trying to build a successful program

STU Athletics has just released an interesting article on this season's men's hockey team. Here are a few highlights and I'm really excited to see this level of commitment by the University in showcasing/covering athletics at STU. Please keep it up! BRAVO!!

“It’s going to be tough on them, and it’s even tougher when you’re coming to a team that isn’t a top-end team. The guys know they have a challenge,” says Ryan. “The team hasn’t done well in the last few years. But, we’re all working to change that.”

Ryan is taking it slow and not trying to move the program faster than it can develop. Competing in a very tough AUS conference, the players need time to gel, develop and adjust to the university game.

“Right now there’s limited staff here. Early on I don’t mind it this way. I’m helping with the taping, I’m doing the laundry, I’m doing sort of everything to run the program. So when I go ask a player who normally thinks he’s a first-line guy to go play a checking role on the fourth-line, I feel he has no argument against me because I’m doing things to help the team that coaches don’t do.”

STU Athletics: MEN’S HOCKEY SEASON PREVIEW – FIRST STEPS TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

Tommies finish 2nd at Moncton tournament

It wasn't the result the Tommies were looking for this afternoon against Moncton but it is the one they will have to take. STU lost 6 to 1 against U de M in the championship game of Moncton Invitational Tournament.

The Tommies were shell shocked in the first period getting out shot 20 - 2 but survived it well going into the second frame tied at zeros.

Moncton rattled off 3 goals in the middle stanza, including an early powerplay marker and a shorty. The Tommies had the better of the period shots but couldn't get one by the U de M goalie.

Dani Miller scored STU's lone goal early in the third period from Kayla Blackmore but this was it for the Tommies. Les Aigles would score 3 more times to cement the win. Final shots on goal were 35 to 31 for U de M. Dani Miller was STU's player of the game.

With second place at the tournament wrapped up, two Tommies took home All-Star honours. Amanda Burns on defense and Kayla Blackmore up front earned 2 of the 6 All-Star positions.

That ends the Ladies' pre-season games. Their next action will be regular season against Mt. Allison on Saturday, October 15th at the LBR.

Daily Gleaner: STU falls in women's hockey final

Lady Tommies in UdeM tournament finale today

In-spite of a disappointing 5 to 4 overtime loss to the Saint Mary's Huskies yesterday afternoon, the Tommies will get a chance to play for first place today in the U de M Hockey tournament going on in Moncton. Yesterday's games saw MT. Allison defeat Dalhousie 5 to 3 and Moncton down UPEI 6 to 5 in OT. Therefore DAL, MTA, SMU, and STU finish with one and one records but only St. Thomas' loss was in overtime. It was the deciding factor and enough to push STU through to the finals.

The Tommies will take on the undefeated U de M at 3:00 PM this afternoon. With five goals in two games look for Kayla Blackmore to get named to the Tournament all-stars during the post game ceremonies. The game will be webcast and you can watch the action HERE. GO TOMMIES!!

Tommies fall twice in OT

Both St. Thomas teams were overtime losers in AUS exhibition play today. In Moncton, the Lady Tommies dropped a 5-4 decision to Saint Mary's, despite outshooting the Huskies 58-27. Kayla Blackmore scored a pair of goals, with singles from Renata Mastna and Courtney Fox. Katie Brewster chipped in 3 assists. STU went 3-for-9 on the powerplay.

At the LBR, the Men were 4-3 losers to visiting UQTR. Brad Gallant, Randy Cameron and Yuri Cheremetiev were the goal scorers for the Tommies, who were outshot 36-33.
Daily Gleaner: Narrow loss for Tommies

The Lady Tommies are back in action at the UdeM preseason tournament tomorrow, against a still to be announced opponent. The Men will travel to Summerside on Friday night to face UPEI.

Tommies defeat Mt. Allison at U de M tournament

Game one of the six team Universite de Moncton pre-season hockey tournament saw the Lady Tommies upend the Mt. Allison Mounties 5 to 2.

The Tommies started out slow and were down to the Mounties 2 - 0 at the end of the first period. The shots favoured Mt. A 18 to 9. Most of the 18 shots were generated on the PP but both goals were scored at even strength.

STU came roaring out in the second and scored 4 goals and added another in the 3rd period. Captain Kayla Blackmore lead the way with a hat trick and 1 assist. Dani Miller had a goal and an assist and Erin MacIsaac scored her first as a Tommie. Shots at the end of the game favoured the Mounties 46 - 28 but they went 0 - 7 on the PP while St. Thomas was 2 - 5. Julia Sharun picked up the win.

The Lady Tommies continue the tournament tomorrow against the Saint Mary's Huskies at 1:30 PM and the game can be watched live on-line HERE.

Daily Gleaner: Blackmore lifts Tommies

Tommies fall to X-Men

A good showing tonight by the Tommies was not enough to secure their first win of the pre-season as STU dropped a 4 - 2 decision to St-FX in exhibition men's hockey play at the LBR.

The X-Men scored first at 6:29 of the opening frame, as Scott Brannon notched the marker on the powerplay. STU would respond with less than a minute to go when Stephen Sanza got his first as a Tommie with some help from Mike Reich and Jonathan Bonneau. Shots were 11 to 7 for X but the period was fairly even.

The second period was the Tommies ultimate demise as X scored at 8:49 and two late goals at 18:53 and 19:38 to pull ahead 4 - 1 heading to the third. Marco Desveaux shorthanded breakaway goal, X's third, was a back breaker.

In the final period the Tommies couldn't muster the comeback but made the score respectable with a late Bryan Main goal at 19:59 from Mike Reich and Kyell Henegan. Charles Lavigne faced 35 shots in a losing effort with STU firing 23 the other way. Mike Reich with 2 assists and strong play was the stutommies.com player of the game.

Daily Gleaner: X-Men double Tommies

Tomorrow afternoon the Lady Tommies will play the Mount Allison Mounties in Moncton at the UdeM pre-sesaon tournament. The men will be back in action Saturday afternoon at 4 PM against UQTR, who dropped a 3 - 2 decision against the Squirrels tonight in Woodstock.

Tommies set for full weekend of hockey

The men's and women's hockey teams continue their exhibition schedule this weekend with two home games for Troy Ryan's Tommies and 3 games in Moncton for Peter Murphy's Lady Tommies.

This evening, the St. FX X-Men invade the LBR for a 7 PM tilt against STU. The X-Men are 1 and 1 in exhibition play, losing a close game to the Calgary Dinos 2 - 1 and pounding the Dalhousie Tigers 8 - 1. St. Thomas is coming off a 6 - 2 loss to Acadia but Troy Ryan saw some positives from the loss.

"I'm most pleased with our last period in Wolfville," said Ryan, who was hired as the team's new bench boss in April. "I thought we started to do what we've been working on in practice, and we managed some shots on goal. In those two games I've seen a lot of bad habits, but I've also seen a willingness to change and learn."

Ryan said he expects his team to build on its third period against Acadia, in which it scored two goals and out shot the Axemen 15-5, and carry that upswing into a pair of exhibition matches against two traditionally high calibre opponents this week.

Daily Gleaner: Ryan sees progress with Tommies

On Saturday afternoon at 4 PM UQTR will be at the LBR for their 3rd game in a 3 game maritime tour that begins tonight in Woodstock versus UNB, then tomorrow in Truro versus SMU, and last but not least St. Thomas.

The Lady Tommies head to Moncton tomorrow for the Aigles Bleues annual pre-season tournament. They will start round robin play against the Mount Allison Mounties tomorrow at 2 PM, the SMU Huskies Saturday at 1:30 PM, and Sunday "to be announced" depending on results. We will try to get end of period scores for our Twitter and Facebook followers.

GOOD LUCK TOMMIES.

Tommies take a double dip in exhibition play

Saturday was not a fun day for the Tommies. Both the men and women fell to defeat in exhibition action against familiar AUS foes.

This evening in Charlottetown, the Lady Tommies lost 3 to 2 against the UPEI Panthers. The Panthers had a 2 - 0 lead after the 2nd period but the Tommies roared back with goals by Kayla Blackmore and Dani Miller to tie the game in the third. Unfortunately, the Panthers scored with 56 seconds to go on a rebound, after STU had pushed hard for the winner with momentum on their side. Julia Shurun took the loss facing 24 shots while the Tommies fired 30 the other way. Another good note the penalty kill was perfect again tonight and one of the goals was on the PP.

This afternoon in Wolfville the men suffered a 6 to 2 loss to the Acadia Axemen. Acadia had period leads of 3 -0 after the first and 5 - 0 after the second. Mike Reich scored both Tommies goals in the third to cut the lead to 5 - 2 but Acadia scored with 3 minutes left to cement the win. Justin Collier takes the loss in nets.

EDIT: The Tommies second goal was scored by Randy Cameron.  Official Box Score

Lady Tommies add to depth with latest recruit

The Tommie have added Cow Bay, Nova Scotia native Carly Critch to the 2011-12 roster.  Carly played in the Metro High School Girls Hockey League (Halifax area) last season and led her team in points as a defenseman.  Since her arrival at St. Thomas, Coach Murphy has switched her to a forward, where she played last night in STU's 2 - 0 victory over UPEI.

Carly has good acceleration on the ice and will certainly add to the Tommies depth this season.

Carly's (limited) profile from the MHSGHL

Former accolades for Carly

Lady Tommies start off on the right foot

Backstopped by Julia Sharun's 41-save performance in goal, the STU Tommies blanked the UPEI Panthers 2-0 tonight at the LBR in exhibition action.  Kayla Blackmore (Danielle Miller, Erin MacIsaac) opened the scoring early with a top shelf marker at 2:51 of the first period.  The Panthers outshot STU 12-5 over the first 20 minutes.

The second period was scoreless thanks to Sharun's exceptional play as UPEI directed 13 shots at the STU net versus just 4 shots for the Tommies.

The third period brought a close call for UPEI, as the puck appeared to have crossed the line, but Sharun made a diving save to reach back to swipe the puck away from the line.  The goal judge triggered the red lamp, but the referee immediately waved off the goal.  The Tommies responded at 18:14 when Katie Brewster (Kathleen Boyle, Courtney Fox) was sprung loose on a breakaway and sealed the win with a nifty backhand.

UPEI outshot STU 41-16 overall, but the Tommies gained their first victory of the exhibition season, and look forward to a rematch tomorrow night at 7:00 PM in Charlottetown.

Tommies drop exhibition opener

The Hollywood script writers were noticeably absent in the tale of new Tommies' head coach Troy Ryan's first game behind the bench, as the Tommies opened their final season at the venerable Lady Beaverbrook Rink with exhibition action against the UPEI Panthers.  The Panthers scored 55 seconds into the game and coasted to a 7-3 victory.  Yuri Cheremetiev scored 2 goals and Felix-Antoine Poulin added a single for St. Thomas.  Charles Lavigne played the first two periods in goal, and was relieved for the final stanza by rookie Justin Collier.  The Tommies men continue their pre-season tuneups on the road Saturday night against Acadia.

Daily Gleaner: Tommies run into trouble early

Tommies add trio of players. Zandbeek, MacDonald, and Collier

STU makes the addition of three MHL veterans to round out their line-up for the 2011-12 season. DG: New era for Tommies dawns Wednesday. A big question mark all summer was who was going to replace Ben MacFarlane and get the back-up goaltending position behind Charles Lavigne? Consider it answered.

Courtesy MHL

Justin Collier, most recently of the Pictou County Weeks Crushers, will be a solid reinforcement to the goaltending tandem. In 40 regular season games last season, Justin posted an impressive 2.61 GAA, a .919 save percentage, and 21 wins for the Crushers. This was no fluke as his save percentage has been over .915 for the past three seasons.

Justin's MHL profile

Yarmouth County Vanguard - Article

Courtesy MHL

Robert Zandbeek comes to STU after being the Captain of the MHL's Woodstock Slammers last season. He also has 3 years experience in the always tough AJHL. A native of St. Albert, Alberta, Rob had a break-out season last year scoring career highs of 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points for the Slammers. Rob is known for giving it "his all" every shift and being a good character guy.

Rob's Slammers profile

Courtesy MHL

Last but not least, John MacDonald former Captain of the Metro Marauders will wear the Tommies green and gold this season. John is well known to Coach Ryan, as he has played for him the past 2 seasons in Nova Scotia. Not a big point producer, John is willing to do what it takes to get wins. If the coach thinks enough of this kid to bring him on board, he may just surprise a few people.

John's MHL profile

Tommies head up north to Alaska for latest recruit

Courtesy Alaska All-stars

The STU Lady Tommies have added another forward to the ranks for the upcoming 2011-12 season. Brianne Bohn of Wasilla, Alaska has come east to patrol the left wing for St. Thomas. Bohn definitely has some skills and will give the Tommies depth in the foward ranks, something they have been without for the past several years.

Coach Murphy had this to say about our new Green and Gold prospect, "She (Bohn) has a great set of wheels and is very dogged and determined on the puck. She will provide excellent depth at forward and will look to help the team on the scoreboard. We are very pleased to have her attending St Thomas."

Good luck Brianne and WELCOME!

Brianne's AAA profile

STU Athletics' Article

Coach Ryan out to "fix" Tommies

Bill Hunt of The Daily Gleaner recently caught up with Coach Troy Ryan and spoke to him about the St. Thomas Men's program and a few things that are going to happen this season. Here are a few quotes from the story.

To that end, he's spent the summer "getting (my) feet wet within the university and getting to know the people you have to work with on a daily basis to get things done, whether it's admissions or the registrar's office and meeting with them and seeing how they would like things done in the future. That's been one of the busiest parts of my job."

"I like the change I've been able to make already. Erick Tremblay wanting to come back...that, to me, is a small success. I like the fact we've been able to tap into the OHL a bit and get a couple of quality recruits."

Read the entire article here. DG: Ryan rolls up his sleeves at STU

QMJHL veteran Jonathan Bonneau added to Tommies roster

Courtesy QMJHL

The Tommies have added another CHL veteran player to the line-up for 2011-12.  Jonathan Bonneau, who  most recently played for the Chicoutimi Saqueneens, will add some spark on left wing this year for STU.

Bonneau was drafted 4th overall in the 2007 QMJHL entry draft by the Victoriaville Tigres, where he played for 2.5 seasons before being traded to PEI.  In his overage year he was traded 2 times, first from PEI to Rouyn-Noranda, then to Chicoutimi.  His point production improved every year in junior hockey with totals of 24, 31, 37, and 42 points respectively in his four year junior stint.

Men's exhibition schedule finalized

The St. Thomas' men's hockey team kick off the 2011-2012 season at home versus the UPEI Panthers on Wednesday September 21st at 7 PM. This will be Troy Ryan's first game behind the STU bench. In total the Tommies will play 6 pre-season exhibition games and 2 after Christmas before the second half begins.

Lady Tommies add two more players. Exhibition schedule unveiled.

Coach Peter Murphy has added two more pieces to the 2011-12 St. Thomas Tommies women's hockey team.

Manny Hebel - Courtesy WWHL

Manuela (Manny) Hebel will be attending St. Thomas this fall after playing in the Western Women's Hockey League last year for the Edmonton Chimos. She is originally from Mannheim, Germany and wanted to improve her hockey skills in Canada. Manny is a speedy forward who will bring a little extra jump to the offensive attack. WWHL Link

Tombits

Tommies regular season schedules -   Our long wait for hockey to return is coming fast and we'll soon be able to watch our Tommies back in action.  The AUS regular season begins for the Lady Tommies on Saturday, October 15th at home against the Mount Allison Mounties.  Full AUS Women's Hockey Schedule

The men begin on the road at Dalhousie on Friday, October 14th.  Full AUS Men's Hockey Schedule. We tweeted both links on June 30th.  If you want to follow us on Twitter please click on the link to your left or @stutommies when you're signed on.

I have inquired about the men's exhibition schedule but have not heard back to date but I do have a few dates to share.

Saturday, September 24th @ Acadia 4 PM.
Thursday, September 29th vs. St-FX 7 PM (LBR?)
Saturday, October 1st vs. UQTR 4 PM (LBR?)
Saturday, October 8th @ U de M 7 PM (Game to be played in Grand Falls)

We are not playing the Squirrels or Huskies in exhibition play this fall and no word on UPEI but a good bet would be Dalhousie on the 23rd in Halifax, not official by any means, just a shot in the dark.  There doesn't appear to be a NCAA road trip scheduled for this year.  (See exhibition schedule above)