Shediac, N.B. – The AUS defending champion StFX X-Men took to the ice for the first time of the 2016-17 season on Friday night and skated to a 5-2 victory over the Universite de Moncton Aigles Bleus in a pre-season exhibition match up.

The X-Men scored three unanswered first period goals to jump out to an early 3-0 lead. Freshman forward Bryson Cianfrone notched the first X-Men goal 7:33 into the game with assists coming from Regan Spears and Aaron Hoyles.

Nathan Pancel then set-up Michael Clarke at 11:44 and Kristoff Kontos at 17:38 to give the X-Men the three goal edge after 20 minutes.

The Aigles Bleus cut the lead to one goal as they scored two second period markers. Jean-Francois Plante and Robbie Graham were the Moncton goal scorers.

Reigning AUS most valuable player Eric Locke gave the X-Men a 4-2 lead with a third period goal at 8:47, assisted by Adam Stevens and Kristoff Kontos. Mark Tremaine added an empty netter for the white and blue who outshot the Aigles 39-32.

Brandon Hope earned the win between the pipes for the X-Men with 30 saves. Jeremy Gallant (19 saves) and Brandon Thibeau (15 saves) shared the goaltending duties for Moncton.

The X-Men will be back in action Saturday night as they host the Saint Mary's Huskies at 5:00 pm at the Antigonish Arena.