Smith scores series clinching goal in second longest U SPORTS men’s hockey game

WOLFVILLE, NS – Declan Smith (Antigonish, NS) scored the game-winning goal on Saturday night in Wolfville to clinch the AUS quarter-final series for the STFX X-Men over the Acadia Axemen in the fourth overtime period at Andrew H McCain Arena.

Smith's goal gave STFX the 3-2 victory in the second longest game in U SPORTS men's hockey history.

The current record is 121:53 of total time, set by UNB and Acadia on Feb. 27, 2011 in Game 2 of their AUS semifinal series in Fredericton. Tonight's final playing time was 118:19, just under three minutes short of the all-time record.

Coming in clutch when needed, Smith scored his first of the night, the game-tying goal, to send the game to overtime with just 1:13 remaining in regulation.

For STFX, it was Clark Webster (Kensington, PE) that opened the scoring in the game, 11:32 into the second period.

Acadia answered with two goals in the third from Ethan Ernst (Weyburn, SK) at 2:09 and Nick Deakin-Poot (Georgetown, ON) at 10:24 to take a 2-1 lead.

Thomas Couture (Levis, QC) made 76 saves in the loss for the Axemen, while Joseph Raaymakers (Chatham, ON) made 61 saves in the victory.

STFX will now advance to play Moncton in the AUS semifinal round, while Saint Mary's will face UNB. Dates for the next round will be announced Sunday.

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Recap courtesy Acadia Athletics

MHKY: ICYMI and didn't stay up for 4 OT periods and the 2nd longest ever game in USPORTS history, here's Declan Smith's game winning goal to clinch the AUS QF series for STFX! @XMenhockey @AUS_SUA @USPORTSca pic.twitter.com/WkWiWSAzJr

— StFX Athletics (@StFXAthletics) February 18, 2024