MacIsaac’s even-strength tally at 2:17 of the third period gave the Panthers a 6-4 lead, and proved to be the difference in a 6-5 UPEI victory in the Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey game.
The teams went into the two intermissions tied 3-3 and 4-4 before 1,113 fans to MacLauchlan Arena on the UPEI campus.
Chris Desousa (1-2), who gave UPEI a 5-4 lead 1:47 into the third period, Jordan Knox (1-1) of Skinners Pond, Travis McIsaac (1-1), Matthew Maione and Cole MacMillan also scored for the Panthers, who have won eight of nine games since the Christmas break.
Reggie Traccitto (2), Harrison McIver of Newton and Alex Wall chipped in with other assists for the Panthers, who sport a record of 14-9-2 (won-lost-overtime losses). The Panthers are four points behind the Huskies and Acadia Axemen, who are tied for second place with identical 16-7-2 marks.
Wayne Savage earned the goaltending win over Anthony Peters. Savage stopped 23 of 28 shots while Peters was much busier, turning away 39 of 45 shots.
Referee Thane Arsenault whistled five of nine minor penalties against Saint Mary’s.
The Panthers are on the road this weekend against Moncton on Friday night and UNB on Saturday evening.
