UQTR wins University Cup; MHL playoffs update

HALIFAX - The UQTR Patriotes love playing in Nova Scotia.

The Patriotes captured their second University Cup title in five years with a 3-2 overtime win over the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday afternoon at Scotiabank Centre. The last time the tournament was held in Nova Scotia – 2022 in Wolfville – the Patriotes defeated the Alberta Golden Bears 5-4 in double overtime.

Felix Lafrance, who played with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, Cape Breton Eagles, Chicoutimi Sagueneens and Acadie-Bathurst Titan, scored the overtime winner with 5:35 remaining in the first session of extra time.

While UQTR's roster is loaded with former QMJHL talent, none played for the Saint John Sea Dogs. The Huskies lineup featured former Sea Dog Connor Trenholm.

The Huskies were the tournament's hosts and, after being eliminated in the first round of the AUS playoffs, were the No. 8 seed. They upset No. 1 Saskatchewan in their opener on Thursday and then defeated Windsor 4-1 in the Saturday afternoon semifinal.

UQTR advanced to the championship game with a 7-4 win over the UNB Reds in Saturday night's semifinal. The Patriotes scored four times in the first period – including twice in the first 4:41 – to take control of the game.

The Reds were victorious in the bronze medal game, which took place at 9 a.m. (not a typo) at Scotiabank Centre. Former Sea Dogs forwards Nick Blagden and Leighton Carruthers both had assists in the 5-1 win. Peter Reynolds remained out of the lineup.

A few other news and notes...

• UQTR will host the University Cup next year. The tournament will take place at Colisee Videotron, which is home of the ECHL's Trois-Rivieres Lions. UNB will host in 2028.
• UNB also captured bronze on the women's side, defeating Guelph 2-1 in Waterloo on Sunday. UNB will host next year's women's tournament.
• In the Maritime Junior Hockey League playoffs, the Summerside Western Capitals evened their series with the Amherst Ramblers at 2-2 with a 5-4 double overtime win on Saturday. Former Sea Dogs defenseman Matthew MacLean had an assist in the win.
• The Chaleur Lightning and Grand Falls Rapids were playing Game 5 of their series Sunday night. Chaleur leads the series 3-1.
• The Truro Bearcats are moving on to the second round with a 2-1 double overtime win over Mitchell Wagner and the Pictou County Weeks Crushers on Saturday. The Bearcats won the series 4-1.
• The Edmundston Blizzard completed a sweep of the West Kent Steamers on Saturday, winning 3-2.