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Universel Québec traveled to the Forum this past weekend for a two-game matchup against the Pioneers in a competitive series that showcased strong offensive efforts from both teams.
The series began Friday night with a tightly contested first period that remained scoreless until late in the frame. #7 K. Matushak connected with #27 Leverett, who found #13 Ward for the opening goal, giving the Pioneers a 1–0 lead heading into the first intermission.
The Pioneers carried that momentum into the second period, striking early when #20 Strandberg set up #25 Bailey, who connected with #10 McCarron for a goal, extending the lead to 2–0. Universel Québec quickly responded, scoring two goals to tie the game at 2–2. The Pioneers regained the lead on a power play when #10 McCarron found #8 G. Matushak, who set up his brother #7 K. Matushak to give the Pioneers a 3–2 advantage heading into the third period.
Despite the strong effort, the Pioneers were unable to find the back of the net in the third period, while Universel Québec capitalized offensively, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a 6–3 victory. Goaltender #35 Julius Kolari recorded 30 saves on 35 shots.
Saturday night, Universel returned to the Forum for the series finale. The Pioneers opened the scoring in the first period when #10 McCarron connected with #8 G. Matushak, who located #7 K. Matushak for the goal, giving the Pioneers a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.
Universel answered in the second period, tying the game 1–1 and carrying that momentum into the third. Universel added two more goals early in the final period before the Pioneers responded on a power play. #24 Hughes found #8 G. Matushak, who once again set up #7 K. Matushak for a goal, cutting the deficit. Universel, however, added two more late goals to secure a 5–2 victory.
In net, #1 Murat Shiyanov delivered a strong performance, recording 43 saves on 47 shots.