Bulldogs Rally Past Pipers for 7–4 Victory in Home opener

Bulldogs Rally Past Pipers for 7–4 Victory in Home opener

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – October 18, 2026 – The Antigonish Bulldogs overcame an early two-goal deficit and scored six unanswered goals on their way to a 7–4 victory over the Pictou County Pipers on Sunday evening at the Antigonish Arena in Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League action.

Bryce Thomson led the offensive charge for Antigonish with a goal and three assists, while Brad Kennedy, Duncan McKie and Dylan Burton each contributed a goal and an assist as the Bulldogs used a strong second-period response to take control of the contest.

The opening period saw both teams exchange goals, with Thomson putting the Bulldogs on the board before Paul Hughes answered for Pictou County in the final minute of the frame, sending the teams into the first intermission tied 1–1.

The Pipers came out strong in the second period, striking twice just eight seconds apart. Lucas Parsons gave Pictou County its first lead of the evening before Ben Wallace quickly followed to make it 3–1, putting the visitors ahead as that game approached the midway point.

However, the Bulldogs responded with an impressive offensive surge that completely shifted the momentum.

Burton started the comeback with a power-play marker, cutting the deficit to one. Just over a minute later, McKie brought Antigonish even at three before Kennedy completed the turnaround with a goal late in the period, giving the Bulldogs a 4–3 advantage heading into the final twenty minutes.

Antigonish carried that momentum into the third period and wasted little time extending its lead.

Nick Mahar made it 5–3 just over three minutes into the frame, followed by Will Kelly less than four minutes later. Morgan Lake added another midway through the period, capping a stretch of six consecutive Bulldogs goals that turned a 3–1 deficit into a commanding 7–3 lead.

Carter McCluskey rounded out the scoring for Pictou County late in regulation, but the damage had already been done as Antigonish secured the 7–4 victory.

Despite the three-goal margin, the contest was closely matched in shots, with the Bulldogs holding a narrow 38–37 advantage. Antigonish outshot Pictou County 17–12 in the decisive second period, when the home side scored three unanswered goals to take the lead.

For the Pipers, Hughes led the way with a goal and two assists, while McCluskey recorded a goal and two helpers of his own.

The victory was a welcome sight for the Bulldogs, who were looking to bounce back after suffering a 9–2 defeat to the Truro Bearcats in their season opener last weekend. Antigonish will now look to build on Sunday's performance as they prepare for another meeting with the Bearcats this coming Saturday night at the Colchester Legion Stadium in Truro, with an opportunity to avenge their opening-night loss.

As for the Pipers, they will also be looking to get back on track after having their home opener spoiled by the East Hants Penguins last Friday night. Pictou County will have an opportunity to return the favour this coming Saturday when they travel to East Hants for the Penguins' home opener. 

Final Score: Antigonish Bulldogs 7, Pictou County Pipers 4

Photo Credits: Nick Gaines Sports Photogrpahy