MHKY: Huskies take first game against Cougars
February 17, 2023
CALGARY - University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's hockey dominantly defeated the Mount Royal University Cougars 5-3 in game one of the Canada West quarter-finals.
The first period was filled with penalties. The Huskies took four minor penalties and the Cougars took three. Despite the numerous powerplay opportunities, Mount Royal Was unable to capitalize all game. The lack of success on the man advantage is something the Cougars will be looking to improve for game two.
"We got to look back on the [powerplay] tape. I thought we could've been a little more crisp, we were a little deliberate," said Bert Gilling, the Cougars head coach. "Skilled players have to make skilled plays in big times too. We missed the nets on a few looks and we lost our mojo. You start to second guess it a little bit."
The Huskies struck first. Chantz Petruic jammed the puck past a sprawled out Cougars goalie, Shane Farkas to make it 1-0.
Mount Royal was able to tie it up with a great passing play. Clayton Hanus entered the zone, dropped the puck to Nolan Yaremko, and the Cougars captain passed it over to a wide open Connor Bouchard for a one-timer goal.
The score wouldn't remain tied for long. Vince Loschiavo rushed in a sniped a quick wrist shot passed the blocker of Farkas. The Huskies took a one goal lead into the second.
Mount Royal tied it up early into the frame. Blake Stevenson's initial shot was saved by Roddy Ross but forward Spencer Moe was right there to bat the puck of the air and into the open net off the rebound.
Saskatchewan refused to stay tied. An MRU turnover at their own blueline led to a smooth one-timer goal from Liam Keeler and the Huskies retook the lead.
Huskies captain, Connor Hobbs gave his team a two goal with a crazy goal. His shot somehow bounced up and over the back of Shane Farkas. Hobbs celebrated with a surprised look on his face but was happy to take the goal.
"I was thanking my lucky stars. That was probably the luckiest goal I have ever scored," chuckled Hobbs. "I couldn't believe it went in. It's been a hard season for us and hard work paid off, finally."
Hobbs and the Huskies took their two goal lead into the final 20 minutes.
Dawson Holt made it five for the Huskies on Friday afternoon. He wired a quick shot over the shoulder of Farkas. Netminder, Jackson Berry came into relieve Farkas in the crease after Holt's goal.
The Cougars were awarded a penalty shot when Clayton Hanus broke through the Huskies defence and was hooked. Connor Bouchard was selected to take it. Bouchard made a spectacular move to deke around Roddy Ross get his second of the game to make it 5-3.
"I try to trust my skill in that moment," said Bouchard.
The comeback fell short and the Huskies took a huge game one victory. Saskatchewan head coach Brandin Cote felt happy with his team's victory over the Cougars.
"We competed hard, got a few bounces early," explained Cote. "We're a good team, they're a good team. On any given night, anyone can win and tonight was our night. But we know we'll be in for a battle tomorrow."
The Huskies and Cougars will face off at 2 p.m. at Flames Community Arena on Saturday. Catch it live on Canada West TV.