Cougars dominate Dinos in Game 1 of Crowchild Classic series

Recap by Ethan Bomhof, Mount Royal Sports Information

CALGARY, Alta. – The Mount Royal University Cougars dominated the University of Calgary Dinos in game one of the Canada West men's hockey semifinal, taking a 6-2 win at Flames Community Arena.

The Dinos were coming off a strong 2-0 series sweep over MacEwan last weekend and looked to keep their momentum rolling into the semifinal. Mount Royal made sure they were prepared for the fast start.

"There was a little concern about having the 11 day break," said MRU bench boss Bert Gilling. "When you're out of that game-mode, the legs can get a little heavy. We really wanted to emphasize having a good first period."

Less than six minutes into the game, the Cougars struck first. Defenceman Tanner Komzak jumped up into the rush and ripped a shot past Dinos' netminder Carl Tetachuk.

The Cougars continued to pepper Tetachuk throughout the opening frame but the veteran goalie stepped up. Tetachuk was given the start in game after getting the win in game two of the quarterfinal series. Historically, he has been rock-solid against the Cougars. He made 23 saves in Friday's loss.

Jake Poole leveled the score at one later in the period for his third of the postseason.

Mount Royal was quick to respond and got a fortunate bounce to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission. Michael Ladyman's point shot hit a stick and ricochetted into the net.

The Cougars had two goals from a couple of unlikely sources. Gilling mentioned that it was key to get production from all over the lineup.

"Michael Ladyman has good offensive instincts and Tanner Komzak has a great shot. Our depth is a weapon for us," said Gilling.

MRU potted two more in the second period off the stick of Teague Patton and Blake Stevenson.

Late in the period, Sean Strange got his first of the playoffs to cut the lead back to two and swing the momentum in Calgary's favour heading into the final 20 minutes.

Cougars netminder Shane Farkas was the team's best player in the final period, making timely saves when the Dinos piled on the pressure.

Vaughn Watterodt and Josh Tarzwell would each tally an empty net goal to seal the win for Mount Royal.

"The whole week, we were planning for this one and to come out hot," said Blake Stevenson, who was named the game's first star.

"We got to rinse and repeat for tomorrow. Our forecheck was unbelievable. Got to keep at that." 

The Dinos will most likely turn to Carl Stankowski in net for game two and hope for a quick regroup to keep their season alive.

Puck drop for game two is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for the game are SOLD OUT but fans can still catch the action live on Canada West TV - Powered by BioSteel.