MRU advances to second straight CW Final with Game 3 win over Calgary

Recap by Ethan Bomhof, Mount Royal Sports Information. Photo by Adrian Shellard. 

CALGARY, Alta. – The cats will keep clawing.

In one of the games of the year, the Mount Royal University Cougars defeated the University of Calgary 2-1 in game three to advance to the Canada West men's hockey final and clinch a berth at the U SPORTS National Championships.

Despite the tight score, it was a dominating effort from the Cougars, who out shot Calgary 38-19.

Dinos goaltender Carl Tetachuk was outstanding in the contest, sometimes singlehandedly keeping his team in the game. His 36 saves were the second most in a game that he's played in this season.

For the second game in a row, it was the Dinos that would break the ice and get on the board first. Rookie blueliner Pavel Bocharov took advantage of a loose puck in the slot and wired a shot under the blocker of Shane Farkas.

Bocharov was a hound for the puck all night, and was rewarded early.

The Cougars began to become unglued after failing to draw a penalty in the opening frame. They drifted away from their game and looked to reset in the intermission.

"There needed to be a switch from an emotional first period to channeling intensity in the second," said MRU head coach Bert Gilling. "We just needed a little reset."

Halfway through the second period, Mount Royal finally earned a powerplay. On the ensuing man advantage, Justin Lies potted his second of the playoffs during a wild scramble in front. After relentless pressure, the Cougars were finally on the board.

Even though it was extremely difficult for MRU to score on a red-hot Tetachuk, the team kept the vibe positive.

"We got such a veteran group, such a tight group. Our bench stayed positive. Everyone was telling each other that we got the next one, it's coming, it's coming. When you have that belief and that drive, guys pumping your tires, it makes hockey so fun," said Mount Royal's star winger Connor Bouchard.

Deadlocked at one goal a piece, the Crowchild rivals headed into the final 20 minutes.

The Dinos fell victim to three straight slashing calls, giving the Cougars more time in the offensive zone.

Five minutes into the period, Mount Royal finally gained their first lead of the hockey game. After Lies' shot from the slot was stopped by Tetachuk, Josh Tarzwell collected the puck on the doorstep and instead of shovelling a shot right back on net, the veteran forward made a cerebral tap pass to Jayden Wiens, who tapped the puck into the open cage.

The Dinos' efforts to equalize in the final moments would fall short, sending the home crowd into elation.

The Cougars felt extremely proud of how they played, knowing that they earned this victory.

"I'm just really proud of the way our guys played tonight. I love the way we played tonight," said Gilling.

It was close to a year ago the Cougars were in the same spot: game three of the Canada West semifinals at FCA. They've matched their performance from last year and this time, they'll get to host the series at their home rink.

Their opponents? The same team as last year: the Saskatchewan Huskies.

"It's fantastic," expressed Gilling on having the series at home. "It's how things work out."

"It's going to be a great series. And, I mean, it's fair to have to go on the road for three games last year and now to host one. It's awesome."

The Cougars will enjoy the victory for the night but will certainly turn their attention to what is set to be a hotly contested series for conference supremacy.