Bisons charge into CW Final with 6-1 win over MRU

Recap by Ethan Bomhof, Mount Royal Sports Information

CALGARY, Alta – The Manitoba Bisons are moving on.

The University of Manitoba Bisons trounced the Mount Royal University Cougars by a 6-1 score in game three to advance to the Canada West women's hockey finals.

Manitoba's strong play from game two carried over into the series decider, and the Cougars had no answer.

"As a group, we understand what leads us to success. We wanted to continue that trend and be consistent. We didn't want to let up because we knew we'd face a push from Mount Royal," said Bisons head coach Jordan Colliton. 

It was a special moment for Colliton, who is just in her first year behind the bench for Manitoba. She spent the past several seasons with Mount Royal as an assistant and just knocked off her former team to advance and earn a spot at nationals.

"It's pretty cool. I spent a lot of time here and to do that against that team is unbelievable," said Colliton. "I appreciate all my time here – it helped build me into the coach that I am today. To do it with this group is special."

The Bisons stunned Mount Royal with two first period goals from Julia Bird and Kelsey Huibers, two players who are having an outstanding postseason. 

Manitoba added a third in the second period off the stick of rookie forward Sophia Heidinger.

The Cougars were in a similar situation to game two: down three goals with no idea how they would come back.

MRU's frustration began to show in the second and they paid the price. They were penalized four times. However, their penalty kill stood strong in front of netminder Scout Anderson.

Later in the third, MRU finally got one past Emily Shippam. Summer Fomradas squeaked a shot through the goaltender's arm to give the Cougars life. Shippam made 17 saves as she continues a phenomenal playoffs in the crease.

It was too little, too late for the home team. Manitoba added three goals late in the game from Norah Collins, Jessie Haner and Dana Goertzen.

As Mount Royal's season comes to a close, the Bisons still have lots of hockey to play.

They advance to take on the nation's number one team, the UBC Thunderbirds. Manitoba knows it'll be a tough task but they are prepared to keep their run going.

"We're going to enjoy this moment tonight, and earning a spot at nationals. Everything we've been through will help us prepare for next weekend," said Colliton.

Manitoba will head all the way to Vancouver for a three-game series starting next Friday.