WINNIPEG, MB — Special teams was the story on Friday afternoon at Wayne Fleming Arena, as the Saskatchewan Huskies scored two power play goals in quick succession in the second period, overcoming a one-goal deficit to top the Manitoba Bisons 3-2. Manitoba netted two power play markers of their own in a thrilling contest. With the win, Saskatchewan improves to 2-0, while Manitoba fell to 0-2 following a 6-1 loss yesterday. 
 
Overall, both teams had two power play chances in the first. It was Manitoba who capitalized on their second with 3:19 to go, as forward Tony Apetagon's shot beat Roddy Ross off of a deflection to give Manitoba their first lead of the weekend and a 1-0 lead entering the break.
 
The Huskies out-shot the Bisons 15-6 through 20, but were unable to beat Kolby Thornton, making his first career start at the U SPORTS level. He stopped all 19 shots in relief the night prior, and was on the money again in the first. 
 
Saskatchewan's best chance came on their second power play, as a shot from the left point created a massive rebound to the right, but no Huskie was able to get their stick on the puck. 
 
Three goals in the final eight minutes (less than three minutes apart) gave the Huskies a lead entering the third. 
 
Saskatchewan tied the game with 8:14 to play, intercepting a pass in the neutral zone to create a three-on-one. Forward Raphael Pelletier finished off a cross-ice pass while sprawling to his right to beat Thornton for the first time all weekend. 
 
Less than a minute later, the Bisons took a double minor and the Huskies scored twice on the man advantage. 
 
They took the lead with 5:44 to go, as forward Justin Ball waited out a sprawling Thornton in front, and they made it 3-1 20 seconds later, thanks to a wrist shot from the point from defenceman Colby Jaquet, who beat a screened Thorton from the point. 
 
Manitoba made it a one-goal game with 3:54 to go, as Hooker wristed a shot top corner off a screen on the power play, as the hosts entered the third down just one. 
 
Both teams played cleaner hockey in the third, creating chances on both ends in a fast-paced period. 
 
The Huskies went to the power play with 2:20 to go, but Hooker — a problem on the PK all game due to his speed and IQ — drew a penalty thanks to a turnover in the neutral zone with 1:34 to go. 
 
Bisons head coach Gordon Burnett called a timeout and pulled Thorton for the rest of the game, giving Manitoba a five-on-four, however the Huskies prevented Manitoba from getting many quality looks. Their best chance to tie the game came in the final 15 seconds, as Ostir had a clean look on a wrist shot with space, but his shot was blocked by the closing Ty Prefontaine. 

NEXT UP 
The Huskies will return home to Merlis Belsher Place for their home opener next weekend. They'll challenge the MacEwan Griffins on Friday night at 7:00 PM and Saturday at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available at HuskieTickets.com.