SASKATOON, Sask. – The University of Alberta Pandas women's hockey team defeated the Saskatchewan Huskies, by a score of 2-1 this Friday evening at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon, thanks to back-to-back goals in the final 10 minutes of the opening period.

The Huskies got off to a strong start in front of their home crowd, and were the first team to find the back of the net. Saskatchewan would receive an early powerplay opportunity after a Panda holding penalty, giving them a skater advantage. After a one-timer opportunity from Huskie defender Kendra Zuchotzki whizzed just wide of the net, Zuchotzki recollected the puck back and found fellow D-liner McKenna Bolger, who was able to get off a quick release into heavy traffic in front of the net. Saskatchewan's Bronwyn Boucher showed off her quick reflexes, deflecting the puck past Panda goaltender Gracie Glover to put the Huskies up 1-0.  

The Pandas wouldn't take long to respond, soon finding themselves in a similar situation on the powerplay later in the period. It was fifth year Panda, Madison Willan who found an opening past Colby Wilson, tying the game up at one-a-piece with 8:43 remaining in the first period. 

With just shy of a minute remaining in the first, the Pandas capitalized on another scoring opportunity, with Ryann Perrett taking down her second of the season. Perrett's timely goal would ultimately stand up as the winner in this contest, as the final forty saw strong play from back lines and goaltenders.

NEXT UP
The Huskies will continue their home ice stretch, returning to the ice at Merlis Belsher Place on Saturday at 5 PM for game two of the weekend series against the Pandas. Season and individual game tickets can be purchased at HuskieTickets.com. Fans unable to attend can catch the game live on Canada West TV or listen in on HuskieFan.ca.