SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan men's hockey team handed the U SPORTS number two ranked Mount Royal Cougars their first loss of the season, in a thrilling back and forth game Saturday night in Saskatoon.

After falling 4-0 to MRU last night, in what was a chippy contest, the Huskies were eager to protect their home ice at Merlis Belsher Place this evening. It did not take long for Saskatchewan to strike, as Dawson Holt set the tone for the Huskies netting two quick goals within the opening 3:53 seconds, both times assisted by linemates Parker Gavlas and Trevor Wong. However, the Cougars were not phased by the Huskie lead, as less than three minutes later MRU's Leith Olafson and Robbie Holmes would each put a goal past Huskie netminder Jordan Kooy to even the score 2-2.

Penalties were an issue for Saskatchewan on Friday, and this would prove to be a theme throughout the weekend, as the Huskies picked up another eight penalties, including three in the first period. However, thanks to a strong penalty kill, Saskatchewan was able to blank the Cougars on the man-advantage, which is made more impressive considering MRU entered the game operating at 35.3% on the Power Play (1st in Canada West).

The energy of the first period spilled over into the second, and MRU continued to add to their already substantial 16-4 shot lead with a short side one timer that soared past the head of Kooy. On the play the Huskies found themselves back in the penalty box. Liam Keeler was sent off for two minutes, this time for tripping and the Cougars found themselves on the Power Play once again.

The Huskies penalty kill worked overtime to keep the Cougars at bay. Later in the period, the Huskies finally got their chance on the Power Play after both Dawson Milliken and Josh Tarzwell of the Cougars went to the box within seconds of each other, about 8:30 seconds into the period, giving the Dogs a two-man advantage. With their backs against the wall, MRU tenaciously fought off an onslaught of Huskie shots, and the score remained tied 2-2 heading into the third.

In a similar fashion to the first period, Saskatchewan wasted no time regaining the lead, as Liam Keeler pushed one past Cougars goalie Shane Farkas, just 16 seconds into the third period, making the score 3-2 Huskies. The penalty box would stay busy throughout the frame, as tensions flared between the two U SPORTS powerhouses. After a pair of coincidental penalties provided some 4-on-4 action, Saskatchewan's Ashton Ferster tipped his first goal of the season past Farkas to put the Dogs up by two. Ferster's goal would ultimately hold up as the winner, although the Cougars would add another, making the final score 4-3 Huskies.

NEXT UP
After a short stint on home ice, the Huskies will look to build on momentum as they travel to Winnipeg next weekend to take on the Manitoba Bisons for a pair of games at Wayne Fleming Arena. Game one begins at 7 pm, Friday Nov 1st.

The Cougars will have time to rest and recharge, as they enter the bye week, before returning to home ice Friday, Nov 8th against UBC. Catch all the action on Canada West TV, or listen on HuskieFan.ca.