HUSKIES MOVE ON TO CANADA WEST FINAL2013-02-24
With a 4-1 victory over the University of Manitoba Bisons in Game 3 of a Canada West Men’s Hockey Semifinal, the No. 6 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies booked a date to the conference final to defend their title.
Saskatchewan used two goals by 2011-12 CIS First Team All-Canadian Derek Hulak, as well as second-year Matthew Spafford and rookie Jordan Peddle to secure the Game 3 win in the best-of-three series.
The Huskies will travel to Edmonton to meet the University of Alberta Golden Bears in the final next weekend.
Game Stats
Hulak shoved the puck into the net before a sliding Manitoba goaltender Jesse Deckert could cover the post on a scramble in front of the net at 15:17 in the first period on a power play. Spafford gave the Huskies a two goal lead beating Deckert five-hole at 13:18 in the second when Manitoba was caught in their own zone.
Hulak tallied his second of the night just 30 seconds into the third period. Streaking down the left side, his quick wrist shot beat Deckert stick side. Jordan Peddle added the Huskies’ fourth goal at 4:36 in the frame.
Manitoba had their chances in the game. The Bisons missed three times on shorthanded breakaway attempts hitting the crossbar once. Both teams also had a goal called off by referees.
The Bisons broke the Huskies’ bid for a shutout on the power play at 11:17 when Ian Duval beat Ryan Holfeld stick side. Despite a late flurry of shots this was as close as the Bisons came in the game.
Deckert made 28 saves in the loss, while Holfeld stopped 29 in the win at the other end of the ice.
The Canada West Final begins Friday in Edmonton at the Clare Drake Arena. Game 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m. 
