SASKATOON - After entering the game on a three-game win streak, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men's hockey team bounced back with a 7-2 victory over the visiting Mount Royal Cougars at Merlis Belsher Place.
Six different Huskies found the back of the net in the win, including Owen Hardy who netted his first-career U SPORTS goal in the win and Jaxan Kaluski added his team-leading sixth and seventh tallies of the season.
It was the hot-start for Saskatchewan that played a big role in the win. Jared Dmytriw opened the scoring just 1:06 into the contest, before Gordie Ballhorn made it a two-goal game at the 5:27 mark of the opening frame, giving the Dogs some stability early.
Saskatchewan ended up adding two more in the second period, including Kaluski's first of the night. Despite the Cougars adding two in the third, the damage was done with the Huskies coming out with a convincing five-goal win on home ice.
Saskatchewan improved to 8-3-0 with the victory, while Mount Royal fell to 6-4-1.
"Especially this year with only two games. They're a big two points every game, especially now," said Zane Franklin, who registered an assist in the win. "We were a point above them and now three. Hopefully tomorrow we can make it five."
On the Mount Royal side, Riley Sawchuk's shorthanded marker was his eighth goal of the season, while Tyson Helgesen also added an unassisted marker for the visitors. Riley Morris made 30 saves for the Cougars.
Roddy Ross was steady throughout the night in between the pipes for Saskatchewan, as he made 15 saves in the win. Mike Babcock noted postgame he was pleased with the performance from Ross and he'd receive the start on Saturday night.
The Huskies will take on the Cougars once again in the matchup, as they look for the weekend sweep in their final regular-season game of the calendar year.
"We got one of the best student sections and the best crowd in the Canada West, so every home games it's a treat to play in front of them and we really do appreciate everyone coming out and supporting us," said Ballhorn.
