SASKATOON, Sask. -Trailing 2-1 after two periods of play, the University of Manitoba Bisons scored two unanswered goals, defeating the Saskatchewan Huskies by a score of 3-2 in overtime this Friday night at Merlis Belsher Place.

The Huskies entered the game, while still in search of their first win, having played competitive hockey the previous two weekends against nationally-ranked opponents. In games against the Alberta Pandas, and Mount Royal Cougars, Saskatchewan was able to extend the game beyond three periods, and although the standings may not reflect it, the Huskies are a team that is both improving and a challenge to opponents each week.

The Bisons entered the game with a 3-2-1 record, coming off a pair of wins against the Macewan Griffins at home last weekend. Although Manitoba's strong suit is their defence (entering the game with the conference's lowest total goals against), offense, specifically on the power play, was the story of this game early on.

After a back and forth first period, Manitoba's Julia Bird broke the ice with under five minutes remaining in the frame. Assisted by Kylie Lesuk, Bird found herself at point blank range in front of Huskie net-minder Emma Backman. From close range, Bird would not be denied and the Bisons carried the 1-0 lead midway into the second period. 

Thanks to two power play opportunities of their own, the Huskies stormed back in the second period, snatching both the momentum and the lead. Fourth year Defence Kendra Zuchotzki opened up the scoring for Saskatchewan after Sara Kendall got the puck to the veteran near the blue line. Zuchotzki wound up and unleashed a powerful slap shot that whizzed by a flurry of bodies before crashing into the back netting. Before the Bisons would have a chance to catch their breath, they found themselves back on the penalty kill. This time it was Huskie forward Sara Kendall who seized the opportunity, sniping home a short side wrister from a tough angle. Saskatchewan would hold the lead for the remainder of the period.

After Hanna Bailey evened things up for the visiting Bisons about midway through the third period, the teams would trade chances, however, they remained deadlocked throughout regulation. Manitoba would ultimately spoil Saskatchewan's hopes of earning their elusive first win of the season, when Norah Collins called game, scoring an unassisted five-hole goal during 3-on-3 overtime action.

Up Next:

The Huskies and Bisons will meet for a rematch tomorrow evening at Merlis Belsher Place. As always, Saturday's puck drop will be at 5 p.m. Catch all the action on Canada West TV presented by BioSteel, or tune in on HuskieFan.ca.