WINNIPEG, Man. -
Colby Wilson's impressive performance earned her a third shutout in five games, while Manitoba natives
Julianna Herman and
Ava Bergman both scored their first U SPORTS goals in a 2-0 Saskatchewan win over Manitoba.
Wilson stopped all 35 shots she faced, while Emily Shippam made 17 saves for Manitoba.
It's the Huskies' fourth win in their last five games. Manitoba remains in second place in Canada West's East Division, with 22 points.
The beginning of the game left little time for viewers to settle in their seats. A misplaced pass by Saskatchewan allowed Bisons forward Sadie Keller to be alone in front of the net, forcing a big save out of Wilson in the opening seconds.
Wilson came up big again just minutes later, as a beautiful feed by Ali Staples set up Julia Bird for the Bisons second one on one attempt of the game, but the shot was denied.
The Huskies would be the team to strike first. After being given time and space, the freshman Herman found the top left corner of the net from the blue line, netting her first career U SPORTS goal.
The Bisons would not be without their chances, but Wilson didn't make it easy. Dana Goertzen pulled off an excellent backhanded move leaving the Saskatchewan defender behind, but Wilson stopped the attempt, making 15 stops in the first period.
The second period was one for the goalies, as each netminder came up big for their team.
Bisons forward Aimee Patrick made a speedy cross-ice skate leaving the Huskies defenseman behind, but Wilson stretched out her leg to bounce the puck to safety.
Shortly after, a miss-pass from a Manitoba defender left Saskatchewan forward
Jayde Cadieux with time to consider her options, but Shippam made the blocker stop.
Just seconds later on a penalty kill, Bisons forward Sophia Anderson intercepted a pass and sprinted in on a partial break-away. But like the rest of the period, Wilson prevented the equalizer, allowing Saskatchewan to go into the third period with a one goal lead.
Throughout the third period, Manitoba circled around the net looking for an opening. But the Huskies' lines were in sync, leaving little room.
After 40 minutes of goalless play, the Huskies would find the back of the net again, as Cadieux found Bergman in front of the net, also scoring her first USports goal.
As the game progressed, Manitoba would get closer to finding the back of the net, with their best chance coming late in the third.
In the final minutes, defenceman Camille Enns rocketed a shot on net, with the rebound bouncing to Patrick and then to Keller, whose shot beat Wilson but not the right post.
Despite the outcome, the duo were notable standouts for the hosts, combining for eight shots.
The Bisons return tomorrow against the Huskies at 4:00 pm CT.