SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan Huskies secured a season-opening win Friday night (Oct. 3) at Merlis Belsher Place, defeating the Mount Royal Cougars 3-2 in a rematch of the 2025 Canada West Final. Raphael Pelletier and Cade Hayes each registered two points to help the Dogs to the victory in what was a meeting between the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked teams in the Canada West coaches poll.

It took just 27 seconds for the game to see the first quality scoring chance as on the first shift Mount Royal's Justin Lies blasted a one-timer from the slot but was denied by a sprawling Jordan Kooy. After recording 11 wins a season ago, the fifth-year netminder got off to a strong start, recording 32 saves to help lead the Dogs to the win.

As the two teams settled in to their first meaningful action in seven months the Cougars received the game's first man-advantage after the Huskies were called for hooking. Coming off a season which saw the Huskies record the conferences best penalty kill, the Dogs started 2025-26 in similar fashion, standing tall and returning to even strength even.

Late in the period the Huskies would head to a powerplay of their own where Dawson Holt recorded the first goal of the season after finding the loose rebound in front of MRU goalie Riley Sims. 

Entering the second period with the lead, the Dogs came out flying, immediately recording a great scoring chance when Cade Hayes beat everyone but the post on a fantastic deflection. 

Seconds later former Saskatoon Blades captain Ben Saunderson looked to have his first in green & white, but his shot deflected up into the air before being batted out of harms way by Cougar captain Kyle Walker.

Just past the midway point of the period, the Huskies added to their lead after a steal and nifty pass by Cade Hayes lead to a tap-in goal for Raphael Pelletier, doubling the Saskatchewan advantage.

However with time winding down in the frame, the Cougars found life. After Dawson Milliken won a puck battle in the corner, he found Bown Singleton in front who buried the one-timer past Kooy to cut the deficit in half.

Early in the third, the Huskies looked to extend their lead and were rewarded just two minutes in. After a shot from Pelletier forced a scrum in front of the net, Cade Hayes found the loose puck, jamming it home to regain the two-goal Huskie lead.

Late in a penalty-filled period, the Cougars were back on the man advantage when Justin Lies found the top corner to make it a one-goal game with under seven to play.

The Huskies then sealed the win thanks to a late penalty kill, securing the victory and getting what could prove to be critical points in the first of six meetings with the Cougars in 2025-26.

The two teams are back on the ice at MBP tomorrow, with puck drop set for 4:00 PM to close out the opening weekend of the season.