CALGARY, Alta. – The Mount Royal Cougars overcame a 33-save performance from Huskie goaltender Colby Wilson to defeat Saskatchewan 3-1 in the season opener of Canada West women's hockey.

Last season, the Cougars defeated the Huskies in both games and were the favourites heading into Friday's season opener.

Saskatchewan fifth-year netminder Wilson was busy right from the start as Mount Royal peppered her with shots. Wilson made her best save of the opening period, robbing Cougars' forward Julia Duke with the pad.

On the other end, MRU goalie Scout Anderson matched her counterpart's play in the crease. Late in the period, Anderson somehow kept the puck out during a mad scramble in front of the net where visibility was obstructed.

Anderson was significantly less busy than Wilson, only facing 12 shots from USask.

After 20 minutes, the two teams remained deadlocked at zero.

The Cougars had the first 25 of their shots turned away by Wilson, but finally found the back of the net on shot 26.

Julia Duke picked up the puck, entering the blueline with an abundance of speed. While cutting across the ice, Duke let a fast wrister go from the slot, beating Wilson glove-side to make it 1-0 for the Cougars.

Just three minutes after Mount Royal got the first goal of the 2025-26 season, the Cougars added an insurance marker. Ava Metzger's wraparound attempt that slid off her stick found its way to a wide-open Jerzey Watteyne at the goalmouth. Watteyne quickly shot the puck past Wilson to make it 2-0.

In the third period, MRU added a third. The Huskies failed to clear the zone, allowing Jordyn Hutt to find the back of the net for her first of the season.

The Huskies wouldn't go away quietly. While on a powerplay, Saskatchewan blueliner Avery Gottselig looked to have her shot redirected by her teammate but instead had the puck ricochet off the skate of Cougars defenceman Summer Fomradas and into the net.

With just over halfway left in the final frame, the Huskies were back within two.  Despite turning up the pressure and pulling their goalie, the Cougars held on for the 3-1 win.

Mount Royal and Saskatchewan will go head-to-head once again on Saturday evening at Flames Community Arenas. Tickets for the 5 p.m. puck drop can be purchased online and fans can stream the game live on Canada West TV – Powered by BioSteel.