SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan Huskies opened their weekend series with a disciplined 2-0 victory over the MacEwan Griffins on Friday night (Nov. 21) at Merlis Belsher Place, controlling the pace from start to finish to secure their third win of the season.
The first period saw the Huskies generate early pressure, outshooting MacEwan 13-5, but both sides traded penalty kills to keep the game scoreless. Saskatchewan's forecheck set the tone, hemming the Griffins in for long stretches, while MacEwan's defensive group blocked lanes effectively to limit second chance looks.
Saskatchewan finally broke through early in the second. At 2:38,
Jessica Anderson found space in the slot and buried her first goal of the season off a feed from
McKenna Bolger. The play unfolded after an initial shot slipped through Currie's pads and sat loose in the crease, allowing Anderson to jump on the rebound and tap it home for the 1–0 lead. The goal capped off a dominant shift in the offensive zone, and the Huskies continued to press as the period went on. MacEwan, however, remained composed and leaned on a sharp penalty kill, turning aside multiple Huskie power play opportunities to stay within one.
The third period continued much the same, with the Huskies dictating possession and tempo. Despite being outshot heavily, the Griffins showed resilience, especially goaltender Currie, who kept her team within striking distance with a 35 save performance. But Saskatchewan eventually found the insurance marker they had been pushing for. With 2:28 remaining,
Kahlen Wisener extended the lead to 2-0, wiring home her second of the season off a setup from Paige Vertanen.
Defensively, the Huskies were airtight. Goaltender
Colby Wilson turned aside all 10 shots she faced to record the shutout, supported by a disciplined defensive effort that limited MacEwan to just one shot in the third period. Saskatchewan finished the night with a commanding 37-10 edge in shots on goal.
The Huskies went 0-7 on the power play but excelled on the penalty kill, holding the Griffins scoreless on their lone attempt.
With the win, Saskatchewan improves to 3-3-1 and looks to carry the momentum into Saturday's (Nov. 22) rematch at Merlis Belsher Place.
