SASKATOON, Sask. — A third period breakthrough from
Jayde Cadieux and a 20-save shutout from
Addison Tomes in her first carrer start lifted the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's hockey team to a hard fought 1-0 victory over the Manitoba Bisons on Friday (Oct. 16) night at Merlis Belsher Place.
It was a tightly contested matchup from start to finish, with both teams battling to find an offensive breakthrough. After 40 minutes of scoreless hockey, the Huskies capitalized on an early third period opportunity and held on to secure the win in front of their home crowd. The win maintains the Huskies perfect start to the season, moving the team to 3-0-0 through the start of the 2026-27 season.
The opening period saw both teams settle into a defensive battle, with neither side able to find the back of the net. Saskatchewan and Manitoba each tallied three shots on goal, sending the teams into the first intermission scoreless.
Manitoba began to find its offensive rhythm in the second period, increasing the pressure and outshooting Saskatchewan 9-4. Despite the Bisons' efforts, Tomes remained steady between the pipes, turning aside all nine shots she faced to keep the Huskies in contention heading into the final 20 minutes.
With the game still up for grabs, Saskatchewan wasted little time making its mark in the third period. Just 1:44 into the frame, Cadieux broke the deadlock, finding the back of the net to give the Huskies a crucial 1-0 lead with a power play goal. The fifth-year forward picked a loose puck up before wrapping around the back of the net and firing in her first of the young season.
The Bisons responded with continued offensive pressure, looking to erase Saskatchewan's narrow advantage. Manitoba finished the evening with 20 shots on goal, while goaltender Jenna Goertzen delivered a strong performance at the opposite end of the ice, stopping eight of Saskatchewan's nine shots to keep the contest close.
As the final minutes ticked away, the Huskies remained composed defensively, limiting Manitoba's ability to capitalize on its opportunities. Tomes continued to deliver when called upon, turning aside eight shots in the third period to preserve Saskatchewan's lead and secure the shutout victory.
Tomes' performance earned her first star honours, while Cadieux was named the game's second star for her decisive goal. Despite being outshot 20-9, the Huskies made their opportunities count, pairing timely scoring with a strong effort in their own end to come away with the win.
Saskatchewan will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's (Oct. 17) rematch against Manitoba as the Huskies return to Merlis Belsher Place for the second game of their weekend series. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 PM, with the Huskies looking to complete the weekend sweep in front of their home crowd.
