SASKATOON, Sask. — The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's hockey team saw its undefeated start to the 2026-27 season come to an end on Saturday (Oct. 17) night, falling 2-0 to the Manitoba Bisons at Merlis Belsher Place. Despite a determined effort from Saskatchewan, the Bisons capitalized on opportunities in the opening two periods and held on to split the weekend series.
Coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory on Friday night, the Huskies entered Saturday's rematch looking to complete the weekend sweep and extend their winning streak to four games. However, Manitoba responded with a strong defensive performance of its own, limiting Saskatchewan's offensive opportunities and keeping the Huskies off the scoreboard.
The Bisons wasted little time establishing themselves in the opening period. Just 4:24 into the contest, Addison Greve opened the scoring with her first goal of the season, assisted by Claire Moorman, giving Manitoba an early 1-0 advantage.
Saskatchewan looked to respond as the period progressed, generating five shots on goal and earning an opportunity on the power play. Despite their efforts, the Huskies were unable to solve Manitoba goaltender Jenna Goertzen, who turned aside all five shots she faced in the opening frame. At the opposite end,
Clara Juca made six saves to keep Saskatchewan within striking distance heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw both teams continue to battle for control, with Manitoba maintaining its narrow advantage. Saskatchewan worked to create opportunities in the offensive zone, but the Bisons remained disciplined defensively, making it difficult for the Huskies to establish sustained pressure.
At the 5:09 mark of the middle frame, Manitoba extended its lead when Norah Collins found the back of the net, with Moorman collecting her second assist of the evening. The goal gave the Bisons a 2-0 advantage and left Saskatchewan searching for an offensive breakthrough.
Despite the two goal deficit, Juca continued to provide a steady presence between the pipes, making nine saves in the second period to prevent Manitoba from extending its lead further. The Huskies generated another five shots but were unable to capitalize, sending the teams into the final 20 minutes with Manitoba holding a 2-0 lead.
With one period remaining, Saskatchewan continued to push for a way back into the contest. The Huskies were given four power play opportunities in the third period, creating chances to cut into the deficit, but Manitoba's penalty kill held strong.
Juca remained sharp in the Saskatchewan crease, turning aside all eight shots she faced in the final frame. The Huskies continued to compete until the final buzzer, but Goertzen proved difficult to beat, stopping five more shots in the third period to secure the shutout victory for Manitoba.
Juca finished the evening with 23 saves on 25 shots, providing a strong performance for Saskatchewan despite the result. The Huskies recorded 15 shots on goal and went scoreless on six power play opportunities, while successfully killing off all five Manitoba power plays.
Saturday's result brings Saskatchewan's record to 3-1-0 on the young season, with the Huskies earning a weekend split against the Bisons. After a pair of tightly contested matchups at Merlis Belsher Place, Saskatchewan will look to regroup and build on its strong start next weekend in a home-and-home series with Regina.
