Missed opportunities cost Huskies

Split weekend series with UBC
Nov 11

After winning the first game of the weekend series Friday night, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies looked to win back to back games at Rutherford Rink in Saskatoon Saturday evening against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. That would not be the case however, as the Huskies were unable to capitalize on many great scoring chances, while UBC did. After skating to a 1-1 tie through 20 minutes, UBC would score once in the second and twice in the final frame to win the game 4-1.

The Huskies actually opened the scoring in the game, as captain Brent Twordik broke in on UBC net minder Francois Thuot and snapped a shot to get things going. The lead would be short-lived, as UBC’s Darrel May would knot the game at 1-1. That would be the way the first period ended, as both teams headed to the dressing room to regroup.

Early on in the second period the Huskies once again applied tremendous pressure, unable to deposit the puck in the net however. Quickly thereafter, UBC’s Mike Gough would rip a drive from the point past Huskies goalie Russel Monette, which gave the T-Birds the lead 2-1. Tempers would flare late in the second period, as both teams, frustrated with their inability to score, would take it out on each other. As the second period came to a close, both teams skated to their respective locker rooms fired up for the third.

The story on this night was definitely the Huskies inability to score on quality scoring chances, while UBC made the most of theirs. Just five minutes into the third period, UBC would put the game on ice, as Darrell May would score his second goal of the game. With a 3-1 lead and a confident goalie, the T-Birds just ran the clock down throughout the third. The game scoring would be closed out with just 3 seconds left on the clock as the Huskies had pulled their goaltender, and with the empty net, UBC’s Jordan Beirnes dumped the puck in the net.

After the game a clearly happy coach from UBC was impressed with his team’s play.

“Anytime you come into this rink and get a split you have to be happy with yourself. We played two very good games this weekend and are overall pleased with the performances. We had good goaltending and just an all-around good team game.”

With the loss the #8 ranked Huskies drop to 6-5-1 on the season, while UBC, with the win, moves to 5-5. The hockey Dogs are back in action at home next week, as they will take on their greatest rivals from Alberta Friday and Saturday night at Rutherford Rink.

Game Story by: Devin Heroux – Sports Info Assistant – University of Saskatchewan