Edmonton, AB - The number one ranked University of Alberta Golden bears hockey team (3-1-1) were stunned on banner raising, and home opener night at Clare Drake Arena, dropping a 4-2 decision to the visiting Mount Royal Cougars (3-1-1). The loss was the first in regulation for the Bears, while the win was the third straight for the Cougars.

 

Sophomore Jamie King (2), fifth-year forward Tyler Fiddler, and third-year forward Tanner Olstad found the scoresheet for the Cougars, while Captain Kruise Reddick and fourth-year forward Rhett Rachinski found the back of the net for Alberta. Rookie goalie Colin Cooper stopped 24 of 26 Alberta shots to record his third straight victory.  

 

Despite only firing six shots on goal in the opening period, the Bears would find themselves ahead 1-0 on the scoreboard. Reddick found himself wide open in the slot, and wired in the bouncing puck for his third goal of the season. The Cougars were unable to score in the opening frame, but found themselves ahead 9-6 in the shot department. 

 

The second period was much better for the visitors, as they dominated possession, scoring twice to take a one goal lead. King opened the scoring after a horrendous turnover by Bears goalie Luke Siemens, as his clearing pass went tape-to-tap to the opposing team, giving King the easiest goal he will have all season. Fiddler, Canada West scoring leader, added to his total in the second period with a highlight reel goal, as he deked his way through two defenders, and flicked the wrist shot over Siemen's shoulder. The Cougars led the game not only in goals, but also held the defending champions to a measly ten shots through forty minutes, compared to the Cougars 19. 

 

Olstad would add to the Cougars lead late in the third period, blowing by the Bears defence and finishing off the breakaway in tremendous style, as his backhand floated just over the sprawling pad of Siemens. The Bears took control of the final half of the third period, firing 16 shots on goal, and would find a glimmer of hope in the final five minutes, courtesy of Rachinski. His third goal of the season would cut the Cougar lead to one goal, but it was as close as the Bears would come. King potted his second of the night into an empty Bears net with 43 seconds left to seal the victory. 

 

The win was only the fourth ever for the Cougars over the Golden Bears, dropping Alberta's record to 9-4 all-time against MRU. The two squads will finish their home and home tomorrownight, as the Cougars host the Bears at the Flames Community Rink in Calgary at 6:00 p.m.