Calgary, AB – Despite another spectacular performance by Colin Cooper the Golden Bears defeated the Cougars 2-1 in overtime on Friday night at Flames Community Arenas. Rhett Rachinski and Jordan Hickmott scored for the Golden Bears, while Matt Bellerive added his second of the season for the Cougars.

The Cougars and Golden Bears started the game cautiously as they renewed their rivalry for the second time in as many nights. Colin Cooper had to be sharp early as the Golden Bears went hard to the net, trying to rattle the rookie goaltender.

It was Alberta who had the first scoring chance when Levko Koper set up Brennan Yadlowski on a breakaway. Yadlowski went backhand but Cooper shut the door keeping the game scoreless.

In the second period Cooper made another spectacular save off a rebound. A quick Golden Bears passing play led to a tricky shot on goal. The rebound landed right on an Alberta stick but Cooper lunged across with his glove to make the save.

Cooper could not stop them all as the Golden Bears finally broke the deadlock. Brett Ferguson unleashed a shot at 9:15 of the second that caromed past a crowd of bodies and onto the stick of Rhett Rachinski. Rachinski slid the puck hard along the ice, just past an outstretched Cooper.

The Cougars equalized late in the second off a great cycle play by the second line. Cam Maclise got the puck to Matt Bellerive at the point, who let go a seeing eye shot that beat Luke Siemens to knot the game at one.

It was Mount Royal who came out flying in the third period. They picked up the hitting and as a result, had a number of scoring chances. The fourth line of Billy Marshall, David Stephens and Riley Point had the Golden Bears hemmed in their own end nearly every time they were on the ice.

With the game tied 1-1, in the dying seconds of regulation, Tyler Fiddler took a high sticking penalty. The penalty carried into overtime giving Alberta a 4-on-3 advantage. 35 seconds into the extra frame, Jordan Rowley spotted Jordan Hickmott in the high slot and Hickmott ripped the game winner over the right shoulder of Colin Cooper.

Luke Siemens only had to make 19 saves in the victory. Colin Cooper made 30 of 32 saves to earn a point for the Cougars.

Alberta will head east to Saskatchewan next weekend for a date with the Huskies on Friday night at 7:00pm.

Mount Royal will host the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday night at Flames Community Arenas. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm.