Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics

In a fast-paced opening frame the Cougars would be the ones to hit the scoreboard first. Just past the four minute mark, Matt Bellerive sprung David Stephens for a breakaway from the 'Horns blue line in and Stephens deked to his back hand, beating 'Horns goaltender Garret Hughson high glove for fourth of the season.

The pace continued at a torrid rate for the remainder of the opening stanza, with both teams generating multiple scoring chances but both goaltenders stood tall in their crease to keep the score 1-0 Cougars after 20 minutes. Shots in the period favored the Cougars 19-13.

The intermission did nothing to slow the pace in the second period with the 'Horns and Cougars trading odd man chances, but both goaltenders continued their solid, if not at times spectacular, play.

Jamal Watson had a glorious chance to extend the Cougars lead on another breakaway mid-way through the period. Off a deflected puck in the Cougars end, Watson raced away from all 'Horns defenders going to his forehand but couldn't beat Hughson's outstretched leg.

Cougars keeper Colin Cooper made point blank saves off Ryon Moser, Russ Maxwell and Mitch Maxwell.

Jay Merkley had a breakaway of his own with just under five minutes to play but Cooper made a nice blocker save to keep his team up one.

The 'Horns would finally breakthrough as the second period neared the 17 minute mark. Sam McKechnie's original shot squeaked through Cooper's legs and Brandon Clowes jumped on the rebound in the crease to bang home his second of the season.

Before the period was out, 'Horns leading scorer Justin Valentino gave the 'Horns their first lead of the game. Mitch Maxwell sprung Valentino with a slick pass at the Cougars blue line and Valentino beat Cooper five-hole.

On an early third period power play, the 'Horns added to their lead, Connor Sanvido took a cross-ice pass in the slot and beat Cooper to the blocker side for his first goal as a Pronghorn.

Returning the favour, the Cougars cut the lead back to one with a power play marker of their own less than two minutes later. Jesse Lees worked himself into the slot and put a wrister off the post and behind Hughson.

The 'Horns would take two consecutive penalties, but held the conference's top power play unit off balance and didn't surrender any quality chances. The 'Horns would finish the night killing off six of seven Cougar penalties.

Off a blocked shot in his own end, Cougar Cam Maclise had the best chance to tie the score, racing in on a partial break, but Hughson made a game-saving stop to keep the 'Horns up one with four minutes to play.

Hughson finished the night with 35 saves, while his counterpart, Cooper turned aside 32 Pronghorn shots.

Game two of the home-and-home series will go tomorrow night at the Flames Community Arena in Calgary. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00pm and the game can be watched live onwww.canadawest.tv.