Box Score MHCKY: REG (3) at MRU (4)

The Mount Royal University Cougars take the first game of a three-game series against the University of Regina Cougars, 4-3, in their quarter-final match-up Friday night at Flames Community Arena.
 
"I liked our effort in the third period, but the third period just wasn't enough. We got to start the game the way we played the third, and if we can do, I think we might have a different outcome," said Regina Head Coach Todd Johnson.
 
The paddle of Brandon Holtby stopped Robbie Holmes's original shot from the right faceoff dot. The rebound was picked up at the top of the crease by Ryley Lindgren. Lindgren waited until Holtby came out aggressively, leaving the top half of the net exposed for the shot.
 
Brady Pouteau received a four-minute double minor for kneeing MRU forward Brandan Arnold at centre ice. On the extended power-play opportunity, Nolan Yaremko carried the puck from end-to-end, stickhandling his way around three Regina defenders in the offensive zone.
 
Yaremko was able to tuck the puck under the pads of Holtby, giving MRU a 2-0 lead into the second period.
 
Spencer Moe sent a saucer to Jared Power's flying down the left wing into the offensive zone. Powers released a laser into the top left corner, going bar down.
 
MRU pulled Riley Morris on a delayed penalty against Regina, giving the Cougars a six-on-five opportunity. Connor Blake found Kyle Walker at the left point where he walked towards the top of the left circle, firing a wrister and beating Holtby glove side.
 
"I thought it was a good start off for us. It's always good to get that first win, but we took a step back in the third period. We all know that, and we know what to bring for tomorrow," said Walker.
 
Regina was able to break the goose egg with a little over two minutes left in the second period. Pouteau released a wrister from the right point, that hit MRU defenceman Tyson Helgesen's leg, changing its path on route to the net and in.
 
"I think we are a really good team, and I think we let off the gas early. We showed what kind of team we are there late in the game," said Pouteau.
 
Regina began the comeback in the last five minutes of the third period.
 
Conner Chaulk scored on a power-play opportunity from below the goal-line. He found Tanner Nagel at the bottom of the right circle for the one-timer, beating Morris short-side.
 
Regina added another goal to the scoreboard moments later. On a pass from Chaulk, Eskra charged the left side of the net and danced around a sprawling Morris. He ran out of room and ended up below the goal-line, banking the puck off Morris' pad and into the net.
 
Regina pulled Holtby with two minutes left in the third in an effort to tie up the game but was unable to capitalize while having an additional man on the ice.
 
MRU currently leads the series 1-0.
 
"It's always good to get the first playoff game done with a win. With all the disjointed scheduling we've had with weeks off and off weeks and everything else, I was a little anxious coming into this game and how it was going to go," said MRU Head Coach Bert Gilling.
 
The teams rematch tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Flames Community Arena. Catch the game on Canada West TV presented by Co-op. 

Player of the game: Kyle Walker