Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3
Home Games:

MHCKY: UBC (3) at MRU (5)
 
The Mount Royal University Cougars defeated the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in a scrappy game Saturday evening at Calgary Flames Community Arena.
 
The Thunderbirds were given a penalty shot 10-minutes into the first period after Connor Blake got his stick into the hands of Chris Douglas who had gotten away on a short-handed opportunity. Douglas came into the penalty shot slow, moving from right to left, trying to get Riley Morris to follow him. Morris stuck his ground and made a paddle save.
 
MRU scored the first goal of the game a few moments later. Brandan Arnold from below the goal line found Lane Gilliss in the slot. Gilliss's one-timer beat Rylan Toth blocker side, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead going into the second.
 
Tian Rask received a five-minute major and game misconduct for a shot to the head on Riley Lindgren while he was in the Cougars crease protecting goaltender Morris.
 
The Cougars were able to capitalize once on the five-minute major. Blake spotted Nolan Yaremko on the left point. Yaremko released a wrister labeled for the top left corner.
 
MRU went on to score three more goals in the second period.
 
From the left-wing, Jared Power found Spencer Moe at the top of the crease, batting the puck out of midair, past Toth.
 
A three-on-two opportunity between Gilliss, Riley Sawchuk, and Brad Kennedy put the Cougars up 4-0. Kennedy one-timed Sawchuk's pass over top of a sprawling UBC goalie.
 
A clearing attempt by Tyson Helgesen up the left side boards went to Riley Lindgren, who was patiently waiting at the blue line. Lindgren drove towards the Thunderbird's net, chipping a knuckle puck over the left shoulder of Toth.
 
UBC got their first goal of the game in the last thirty seconds of the second period. James Orban redirected the pass from Jonathan Smart on net, beating Morris.
 
The Thunderbirds scored two goals in the third period but fell short of making a complete comeback. Conner McDonald scored on a turnover in the MRU zone, and Scott Atkinson tipped in a shot by teammate McDonald on a power-play opportunity bringing UBC within two.
 
MRU looks to keep their six-game win streak alive with Friday's match-up against the University of Calgary Dinos at 7:00pm at Calgary Flames Community Arena. Watch the game on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.
 
Player of the game: Lane Gilliss

MBB: CGY (80) at MRU (78)

The Cougars narrowly lost against the University of Calgary Dinos, 78-80, in tonight's final home game match-up in Kenyon Court. 

MRU might have taken a loss but they won the best moment of the night when Holt Tomie scored the final point - a nearly full court shot taken from the Cougars defensive end to make the perfect swish at the opposite side. Tomie put up nine points, two rebounds, one steal and drew three fouls in tonight's game. He ended the night with nine points, two rebounds, and one steal.

Mount Royal had an even spread on tonight's score sheet, with Nate Petrone, Nick Tancon, Chase Bohne and Patrick Vandervelden all making over 10 points for the Cougars. Petrone led the team with 17, but it was Bohne who was drawing eyes on the court tonight. 

Bohne had 14 points, one steal and two rebounds off the bench tonight, shooting 55 per cent from the field. He also shot 100 per cent from inside the arch.
"I thought we played much better as a team today. Obviously you look at the scoreboard and we were pretty good at all around scoring," Bohne said. "We had a few guys over 10 points. We don't normally have those games so I thought we did really well at sharing the ball today."

He was named Mount Royal men's basketball player of the game for the game. After tonight's performance, it would be no surprise to see his average minutes on the hardwood increase significantly.

"It was a tough loss. We hate losing to U of C, but we're getting better, so hopefully we can get 'em in the playoffs." Bohne said. 

Mount Royal fought hard but couldn't claim the win against the Dinos. U of C graduate Mason Foreman put up a massive double-double for the team and led them to the victory. Foreman had 28 points and 11 rebounds tonight while shooting 50 per cent. 

This evening's games also marked Seniors night for Vanderveldon, Tancon and Matt Fullerton. The three men were recognized in a pre-game ceremony and were awarded framed jerseys as a thank you for their dedication to MRU.

At half, Mount Royal also took a moment to recognize both the 25th anniversary and 10th anniversary of the men's ACAC championship wins. The 1996/97 team took home the gold after defeating MacEwan. The 10th anniversary represented Mount Royal's final year in the CCAA. They went on to defeat Red Deer College and claim one last gold for the school. 

The men now head into a bye weekend before playing their final regular season games against Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Catch the game live on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.

Player of the game: Chase Bohne


WBB: CGY (58) at MRU (54)

Mount Royal University split the weekend with the University of Calgary Dinos after losing 54-58.

The game was nothing short of physical, with 40 minutes of aggression on defense from both sides. In the first quarter alone, the Cougars held the Dinos to only six points, while only being able to score two. The quarter finished with Calgary leading MRU 11 to five.

By the end of the first half, defensive play was still the dominating strategy on the hardwood. U of C was able to make 14 steals against the Cougars, but MRU stood solid under the rim and outrebounded the Dinos 23-22.

Both squads played a hard man-to-man defense with a full court press. This led to fumbles and forcing bad passes both ways.

Not only was there quite a bit of possession change, but the game saw a total of 47 fouls handed out. In the first half both Calgary and Mount Royal had tallied 12 each.

Speed was the key necessary in order to get a promising shot opportunity anywhere within the offensive zone. Jenika Martens and Tanis Metcalfe were able to use their physical play to their advantage and were able to draw a collective 13 fouls while driving to the basket.

Martens was all over the court tonight, grabbing eight rebounds, putting up 14 points and two steals. Her performance helped close the gap between MRU and CGY in the third quarter, and put the Cougars in a good position going into the final 10 minutes of play.

Maddison Hooper had a good night on the hardwood herself, with nine points, two steals and three rebounds. Hooper was also instrumental in the Cougars offensive drive. At every opportunity she was quick to get up a shot and follow up for a rebound if unlucky.

"I think we've definitely grown so much this season and I think that truly shows that we can keep it tight with them," Hooper said. "I'm just super proud of us. The last four games have been pretty tough but we've managed to keep going."

Her persistence in the offensive zone got her named player of the game in tonight's match up.

"I'm just proud of us and excited for where we are sitting now going into finals," Hooper said.

During tonight's match up, MRU recognized the 25th anniversary of the 1996/97 ACAC championship women's basketball team. The team was represented by then coach, Avery Harrison. The team finished their season with a 20-0 record and took home the gold for the second consecutive year.

The Cougars now go into a bye week before playing their final two regular season games in Edmonton, February 18 and 19, against Grant MacEwan University. MRU goes into this final weekend with a 4-10 record. The games can be caught live on Canada West TV presented by Co-op. 

Player of the game: Maddison Hooper


Away Games:

WHCKY: MRU (1) at UBC (0)