Box Score Closing out their final home game of 2023, the Mount Royal University men's hockey team took on the Trinity Western University Spartans in their second match of the weekend. 

Both teams scored during the opening period. 

MRU's Connor Bouchard earned a penalty shot after being tripped on a breakaway and seized the opportunity, scoring the game's opening goal. 

Shortly afterward, TWU's Jesse Pomeroy was penalized for holding, resulting in a power play advantage for the Cougars. However, MRU's Robbie Holmes received an interference penalty, leading to a four-on-four situation. 

Despite this, neither team managed to alter the scoreboard. 

In the final minutes of the period, MRU's Kyle Walker was penalized for tripping, giving TWU a power play opportunity. TWU capitalized on this advantage, with Daine Dubois netting a goal in the last minute, tying the score 1 – 1. 

Just over a minute into the second period, the Cougars took the lead as Jaden Senkoe scored, assisted by Kyle Walker. 

Two minutes over the halfway mark, TWU's Jeremy Klessens received a high sticking penalty, granting the Cougars a power play opportunity. Despite this advantage, the Spartans defended their net successfully, preventing any goals. 

With six minutes remaining in the period, MRU's Blake Stevenson was penalized for tripping, allowing TWU a power play. However, the Cougars defence remained strong, denying the Spartans any goals.  

The period concluded after MRU's Kurtis Smyth was penalized for roughing in the last two minutes. TWU was unable to capitalize on the ensuing power play advantage.  

Three minutes before the midway point of the third period, Mitchell Joss of TWU netted the equalizer, assisted by Mikol Sartor, bringing the score to 2 – 2. 

With nine minutes remaining in the game, the Spartans Tanner Hopps extended their lead to 3 – 2. He received assistance from Daine Dubois and Jeremy Klessens.  

With just ninety seconds remaining in the period, MRU's Blake Stevenson scored, leveling the game at 3 – 3 and extending the game into overtime. He received assists from Robbie Holmes and Jaden Senkoe.

After a scoreless five-minute overtime, the game proceeded to a shootout.  

TWU's Michael Spafford was the first shooter but was unable to get past MRU's Shane Farkas.  

MRU's Connor Bouchard followed and successfully scored against Leon Sommers, securing the lead for his team.  

TWU's Tanner Hopps was the subsequent shooter, but Farkas denied any goal attempts. 

Finally, MRU's Connor Blake secured the winning goal, giving the Cougars their last home game win of 2023. 

The Mount Royal University men's hockey team kicks off their 2024 home games on Jan. 12 against the University of Manitoba. The game starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available for purchase here.