Box Score The Mount Royal University women's hockey team bounced back after their previous defeat against the University of Saskatchewan by securing a victory against the Huskies in their last home game of 2023 on Saturday night.  

The opening period saw the Cougars taking an early lead. 

Two minutes into the period, MRU's Athena Hauck propelled her team to a 1 – 0 lead over the Huskies. 

Midway through the period, MRU's Summer Fomradas incurred a holding penalty, offering the Huskies their initial power play opportunity of the game. 

Remaining resilient, the Cougars defence thwarted all goal attempts by the Huskies.

With less than five minutes remaining in the period, Huskies Kelsey Hall received a cross-checking penalty, granting the Cougars a power play advantage. 

The Cougars capitalized on the opportunity, with Emma Bergesen extending their lead to 2 – 0. Assists were provided by Aliya Jomha and Sydney Benko. 

In the final two minutes of the period, MRU's Jori Hansen-Young was penalized for interference, providing the Huskies another power play opportunity.

Despite being down a player, the Cougars effectively defended their goal until the periods end.

The Huskies promptly responded as the second period commenced. 

Just over two and a half minutes in, U of S's Jacquelyne Chief found the net, assisted by Kelsey Hall. 

Seven minutes in, Huskies Makenna Stevens was penalized for hooking, granting the Cougars another power play opportunity. 

The Cougars once again seized control, with Breanne Trotter extending their lead to 3 – 1. She received assists from Emma Bergesen and Aliya Jomha. 

With slightly under seven minutes remaining in the period, MRU's Ava Metzger incurred a tripping penalty, giving the Huskies a power play opportunity. 

The Cougar's defence effectively repelled all goal attempts made by their opponents. 

With just over two minutes left in the period, Huskies Jayde Cadieux was penalized for tripping. Despite the power play advantage, the Cougars were unable to find the net. 

However, in the final minute of the period, U of S's Bronwyn Boucher received a cross-checking penalty, granting the Cougars another power play opportunity. 

Taking full advantage of the situation, MRU's Emma Bergesen netted a goal with thirty seconds remaining, furthering their lead to 4 – 1. She received an assist from Breanne Trotter.  

At just over two minutes into the third period, MRU's Lyndsey Janes propelled the Cougars to a commanding 5 – 1 lead, assisted by Ava Metzger. 

Roughly midway through the period, MRU's Athena Hauck incurred a bodychecking penalty, allowing the Huskies to gain a power play advantage. 

Shortly after, MRU's Lyndsey Janes received a tripping penalty, resulting in a five-on three advantage for the Huskies.

Despite having two players in the penalty box, the Cougars defence demonstrated resilience, successfully preventing any goals. 

With under four minutes remaining in the period, the Huskies secured a power play advantage after MRU's Alex Spence was penalized for roughing.  

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sara Kendall of the Huskies scored a goal, assisted by Kendra Zuchotzki and Isabella Pozzi.  

With less than two minutes remaining in the game, Huskies Kennedy Brown received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, giving the Cougars their last power play chance of the game. 

The Cougars effectively defended their home ice, sealing a 5 – 2 victory over the Huskies. 

The Mount Royal University women's hockey team will play their next home game on Jan. 19 against the University of Regina. The puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.