Box Score

MHKY: SSK (0) at MRU (4)

The Mount Royal University Cougars tied the series up with a 4-0 win over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in game two of the Canada West Men's Hockey Quarter-Finals.

The Cougars struck early in the first period. Just 25 second into the game, Connor Bouchard redirected a hard pass along the ice from Connor Blake and passed the pad of Huskies netminder, Roddy Ross. 

Mount Royal took their one goal lead into the second period. The Huskies were unable to manage high danger chances and couldn't finish the opportunities they created.

"We didn't have the effort we had last night. In a short series like this, we have to capitalize on our opportunities," said Jared Dymtriw, Huskies forward. "We didn't have the killer instinct tonight. It'll be do-or-die for both teams, so we'll have to reset."

MRU added to their lead early in the second. Josh Tarzwell fed a perfect pass across to Jared Power and the forward one-timed it past Ross. 

"I just happened to be out there with [Power]. He made a great shot off a difficult pass," explained Tarzwell.

Saskatchewan's penalty kill was superb in game one and went a perfect seven-for-seven against MRU's powerplay. However, the Cougars found success on the man-advantage in game two.

Riley Sawchuk found space while on the powerplay and fired a quick shot passed the blocker of Roddy Ross. The Cougars possessed a 3-0 stranglehold over the Huskies. 

Clayton Hanus was cross-checked in the face by Jeff Faith of the Huskies and the Saskatchewan forward was given a double-minor and the Cougars had a four minute powerplay ahead of them. 

On the ensuing man-advantage, Josh Tarzwell pounced on a rebound in front of the net and backhanded the puck into an open net.

Huskies head coach, Brandin Cote felt frustration with his team's penalty troubles.

"We deserved all the penalties we got. Yesterday, I didn't think the was the case but obviously we spent way too much time in the penalty box," said Cote. "The [Cougars] were desperate. Their season was on the line so we expected that."

The Cougars and Huskies finished the game with some rough action after the whistle that led to a few players being ejected. Cougars head coach, Bert Gilling felt satisfied with his teams play but didn't like the mess after the whistle.

"I don't like the scrappy stuff, I'm not a fan of it," said Gilling. "There's a big game tomorrow. I want our guys to be disciplined and take care of the task at hand. In those moments, I just want us to stay with our game."

The Cougars and Huskies will battle on Sunday at 2 p.m. for a winner-take-all game three to advance to the Canada West Semi-Final. Catch the game live on Canada West TV or get your tickets here.

Player of the game: Josh Tarzwell