Box Score Returning to the ice for their first home game of 2024, the Mount Royal University women's hockey team clashed sticks against the University of Regina Cougars in a fierce showdown Friday evening.  

The MRU Cougars wrapped up 2023 winning 16 of 20 games, securing the third-place position in the Canada West standings and second place in the U Sports rankings as of Jan. 16. 

The first period witnessed MRU taking the lead late in the period. 

U of R's Raea Gilroy received the first penalty of the game for tripping less than three minutes into the period. This gave MRU an early opportunity to take the lead, however U of R managed to defend their net. 

U of R's Shaylee Scraba was penalized for bodychecking with over four minutes remaining in the period, granting MRU another opportunity to score on a power play. 

U of R once again managed to defend their net despite being down a player. 

With roughly three minutes remaining in the period, MRU's Sydney Benko brought her team to a 1 – 0 lead, with assists from Allee Gerrard and Emma Bergesen. 

Seconds later, MRU's Gabby Lindsay earned her team's first penalty of the game for bodychecking. MRU was able to fend off any goal attempts from their opponents.  

MRU managed to extend their lead in the second period. 

U of R's Julianne Girardin received a coincidental penalty for high sticking just over five minutes into the period. MRU's Kaia Borbandy also received a coincidental penalty at the same time for throwing her stick.

Roughly halfway through the period, MRU's Aliya Jomha received a two-minute penalty for holding, granting U of R the only power play of the period. 

MRU's defence was effective in preventing any goals. 

Shortly after, MRU's Breanne Trotter found U of R's net, extending their lead to 2 -0, assisted by Allee Gerrard and Emma Bergesen. 

Two and a half minutes into the third period, U of R's Olivia Leggett received a two-minute hooking penalty, providing MRU with an early opportunity to extend their lead further. 

However, MRU was unable to capitalize on the given advantage. 

Just over six minutes in, U of R's Shelby Rublee received a four-minute penalty for a hit to the head, serving the first half of the penalty. Teammate Kaitlyn Gilroy served the other two as MRU's Jordyn Hutt received a coincidental penalty for roughing. 

At the halfway mark of the period, MRU's Ava Metzger received a two-minute penalty for cross-checking, giving U of R a chance to score on a power play advantage. 

Despite the power play opportunity, U of R was unable to breach MRU's defence. 

With just over four minutes remaining, U of R's Lauren Focht received a hooking penalty, providing MRU another power play opportunity. 

However, U of R successfully defended their net.

Shortly after, MRU 's Aliya Jomha received a slashing penalty, resulting in a four-on-four game. 

In the final three minutes of the game, MRU's Gabby Lindsay extended their lead to 3 – 0, with an assist from Athena Hauck. 

MRU emerged victorious in their home arena.  

The Mount Royal University women's hockey team will face off against U of R once more on Jan. 20. The puck is set to drop at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.