Box Score
CALGARY –  Kate Fawcett's 33-save shutout performance propelled the Trinity Western University Spartans women's hockey team past the Mount Royal University Cougars by a 2-0 score on Friday night at Flames Community Arenas.

Mount Royal dictated the pace in the first period but could not generate many high-danger opportunities. 

The Cougar's best chance to score in the opening period came when Aliya Jomha toe-dragged around multiple Spartans defenders but had her stick lifted at the last second by Kyra McDonald. 

Across the ice from Fawcett was her namesake, Kate Holan, who was making her fourth start of the season between the pipes for MRU. The second-year netminder made multiple timely saves for the home team, stopping 27 of the 28 shots she faced.

The offensive woes continued through all 60 minutes of the game for Mount Royal and even when they could generate a scoring opportunity, the Spartans' goalie, Fawcett, answered the bell.

"Their goalie played really well today," said Cougars second-year forward Jerzey Watteyne. "But we didn't have lots of traffic which let [Fawcett] make lots of saves."

After the game held scoreless after two periods, Trinity Western finally broke the deadlock. 

Kyra Anderson's effort paid off for the Spartans as she raced the puck first before sending a hopeful pass out front. Despite the feed going untouched through the slot, Ella Boon skated to barely keep the puck in the zone and then fired a shot past Holan's blocker. Holan's vision of the puck was impeded by Brooke Dorash's perfectly executed screen.

In a last effort to tie the game, MRU sent out an extra attacker but ultimately could not convert.

Jordyn Matthews iced the game with an empty net goal to make it 2-0.

Friday's result marked Trinity Western's first win against the Cougars this season, having dropped the previous four meetings.

Ultimately, the outcome of the game had no ramifications on the standings, with both teams having already locked up their ranking and spot in the playoffs. However, MRU knows they have to be better.

"Playing with high intensity sets the tone for how we want to play in the playoffs," said Watteyne. "That's why we need it tomorrow. Once playoffs come, standings and ranks don't matter anymore. It's whoever comes to play."

The two divisional foes will play one final time in the last game of the regular season on Saturday at 5 p.m. on the FCA ice. The Cougars are set to honour their five graduating players: Lyndsey Janes, Alex Spence, Aliya Jomha, Kaitlyn Ross and Athena Hauck.

Tickets for the game can be purchased online and fans can stream it live on Canada West TV – Powered by BioSteel.