Box Score
CALGARY – Highlighted by Jayden Wiens's five point night, the MRU Cougars fended off a University of Regina second period comeback to ultimately win 8-3 on Saturday.

Prior to puck drop, MRU Cougars senior Zafir Rawji was honoured for his career at the university. Rawji, a gritty centreman, played his 74th career regular season game on Saturday. Earlier this year, Rawji scored the game-winning goal against UBC with 1.9 seconds left after the Cougars achieved one of the greatest comebacks hockey fans could witness in what is now immortalized as the 'Mount Royal Miracle.' 

"Earlier in the day, we had an opportunity as players and coaches to talk about Zaf," said MRU head coach Bert Gilling. "I can't tell you how many guys said he is the best teammate."

"We talk a lot about being uncommonly consistent. Zafir Rawji is uncommonly consistent. He has a great attitude, he's awesome on the bench, all the guys love him and he's battled for everything he's gotten," Gilling continued.

Additionally, two graduating players from Regina, Christian Riemer and Carson Sass were recognized.

Mount Royal picked up right where they left off from the 9-0 win on Friday. Clay Hanus's stretch pass to Jayden Wiens gave MRU a 2-on-1. Wiens fed a pass over to Connor Bouchard who one-timed a shot past sliding Regina netminder Jackson Fellner. 

Bouchard's sixth of the year had MRU up 1-0 just 53 seconds into the contest.

Less than three minutes later, Bouchard returned the favour to Wiens on a near identical-looking play to the first goal. For MRU's second marker, Bouchard and Wiens's roles were swapped with the former Tri-City American feeding the former Saskatoon Blade for a one-timer goal. 

"[Bouchard] is a super skilled player," said Wiens. "He makes plays that not everyone can make so you always have to be ready to get the puck. He makes my job really easy."

The visiting team responded well after two quick Mount Royal goals. Regina made it a point of emphasis to crash the crease and put pressure on MRU goaltender Shane Farkas. 

Wiens got his second goal of the game for Mount Royal's ninth powerplay marker of the weekend to extend the lead to three.

Regina got their first goal of the weekend just past the halfway mark of the game. Matt Culling got his third of the year while on a two-man advantage.

On the remaining 5-on-4 powerplay, Regina cut the deficit to just one. Jakob Brook swatted home a rebound over the shoulder of Farkas to make it 3-2. 

After giving up eight powerplay goals on Friday, Regina was giving Mount Royal a taste of their own medicine. 

To cap off the complete turnaround, Eric Houk tied the game at three. The relentless Regina forecheck caused MRU to have a defensive fit and lose their lead.

Mount Royal knew they had to recompose themselves heading into the third and they did just that.

Jayden Wiens got his third goal of the game to restore the MRU lead a few minutes into the third period.

Wiens's hat trick put an exclamation point on his stellar rookie campaign at Mount Royal, putting him up to nine goals and 23 points on the season with two games left. He credits the leaders on the Cougars for making his first year at MRU a success.

"I can mention [Zafir Rawji] specifically. He was the first guy that introduced himself when I first got here. I think he makes sure to ask me how I'm doing everyday at the rink. He's just the ultimate teammate and one of the best I've ever had."

After Wiens reinstated the lead, MRU did not look back.

Mount Royal added four more goals. Robbie Holmes, Blake Stevenson, Clay Hanus and Teague Patton all contributed to the five-goal period.

Wiens's five points was complemented by Patton's four to give MRU another blowout win.

Despite the scare in the second, Bert Gilling was happy with how his side responded.

"I actually thought we kind of leveled off in a good way at the end of the second period," explained Gilling. "In the intermission we told ourselves: let's get back to Cougar Hockey. I thought we were fantastic in the third period."

Mount Royal will play their final two games of the regular season in Langley, B.C. against the Trinity Western Spartans. The Cougars are looking to lock up first place in the West Division with hopes of earning a bye to the Canada West Semi-Final.