The MRU Cougars men's hockey team battled in the Canada West Finals last week, facing off against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a thrilling best-of-three series in Saskatoon. With the conference title on the line, the Cougars gave everything they had in a hard-fought series that went the distance. Though they ultimately fell short, their effort and determination made choosing this week's Players Bench Athlete of the Week a tough decision. One standout performer rose to the occasion—goaltender Shane Farkas, whose resilience in net kept MRU in the fight until the very end.

Players Bench Male Athlete of the Week: Shane Farkas (MHKY):

Despite the Mount Royal Cougars falling short in the Canada West Finals against the Saskatchewan Huskies, goaltender Shane Farkas delivered a standout performance in the biggest series of the season.

Farkas was a crucial factor in keeping the Cougars competitive in the three-game battle. In Game 1, he faced a relentless Saskatchewan offense, making 22 saves on 28 shots in a tough 6-3 loss. However, he bounced back in Game 2, delivering a stellar performance with 23 saves on 24 shots, backstopping the Cougars to a crucial 2-1 victory and forcing a decisive Game 3.

With the championship on the line, Farkas stood tall in Game 3, turning aside 24 of 27 shots, but the Cougars were unable to break through offensively, falling 3-0 to the Huskies. Across the series, Farkas made 69 saves on 79 shots, finishing with a .873 save percentage.

Though MRU came up short in the title series, Farkas' consistency and ability to elevate his game in critical moments solidified his role as a backbone for the Cougars. His Game 2 performance was particularly impressive, as he stymied the Huskies' attack and gave his team the chance to force a winner-take-all game.

For his resilience and determination in the Canada West Finals, Shane Farkas earns this week's Athlete of the Week honors.