Box Score CALGARY – Dawson Seitz's three-point performance led the Mount Royal Cougars men's hockey team to a 5-2 season-opening win over the MacEwan Griffins on Friday night at Flames Community Arena.

It was a big night for players making their Canada West debut on both sides of the scoresheet.

Partway through the opening frame, MacEwan took advantage of a sloppy line change from Mount Royal after the Cougars had an extended shift in the offensive zone. 

Griffins' rookie Garrett Thom sprung himself on a breakaway but newly-named MRU captain Connor Bouchard turned on the jets to track him down and break up the chance. However, Mount Royal couldn't get possession back after Bouchard's superb backcheck. Sam Simard found Sam Ward in front for a one-timer and Ward made no mistake to beat Mount Royal's goalie Zach Zahara.

Not too long after, the Cougars found the back of the net for the first time. Mount Royal was awarded a two-man advantage, prompting head coach Bert Gilling to send out a five-forward powerplay unit. The tactic turned out to be successful. Bouchard sent up first-year winger Harry Ahlberg for a lightning-quick one-timer to level the score at one.

Yet another rookie got on the scoresheet shortly after and the Cougars had their first lead of the game. Blueliner Dax Williams showed off his slick hands in tight as he put home a rebound to make it 2-1

MacEwan wasn't letting the Cougars get off scot-free before the intermission. Sam Ward got his second of the contest on a lucky one that was whipped through from nearly below the goal line, squeaking through the pads of Zahara.

Less than two minutes into the second period, Dawson Seitz got his first of his Canada West career, potting home a rebound after a wild scramble in front of the Griffins net. 

Seitz, a tough, aggressive player, felt like he left his impression on Friday's tilt.

"I like to bring my speed and play a physical game," said Seitz, after being named first star of the game. "I'm a big body and when I get my feet going it can be tough on their D."

The Medicine Hat product and former Prince George Cougar admitted that his first Canada West game felt a little different compared to junior hockey.

"There are no 16-year-olds anymore. Everyone is a big man. Everyone can skate and shoot," said Seitz.

Halfway through the period, the Griffins had an opportunity to equalize again after Walker Erickson was taken down on a breakaway by Layton Feist and awarded a penalty shot. Cougars' netminder Zahara stopped Erickson to keep it a 3-2 game.

That score would hold until the dying moments of the third period. Connor Bouchard added an empty netter and Seitz tallied his second tally of the night with a shot into the open cage.

Zach Zahara made 18 saves for his first career Canada West victory.

MacEwan and Mount Royal will renew their divisional rivalry on Saturday night, this time in Edmonton at Downtown Community Arena. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. MDT.