February 8- It is often said that the best offence is a good defence.  And in the case of the University of Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey team, they have a great one. The #5-ranked Bisons (18-3-2) continued their stellar play at home, defeating the #7-ranked University of Regina Cougars (11-10-2) 1-0 on Friday night at the Max Bell Arena.

The Bisons have allowed a paltry 34 goals in 23 games this season, the fewest in the Canada West Division, and good for third best in the entire country. The Bisons remain in second place with the victory, trailing only perennial powerhouse University of Alberta for 1^st place in the Canada West Division standings. Regina entered the game in fourth place with 24 points, three behind Saskatchewan and needing to sweep the Herd to leapfrog Saskatchewan for third place. If the Bisons remain in second place, they will host the third place finisher at home next weekend.  Manitoba’s home record improves to a sparkling 9-1, the best mark in the 11 year program’s history.

“Tonight’s game had a real playoff feel and these are the games we need to win,” said Bisons head coach Jon Rempel. “It wasn’t our best offensive effort but our defence, led by Stacey was excellent.  I was really happy with the way we forced Regina’s chances to the outside and maintained composure in our zone.”

The first few minutes of the game were rather sluggish as the Cougars struggled to break out against the aggressive Manitoba forecheck, committing several defensive zone turnovers yet surrendering no goals.  Manitoba opened the scoring on the power play as a wide-open Addie Miles ripped a howitzer from the point past Regina goaltender Lisa Urban. The Bisons headed into the dressing room up by a goal, having out shot the Cougars by a 6-3 margin. And that was all the offense they would need.

Bisons goaltender Stacey Corfield was simply sensational in the middle frame as she bailed her team out when they needed it most, making nine of her 23 saves on the night.  The Herd generated two excellent scoring chances in the opening minutes of the second period as Captain Leanne Kisil and forward Tammy Brade each had opportunities in tight, but couldn’t beat Urban.  The Bisons dominated the first half of the second, cycling the puck down low and looked to have the Cougars on their heels but Regina stormed back thanks to a couple of timely man advantages. Forwards Julie Paetsch and Kelsey Leifson each had glorious chances to even the game but Corfield was in position to make the saves. Regina outshot Manitoba 9-6 and had swung the momentum back in their favour.

Manitoba played it safe in the third period as they were content protecting a one goal lead.  Karissa Swann’s point blank chance midway through the period accented Stacey Corfield ability to spoil anything that was directed her way.  Corfield’s positioning and athleticism was extraordinary, seemingly having a response for every Regina chance.  Manitoba killed off defenceman Chelsea Braun’s penalty to end the game, avoiding any late Cougars heroics.

The Bisons and Cougars meet again tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. at Max Bell Arena to close out the conference regular season schedule.