Written by: Nicole Betker - U of Saskatchewan Sports Information

Newly appointed University of Saskatchewan Huskie captain Trent Adamus gave his team their first win of the Canada West regular season scoring as the fifth Huskie shooter in a 2-1 shootout victory over the Manitoba Bisons on Friday, September 26 to open the 73rd Canada West season at Saskatoon’s Rutherford Rink.

With a deadlock after a five-minute overtime period, the teams went to a shootout — a weakness for Saskatchewan in 2007-08. The Huskies lost six games in overtime last season— four in the shootout.

“Manitoba knew that we weren’t very good in the shootout last year,” said Huskie head coach Dave Adolph. “But this is a new year and a new Huskie team. It was fitting that our captain scored the goal.”

The first four shooters — Bisons Mike Hellyer and Nick Hotson, and Huskies Steven DaSilva and Colin Patterson — all could not beat goaltenders Jeff Harvey or Steve Christie. Jared Walker found the net for Manitoba and so did Chris Durand for Saskatchewan as the third shooters for each team. Manitoba’s Rick Wood missed, followed by a miss by Huskie Steven Gillen and a miss by Bison Riley Dudar. Leaving the game to win for Adamus.

The first goal in the game wasn’t scored until 19:41 into the second period when Manitoba capitalized on Jason Wagar hooking penalty. Down a man already, Huskie defenceman Jesse Zetariuk broke his stick giving the Bisons an extra passing lane and Walker was able to find Stewart Thiessen for the goal.

Wagar got a little redemption for being in the box when the Manitoba goal was scored, assisting on Brett Parker’s game tying goal at 6:29 in the third period. Travis Brisebois also had an assist on the goal.

Harvey made 21 saves in the game for Saskatchewan, while Christie made 31 for the Bisons.

The two teams will meet again Saturday, September 27 at Rutherford Rink. Game time is 8 p.m. CT. All Canada West hockey games now have livestats, found on http://www.leaguestat.com/canadawest/mens/en/stats/schedule.php

Canada West Men's Hockey:
Manitoba at Saskatchewan (September 26, 2008)         

                     1    2    3   OT    SO     F
Man             0   1    0     0        0      1
Sask            0   0    1     0        1       2
 
Manitoba goal scorers: Stewart Thiessen
Saskatchewan goal scorers: Brett Parker,  Shootout winner Trent Adamus

Stats available: http://www.leaguestat.com/canadawest/mens/en/stats/schedule.php