December 1 - 24 hours after firing 50 shots in a losing effort, the University of Manitoba Bisons made sure their opportunities counted. Sparked by two third period goals, the Bisons defeated the University of Regina Cougars 4-2 in Canada West women’s hockey action Saturday night at the Sherwood Arena.

Registering 34 shots on Regina goaltender Alyssa MacDougall, the Bisons (11-2-1) were able to earn a split and three of a possible four points in the weekend series. MacDougall was strong again in net for the hometown Cougars (8-5-2) making 30 saves, but was in tough against a continuous Bison attack.

Four minutes removed from the opening face-off, Stephanie Messner put Manitoba up on an early power-play goal. The man-advantage would prove to be key on Saturday, as the Bisons converted on three of six attempts, while Regina only managed one goal on nine attempts.

Tied at one heading into the second frame, Manitoba took over. 18 Bison shots made their way onto the Cougar net, and although only Shannon Hoogsteen could solve MacDougall, the Bisons had established their presence.

Up 2-1 and controlling the play, it was Addie Miles who applied the nail to the Regina coffin for the Bisons, scoring her seventh of the year two minutes into the third period. Chantal Larocque would add another to make it 4-1, and Stacey Corfield stood tall between the pipes making 20 saves to lock down a 4-2 win.

Doing the Regina scoring was Julie Paetsch with a goal midway through the opening period, and Kelsey Leifson late in the third. Leifson’s effort was particularly exceptional, as the forward made her way around three defenders before squeaking one past Corfield.

With Christmas approaching, both teams will be off until Jan. 4, when the Bisons host the University of British Columbia, and the Cougars visit Lethbridge.

Complete statistics...