Golden Bears continue undefeated streak

Box Score

The University of Alberta Golden Bears Hockey team wrapped up its home game series against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on October 19. The Bears crushed their first game of the series the night before with a score of 5-2, with three goals for Brett Hyland.

Golden Bears head coach Ian Herbers planned to play a high intensity game to continue U of A’s undefeated record. 

“Every time we play them it seems to be a one goal game or [an] empty net,” Herbers said. 

Until the last three minutes of the third period, Herbers was right.

The Bears rotated their goalie from Ethan Kruger to Tyler Palmer, who got a shut-out the week prior. Fans also saw a stark difference in the lineup for the Bears compared to Friday.

The Bears gain a strong lead in the first two periods and seal it in the third

The Bears started the first period by continuously getting the puck out of their defensive zone. While both teams were evenly matched in the offence, the Bears’ defence was able to maintain consistency throughout all lines. This led them to outscoring the Huskies by the end of the first.

The Bears’ penalty kill units raced into the offensive for back-to-back breakaway plays. When on the defence during the shorthand, they were able to maintain strong positional awareness, limiting shots on goal.

Huskies player Trevor Wong got a two-minute minor for hooking while Bears players Connor McClennon and Marc Lajoie got a high-sticking and tripping penalty. During the power play, multiple unconnected passes led to several wasted opportunities for the Huskies.

Throughout the second period, the Bears’ offensive presence easily maneuvered around the Huskies. This led to a significant amount of time spent in the Bears’ offensive zone. It seemed the more aggressive the Huskies got, the sloppier they played, and the Bears capitalized on it.

The second period saw fights break out frequently. This resulted in McClennon receiving a penalty for checking from behind while Lajoie and Keaton Sorenson for the Huskies each received two-minute minors for roughing after the whistle was blown. Mason Ward for the Bears got a penalty for slashing.

After a collision with a Saskatchewan player and Bears goalie Palmer, a fight broke out that led to roughing penalties for Huskies player Vince Loschiavo and Bears player Justin Hall.

Tyler Preziuso for U of A, Sorenson, and Jerrett Penner for the Huskies got two-minute minors for slashing.

The third period saw less fights but over twice as many goals than the first and second combined. The Huskies developed a second wind heading into the third, making the Bears chase them for the first half.

With less than three minutes left in the third, Hyland and Alex Thacker secured the win by giving the Bears an extra two goals.

Only the Huskies received penalties in the third. Ben Tkachuk got a two-minute minor for high sticking and Chantz Petruic got a minor for a delay in game.

Bears lineup shines throughout the game

During the game, Ward proved to be an offensive defenseman who will always take the open shot on goal. However, he also generates scoring opportunities for the Bears when on the ice.

Within the Bears’ defensive zone, Elias Carmichael will do anything to stop the puck, including diving in front of it. By the goal crease, Carmichael is found flat on the ice to stop the puck whenever possible. This proved to be effective at limiting shots on goal and he was an asset within the Bears’ defensive zone.

On offence, Thacker sent the Bears over the edge, scoring the first and last goal of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the team. 

However, the real star of the game was Bears goalie, Palmer, whose quick reflexes allowed him to block the puck even after snap plays by the other team. He had critical puck awareness and was able to track plays around all areas of the net.

The Bears maintained their undefeated streak with a 5-2 win against the Huskies.