Golden Bears end Huskies’ win streak

Box Score

The undefeated University of Alberta Golden Bears hockey team hosted the undefeated University of Saskatchewan Huskies on October 18. This was game one of the two-game home series for the Bears.

Over the past 10 years, the Bears have defeated the Huskies 34 times over the course of 49 games. The Bears recently swept the Huskies in the 2023-24 playoff series.

The Bears’ plan for the game was high energy and aggressive puck possession, however it really “comes down to specialty teams,” head coach Ian Herbers said in an interview with The Gateway.

The Bears’ penalty kill units and defensive pairs were the stars of the game, leading to no power play goals for the Huskies and several breakaway opportunities for the Bears.

The Huskies saw an alarming number of absent players at Friday night’s game, including their captain Justin Ball.

Saskatchewan kept the U of A on its toes throughout the first two periods, leading to back-to-back goals for both teams. However throughout the game, both teams pushed the puck in between zones forcing snap plays and aggressive hits in order to gain puck possession.

A high energy style of play was reflected throughout all periods

The first period of the game saw an aggressive style by both teams. Hits were delivered frequently, making it seem as if the Huskies were literally flying across the ice. The loss of their captain seemed to affect their style of play, as they were unorganized throughout a large majority of the first.

On the other hand, the Bears played a fast paced game where they continuously kept the puck moving between players. As a whole, they did a good job of picking up the puck from the Huskies and driving it into the offensive zone.

A hit on Bears player Tyler Preziuso at the Huskies net saw a fight break out, leading to roughing penalties for Bears player Adam Hall and Ty Prefontaine for the Huskies.

Throughout the third, the Bears intercepted several plays for the Huskies and drove the puck into their offensive zone. The Bears further dominated the ice when their defensive pairings, notably Marc Lajoie and Aidan de la Gorgendiere, outshined the Huskies — an area of play that was previously consistent for both teams.

Brett Hyland scored three goals and the only goals scored for the Bears in the third. One was a hat trick where he tapped the puck into the net mid-air, and another on an empty net. Sean Tschigerl gained three assists while Lajoie and Bears captain Josh Prokop each got one assist.

The Bears won with a score of 5-2 continuing their undefeated season while ending the Huskies.

The Bears’ roster was present on all fronts

Throughout the game, Prokop was aggressive when racing to the puck and demonstrated a commanding presence in the offensive zone. He led the team in all aspects of the game, especially on the power play unit.

De la Gorgendiere repeatedly picked up the puck and created scoring opportunities for other players. His style of play consistently involved play-making out of the defensive zone.

Lajoie continually proved to be one of the players that fans don’t realize is on the ice until he is causing a change in play or delivering a hit. This is remarkable given his large frame. His ability to go unnoticed is an asset for the Bears and strengthens their defensive presence. Both him and de la Gorgendiere were an integral part of the Bears’ penalty kill units during the game.

On the offensive, Tschigerl got four assists throughout the game and assisted to all of Hyland’s goals in the third. He was essential to setting up plays in the offensive zone and identifying open areas.

If de la Gorgendiere is the play-maker for offence, then Hyland is the play-driver. He is a dynamic player that the Bears can rely on. His ability to look at the next play instead of simply trying to get the puck out of their defensive zone is one of the Bears’ key strategies that have led them to an undefeated regular season.