Written By: Janessa Wirth

WINNIPEG - Returning home after two conference losses to start the 2014-15 Canada West men's hockey season, the University of Manitoba Bisons played a solid home opener from beginning to end on Friday, October 3 at Wayne Fleming Arena against the University of Regina Cougars. Goals from six different Bison players gave the home team a 6-0 shutout win in their home opener. 

The Bisons and the Cougars play again tomorrow at 1 p.m. CT. 

The Bisons started off strong in the first period, scoring three of their six goals with two coming in the first five minutes. 

Forward Aaron Lewadniuk started off the scoring for the Bisons with an unassisted goal just 3:56 into the first period.

The Bisons followed up one minute later with a power play goal by Jordan DePape making the score 2-0 after 4:56. One of the Bison alternate captains Brock Sutherland scored the third goal for the Bisons at 17:45 making it 3-0 after the first. 

The score remained the same through the second period. The Bisons had a 5-on-3 power play advantage for just under one minute, but despite having control in the Cougars end couldn't get the puck past goalie Mitch Kilgore. 

The Bisons took advantage when Regina's John Neibrandt left the game early in the third period for a game misconduct. Shaquille Merasty scored the Bison's first of the period and fourth of the game at 1:41. 

Regina had a two man advantage, but they could not score on multiple shot attempts on Bison net minder Deven Dubyk. 

Shots remained even throughout the game, but the Bisons capitalized on their scoring opportunities in their first shutout win of the season. 

Manitoba conference record moves to 1-2-0 while Regina falls to 0-3-0 and still seeking their first Canada West victory in the young 2014-15 campaign. 

The Bisons and the Cougars have a rematch to close the two game series tomorrow afternoon at 1 PM CT. Game is at Wayne Fleming Arena.