Manitoba tops UBC 3-2 in second overtime session in men's hockey

Bisons end 3-game skid, move onto Calgary

Box Score WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba Bisons mens hockey team ended a three game skid on Sunday afternoon, defeating the UBC Thunderbirds 3-2 in the second overtime session at Wayne Fleming Arena on Sunday, Oct.25.

With the win, Manitoba improves to 2-3-1, while UBC falls to 4-0-2.

Two of Manitoba's veteran forwards made the difference, with captain Jordan DePape scoring a pair of goals, and Shaq Merasty adding two assists including setting up the game-winner in OT, which came off the stick of Adam Henry, 24 seconds into the second round of overtime.

"It was a team win," head coach Mike Sirant said postgame. "I thought our defence played well, all our forward lines made a contribution, and good goaltending, so a good team win.

The first period was all about the poweplay, with both teams getting on the board with the man-advantage.

UBC opened the scoring at 15:21 as Anthony Bardaro made a great spin move in tight, putting his shot five-hole on Bison goalie Justin Paulic. The goal occurred just 29 seconds into their time with an extra-attacker.

The herd would respond with 1:17 left in the opening frame, on their second 5-on-3 of the series. Unlike yesterday, Manitoba was able to capitalize this time as Merasty replicated Bardaro's spin move, finding DePape in front, who tapped it in past UBC goaltender Matt Hewitt.

The visitors ran into more penalty trouble in the middle frame, committing three infractions and giving Manitoba their second 5-on-3 of the game as well. Unfortunately, the Bisons were unable to cash in.

The best chance from either side occurred with 4:02 left, as Manitoba's Warren Callis was sprung on a partial breakaway. While attempting a deke on Hewitt, he was hauled down by the trailing UBC defender and granted a penalty shot.

Hewitt would shut the door though, stopping Callis with his right blocker to keep the game tied going into the third.

The final 20 minutes featured a frenzied back-and-forth pace, with two goals within the first four minutes.

DePape would tally his second of the game just 57 seconds in, fighting off a big check, and putting a wrister high glove side on Hewitt. UBC would answer back at 3:51 though, as Austin Vetterl streaked into the Bison zone and put a wrister top shelf over Paulic.

The Thunderbirds had two powerplays in the period and while they generated sustained pressure, were unable to beat Paulic.

Manitoba mounted a couple strong chances in the last few minutes, but ultimately the two teams were at a stalemate, sending the game to overtime.

Merasty was the best player in the overtime session. He generated the best chance in the first overtime off a backhand in front, and finished the game in the second overtime with a great pass to Adam Henry, who found the back of the net.

Up next for Manitoba is a battle on the road against Calgary, with games at 8 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 30, and 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct 31.

Print Friendly Version