WINNIPEG - The University of Manitoba Bisons got their men's hockey regular season started on Friday, October 9 night, taking on the Regina Cougars at Wayne Fleming Arena. The Cougars would come out on top 2-1 in the first session of overtime, in a strong showcase from both netminders. 

With the overtime loss, Manitoba's record falls to 0-0-1, while Regina's stands at 1-0-0. 

Manitoba's Byron Spriggs had 28 saves, while Regina's Dawson MacAuley recorded 39 in the victory.  

Last season, the Herd took three out of four games against their cross province rivals, outscoring the Cougars 18-9 in the process. The start of 2015-16 conference regular season was a different story though, as Cougars' netminder Dawson MacAuley kept the home side at bay. 

The first period featured back-and-forth action, as well as a number of bone-crunching hits. Rene Hunter, and Luke Paulsen of the Bisons displayed their physical sides, with heavy checks to their opponents.

Both sides had decent opportunities through the first 15 minutes, with a combined 29 shots hitting the net, however Bison goalie Byron Spriggs, and Regina's MacAuley were both on their a-games, giving up very few second chance rebounds. 

Towards the end of the period, Hunter would get himself into some trouble delivering a head-shot to Regina's Brock Appleyard as he entered the zone. Appleyard would leave the ice in considerable pain, while Hunter received a 5-minute major, and was ejected. 

The hit sparked even more aggressiveness from both sides. In the Cougar's case, it nearly cost them.

Regina's Dillan McCombie would try and put his team on the board, surging hard to the net during the away sides powerplay at the end of the first. He would end up crashing right into Spriggs, with a clean knee to the head. 

McCombie would head to the box, creating some 4-on-4 action in the final minute of play. Manitoba's co-captain Jordan DePape, Adam Henry, and Brett Stovin would show their speed, creating a few odd man rushes, and giving the herd their two best chances to beat MacAuley at the end of the perid, but he stood strong. 

Regina pushed the pace in the second period, generating a few opportunities the first five minutes. Their efforts would be rewarded just 3:58 in, as Ian McNulty would redirect a Devon McMullen shot to open the scoring. 

Manitoba would push hard for the equalizer directly afterwards, cycling the puck well, and keeping Regina on their toes. The Bisons dictated the pace for most of the remainder of the period, forcing two minor penalties from the Cougars in the process. 

The hosts kept the puck primarily in Regina's zone during both of their powerplays, and were rewarded on their second man-advantage. Brett Brooks would send a one-timer on net, and Liam Bilton would be Johnny-on-the-spot, scooping up the rebound at 10:35 for his first CIS goal to tie the game at one. 

"It was nice to bury that first one, it was a lucky bounce," Bilton said. "It would feel a lot better if we got the win, but we got a point, so we'll come back tomorrow – it's a quick turnaround, and get the W."

Despite surrendering a goal each, both goalies were strong yet again. Manitoba and Regina would both have singular breakaway chances, but Spriggs, and MacAuley kept the game even. 

The Cougars would get a four-minute powerplay, on a Joel Schreyer high sticking double-minor towards the end of the second frame, however, much like the 5-minute misconduct in the first, Manitoba's penalty kill did their job, preventing any significant chances for Regina offensively.

There were plenty of chances for both sides yet again in the third, but each side's net minder kept the score equal, sending the game to overtime. 

The iron was both team's enemy in the final 20 minutes. Dylan Kelly had his wrister go off the post just over six minutes in, while Cody Fowlie was able to deke around Manitoba's defence with eight minutes left, but couldn't beat the crossbar. 

Regina dominated the quick extra session, keeping pressure in the Manitoba zone. They would grab the extra point at 1:08 of the first overtime, on a goal from Dylen McKinlay. 

Both teams return to the ice tomorrow for the rematch. Game time is 1 p.m. CT at Manitoba.