EDMONTON – Jamie Crooks scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the No.3 University of Alberta Golden Bears men's hockey team over the University of Manitoba Bisons 3-2 at Clare Drake Arena on Friday, November 6 night.

Golden Bear captain Kruise Reddick scored the only other Golden Bear goal, while third-year forward Shaq Merasty scored both goals for the visiting Bisons.

The story of the first period was rookie net-minder Justin Paulic, as he stopped all 12 opening period shots he faced. Fifth-year Bear Levko Koper had the best opportunity of the opening frame, but he fanned on his one-timer in the slot. The Bears continued to dominate possession in the final half of the first period, holding the Bisons to just four shots, but the game remained scoreless after one.

Alberta would finally crack open the scoring five minutes into the second period. Koper's pass from behind the Bison net found a wide open Reddick in front, and he was able to beat a stretched out Paulic, giving the Bears the 1-0 advantage. The second period was much of the same as the first, as the Bears were clearly the better team, peppering Paulic in net with another 14 shots, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.

Crooks opened the Bears lead to two halfway through the third, as his point shot found a way through a screened Paulic, for his third of the season. Manitoba started gaining momentum later in the third period, outshooting the Bears 8-5 at one point, as they looked to get on the scoreboard. After Jayden Hart was sent off for spearing, Merasty was finally able to put the Bisons on the board, shoveling his fifth of the season over Luke Siemens, cutting the deficit in half.

The Bisons continued to look for the equalizer, and finally found it in the final minute of the third period.  Rookie Brett Stovin fed Merasty with a gorgeous behind the back pass, as Merasty blew a shot over Siemens' shoulder, tying the game at two.

The first overtime period was similar to the first two, with the Bears controlling the play, but were unable to score the game-winner. However, the home fans didn't have to wait long in the second overtime for the game-ender. Sophomore Stephane Legault fed a sweet saucer pass over to a waiting Crooks on a two-on-one, and he wired in his second of the game to give the Golden Bears the victory.

The win was the sixth of the season for Alberta, improving their record to 6-2-1, while the loss drops Manitoba to 4-3-2 on the season, slotting them into fifth in the conference.

The two squads will be back at it on Saturday, November 7 night, as the Bears host the Bisons in game two of their weekend series at 6 p.m. MT at Clare Drake Arena.