Box Score In an offensive battle that featured 11 total goals, the University of Manitoba Bisons came out on top at Wayne Fleming Arena Friday, January 8 night, defeating the #3 ranked Alberta Golden Bears 7-4 in men's hockey.

The contest was even at four heading into the third period – where Manitoba exploded for three straight tallies – including Channing Bresciani's game-winner at 4:39 on a shot from the blueline that went five-hole on Alberta goalie Luke Siemens.

Part of the Herd's success could be attributed to their strong starts to each period, as they scored just five minutes into all three.

"It was a team win," head coach Mike Sirant said postgame.

"I thought everybody on our team did their job and played their role [ . . . ] We did the things that we identified we needed to do to be successful, we played our game and it was really good to see our players rewarded for their effort and performance."

The opening period was a seesaw like affair, which featured three goals in the opening six minutes and four in total.

The Herd had the first quality opportunity to crack the scoreboard just over a minute in on the poweplay, as Liam Bilton was fed the puck right in front of Siemens, but couldn't solve the netminder.

Manitoba kept the pressure on however, and opened the scoring at exactly five minutes. Jonah Wasylak was able to squeeze through the Alberta defence and get a quick shot net and while his attempt was stopped, Brett Brooks was right there to backhand the juicy rebound past Siemens.

The Golden Bears didn't waste much time tying things back up though, as Jordan Hickmott raced into the Bison's zone and completely undressed Manitoba goalie Byron Spriggs, going forehand-to-backhand just 57 seconds after the opening tally.

The game remained tied for just 11 seconds, as Jordan DePape handed the momentum right back to Manitoba on the very next faceoff, going short-side on Siemens.

Alberta would even things up going into the dressing room however, as James Dobrowolski made no mistake on a slapshot from the left slot at 12:48. The goal occurred on the visitor's only poweplay of the period and featured some impressive one-touch passing and a strong cycle game.

It was essentially deja vu in the middle frame, as both squads added two more goals.

The Bisons were the instigators yet again, as Wasylak released a perfect wrist shot from the top of the slot, which went directly above the right shoulder of Siemens at 3:29. The goal was Wasylak's first as a Bison.

The Golden Bears were relentless after going down by one yet again, and their determination paid off at 7:36 when Riley Kieser tapped a loose puck past Spriggs to even the score at three.

Alberta would gain their first lead of the matchup just over three minutes later on a Thomas Carr goal that made its way through traffic, but couldn't maintain the advantage as Brett Stovin tapped in a point shot at 15:33 keep the game deadlocked heading into the final 20 minutes.

Special teams made all the difference in the third period, with Manitoba netting two extra-strength goals in the first 10 minutes to secure the win.

The home side retook the lead on Bresciani's poweplay marker that went through the wickets of Siemens, and added a second goal on the tail end of another man advantage courtesy of Shaq Merasty, at 7:12. The home side added one more insurance goal – this time even strength – on a wrister from Rene Hunter at 10:56 to cap off the scoring as well as chase Siemens from the Golden Bears net.  

The teams will face off again tomorrow (Sat., Jan. 9) afternoon, with a start time of 4 p.m. CT.