The Mount Royal Cougars came into Saturday's men's hockey game leading the Canada West quarter-final best-of-three series 1-0 with a chance to eliminate the Manitoba Bisons from the 2018 playoffs.

On the back of their goaltender Cameron Lanigan, MRU managed a 5-3 win in game two on Sat., Feb. 17 at the Wayne Fleming Arena and a sweep of the series to advance to the conference semi finals against the University of Alberta next weekend.

The captain of the Herd, Brett Stovin,  did everything he could for his time scoring both of the Bison's goals in the third period but it wouldn't be enough. After being down 4-0, Manitoba did battle back to make the score 4-3 before Jamal Watson put the nail in the coffin with an empty net goal late in the third period. 

This one stings, its going to sting for a while. Are guys competed from start to finish and I thought our guys deserved a better outcome tonight." Said Bison Head Coach after the disappointing end to his team's season.

The Cougars got out to exactly the start they wanted. Despite being on the penalty kill, the visitors cashed in on an 2 on 1 opportunity when Josh Bly tipped the puck over the glove of Bison goalie, Byron Spriggs. Bly's goal would give the visitors the early 1-0 lead. The home side kept the pressure on the Cougars for the majority of the period but couldn't manage to beat Cameron Lanigan.

The table seemed to flip in the second period as Mount Royal exploded with three goals and would take a 4-1 lead into the locker room. Goals came from Tanner Olstad, Jamal Watson and the fourth from Austin Adamson, which saw Bison Adam Henry, and Cougar Jesse Lees go at each other after the puck had beat Spriggs.  Justin Augert added the lone goal for the home side.

The Bisons once again carried the play for most of the final period but couldn't manage to beat Lanigan for the tying goal despite having numerous opportunities. 

Game Highlights:

Three Stars:
1. Tanner Olstad – MTR (1G, 1A)
2. Jamal Watson – MTR (2G)
3. Brett Stovin – MAN (2G)