WINNIPEG – A power play goal from fifth-year captain Jordy Zacharias with 6:54 left to go in the third period proved to be the game-winner on Saturday afternoon at Wayne Fleming Arena, as the Manitoba Bisons (5-13-1-1) got a weekend split with a 2-1 win over the No. 6 Calgary Dinos (13-5-1-1).
The goal marked the fifth time in the last six contests that Zacharias has registered a point — a category she now leads the team in with eight.
"Jordy made a good decision on the power play with what coach drew up," Bisons head coach Jon Rempel said postgame.
"She's starting to feel it now and recovering from the offseason stuff that she had. She's been good probably the last two weeks before Christmas and these last two weeks after she's been more like herself."
Manitoba pushed the pace in the first period, dominating offensive zone time.
After a flurry of chances, the hosts were able find the back of the net first with 7:55 to go in the opening frame. Centre Madison Cole did an excellent job of winning a puck battle against the boards, finding line-mate Molly Kunnas. The latter then dished the biscuit to defenceman Megan Neduzak who made no mistake from the slot.
Despite struggling to maintain consistent pressure, Calgary was able to tie the game up with 2:30 to go thanks to their first and only power play of the period.
Forward Sara Craven put a shot right on from the blue line that Bisons goaltender Erin Fargey brushed aside with her right pad. Stonewall, Manitoba native Annaliese Meier was in the right place at the right time however and potted the rebound top shelf.
The hosts had a great chance to re-take the lead with eight seconds left in the period, as forward Emilie Masse found captain Jordy Zacharias with a solid lead pass behind the Dinos D, however Calgary goaltender Gabriella Durante didn't bite on the first deke and Zacharias ran out of room.
Stout play in net and firm defence helped define the second period.
Forward Chelsea Court had arguably the best opportunity for either side in the middle frame, streaking in on a partial breakaway in the opening seconds of play, however Fargey shut the door.
Manitoba had two power plays, getting some decent looks, however the Dinos also did a good job blocking the shooting lanes, with defenceman Melissa Dawson making her presence felt in that department.
The Bisons were just as consistent. Lauren Warkentin and Neduzak were among the U of M defenders who displayed their veteran presence in the d-zone with shot blocks and a strong 200-foot game.
Calgary took two penalties within a minute of each other late in the third and Manitoba took advantage, as Zacharias walked in from down low and went top corner on Durante for the game-winner.
Calgary pulled their goalie in the final minute and got a six-on-four due to a Bisons penalty but couldn't find the equalizer.
Next up for Manitoba is a home set against UBC while Calgary will face Saskatchewan on the road.
