Box Score WINNIPEG -- The Trinity Western Spartans warded off a late comeback to defeat the Bisons 3-2 on Thursday night at Wayne Fleming Arena. 
 
"We just weren't ready to start the game. If you're not ready at 7pm then you spot them three goals in the first, you spend the rest of the night catching up," said Manitoba head coach Gordon Burnett after the game. 
 
The Spartans jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first two minutes. Trinity Western were able to score back to back goals on their first two shots.
 
Both goals came off of deflections that made it difficult for goalie Kolby Thorton to locate. Jarrett Penner netted the first for the Spartans just 32 seconds into the game. Aidan Steinke tipped in the second after redirecting the puck into the mesh only two minutes later. 
 
"From five minutes left in the second period to the end we controlled the game. We started to find our game but it was too little too late," said Burnett about the way the team handled going down three goals early. 
 
The Herd made great strides in the second after pouring on several shot attempts at Spartans netminder Leon Summer, but were unable to splash through enemy lines. 
 
Thornton tightened up after the first period, shutting the Spartans out the rest of the way with almost 30 saves. He stepped up, making some strong saves when the Bisons needed it. 
 
Manitoba's offensive persistence paid off in the third with two goals coming in the second half of the period. Jonny Hooker picked up his 6th goal of the season to pull one back.
 
"We juggled the lines tonight and I thought Hooker's line was going," Burnett added on the team's top performers on the evening. 
 
Hayden Ostir sent the Bison bench into a frenzy after he slotted one home on the power play in the last three minutes, drawing Manitoba within one goal of tying the game. 
 
"[Dylan] Thiessen was skating good and I liked Ostir's game too," said Burnett about the Bisons third period surge. 
 
The Herd weren't able to level the game at three after Summer finished a strong third period for the Spartans, keeping out any game tying goals.
 
"The guys did a great job of trying to pull us back into this game but tomorrow we have to start on time."
 
These two teams faceoff again tomorrow night at 7pm CST.