Winnipeg, MB - The University of Manitoba Bisons welcomed the University of Alberta Pandas for their 2024-25 regular season home opener at the Wayne Fleming Arena. The Bisons had yet to play a regular-season game before tonight's contest against the Pandas with an undefeated win-loss record of 2-0.

In a goaltending showcase, Grace Glover stopped 19 shots, keeping her regular season shutout streak alive at five games, while Emily Shippam stopped 21 shots for Manitoba in a tight 1-0 win for the Pandas.

Offensively, Dana Goertzen had a team-leading four shots on net, showcasing her impressive shot on numeroua occasions, including an impressive snap shot in the first period that stymied Glover, but went just wide. Fifth-year veteran defenceman Camille Enns added three shots, and was a key piece on the Herd's special team units.

The contest got off to a hot start between the two teams as the opening minutes were fast and transitioned quickly. Manitoba was put to the test early as their power play got a look as Alberta's Jadynn Morden was given a penalty for holding. The power play spent the opening seconds in the neutral zone, but once the Bisons settled into their game, they were dangerous in the offensive zone time they had.

Manitoba found themselves pushed into a deficit late in the first period as Maia Ehmann found an open lane on the left wing and got a quick shot off that just got over Shippam's shoulder for the lone goal of the game.

After 20 minutes of hockey, the Bisons trailed 1-0 but out shot the Pandas 6-4.

The intensity was amplified early in the second period, as Manitoba drew a penalty four minutes in. The entire building thought the Herd had evened the game during the power play, as Norah Collins finished off some incredible puck movement with a picture-perfect wrist shot, however her shot clanged off the crossbar and out of the net following a strange bounce.

Manitoba went to the penalty kill later in the period. Keeping their tone the same during their penalty kill, Manitoba managed to keep the Pandas lead to just one goal as they locked down their zone.

The final 20 minutes were crucial. Manitoba started with 68 seconds left in the penalty kill, which they successfully defended and killed off. They would find themselves on a third penalty kill just seconds after, once again keeping the game within one.

Later, in a defensive zone sequence, Erhmann nearly scored her second of the game as she got another look in front. However, Shippam made an impressive stop, using her mask to keep Alberta's lead at 1-0.

With their biggest chance of the game, Camille Enns took a shot from the point and a low rebound for Ashley Keller was denied by the Pandas goaltender Glover. The Bisons kept applying pressure, oftentimes finding themselves great chances in the slot and driving the net with intensity.

A hard-fought third period was decided by the strong play of Glover, who preserved the shutout.

"I thought it was great to see the girls stick to our game plan and have things we've been working on show up in the games," said head coach Jordy Zacharias.

"We're excited for the rematch tomorrow, as we continue to work on the small details."

The Bisons and Pandas will face off for game two of the weekend series at Wayne Fleming Arena on Sunday, October 14th. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 pm CST.