SASKATOON, Sask. — A third-period goal from Jayde Cadieux proved to be the difference as the University of Manitoba Bisons dropped a 1-0 decision to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in Canada West women's hockey action Friday night.

The loss spoiled a strong defensive effort by Manitoba, which carried a scoreless game into the final period before Saskatchewan broke through on the power play.

After a tightly contested opening 40 minutes, the Huskies capitalized early in the third when Cadieux scored at 1:44, converting on a Saskatchewan power play just 13 seconds after a body-checking penalty to Manitoba's Dana Goertzen. The goal was Cadieux's first of the season and stood as the game's lone marker.

The Bisons generated 20 shots on goal but were unable to solve Saskatchewan netminder Addison Tomes, who turned aside every attempt for the shutout. Manitoba's best offensive pressure came in the second period, when it directed nine shots on net and earned three power-play opportunities.

Shayna Bannister led the Bisons with four shots, while Norah Collins and Sadie Keller each recorded three. Dana Goertzen added two shots.

Making her first start of the season, rookie goaltender Jenna Goertzen was sharp in defeat, stopping eight of nine shots. Manitoba held Saskatchewan to just nine shots on goal over the course of the game, including only two in the third period.

Special teams played a significant role in the outcome. The Bisons finished 0-for-4 on the power play, while Saskatchewan went 1-for-3 with the player advantage.

The Bisons fell to 0-3 on the young season, while the Huskies opened their home schedule with a victory before a crowd of 225 at Merlis Belsher Place. The rematch goes Saturday at 6:00 p.m Catch the action on Canada West TV.