WINNIPEG — The University of Manitoba Bisons returned to .500 on the season with a pair of home victories over the Alberta Pandas this weekend, earning a weekend sweep at Wayne Fleming Arena and improving to 3-3 on the Canada West women's hockey season.
After earning their first win of the season in Saskatchewan last weekend, the Bisons continued their momentum with a 4-0 victory on Friday night before following it up with a 3-1 win on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, Manitoba generated sustained offensive pressure throughout the game, outshooting Alberta 38-14. Norah Collins opened the scoring on the power play just 4:27 into the first period, converting a setup from Dana Goertzen and Shayna Bannister. Sophia Heidinger doubled the lead later in the opening frame, while Kelsey Huibers added her first goal of the season late in the second period. Brynn Hannula sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
In goal, Jenna Goertzen turned aside all 14 shots she faced for her second consecutive shutout as Manitoba completed a dominant performance.
The Pandas struck first in Saturday's rematch, capitalizing on a late first-period power play when Abbey Bourdeaud'hui scored at 19:19.
Manitoba responded quickly in the second period as Dana Goertzen scored just 1:02 into the frame off an assist from Addilyn Nohlgren to tie the game 1-1.
Norah Collins restored the Bisons' advantage at 14:25 of the second period, while Alyssa Rasmuson added an insurance marker at 4:03 of the third to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Bisons held Alberta to just 15 shots on goal in the contest, with Goertzen stopping 14 of them to earn her third straight victory. Manitoba outshot the Pandas 28-15 and finished the weekend with a 66-29 advantage in shots.
Collins continued her strong start to the season with two goals over the weekend, while Goertzen stopped 28 of 29 shots across both games. Manitoba's defensive play was equally impressive, allowing just one goal while killing off five of six Alberta power-play opportunities.
The Bisons have now won three of their last four games and will look to carry that momentum into next weekend's conference action. They will be on the road to take on Trinity Western Friday and Saturday. Catch the games on Canada West TV.
