REGINA, Sask. —
Norah Collins scored the game's lone goal and
Jenna Goertzen recorded a 13-save shutout as the University of Manitoba Bisons blanked the Regina Cougars 1-0 on Friday afternoon in Canada West women's hockey action.
The victory improved Manitoba to 5-4 on the season and marked the Bisons' fifth win in their last seven games after opening the year with back-to-back losses.
Collins provided all the offence Manitoba would need midway through the first period. At 13:00, the veteran forward scored her seventh goal of the season off assists from
Julia Bilous and
Sara Harbus, giving the Bisons a 1-0 lead. The goal moved Collins into sole possession of the Canada West lead in goals with seven on the season.
That advantage held up thanks to a disciplined defensive effort and another strong performance from Goertzen. The Manitoba netminder stopped all 13 shots she faced to earn her second shutout of the season.
The Bisons controlled much of the play throughout the afternoon, outshooting Regina 31-13, including a 14-6 edge in the third period. Harbus led Manitoba with five shots on goal, while Collins added four and
Dana Goertzen and
Kelsey Huibers each recorded three.
Regina goaltender Payton Schlamp kept the Cougars within striking distance, turning aside 30 of 31 shots. Manitoba was unable to capitalize on six power-play opportunities, while the Cougars finished 0-for-5 with the player advantage.
The second period proved to be a key test for Manitoba's penalty-killing unit. The Bisons successfully killed off three consecutive Regina power plays, including a lengthy two-player advantage, preserving their one-goal lead heading into the final frame.
Collins continued her strong offensive season with the game-winning goal, while Goertzen and the Manitoba defence extended their recent run of strong play by recording the team's second shutout in its last four victories.
The Bisons and Cougars conclude their weekend series Saturday at 3:45 p.m. in an offsite game in Virden, Manitoba. The Bisons are hosting the game in collaboration with Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation to make hockey more accessible.
