On Thursday night the Bison women’s hockey team hosted the Saskatchewan Huskies in the first game of the best of three Canada West semi-final. The Bisons out-shot the Huskies 14-2 in the first period, but thanks to many fantastic saves by U of S goalie Vanessa Frederick, the game remained scoreless. Early in the second period both the Bisons and the Huskies got penalties, but, by keeping pressure on the Huskies, Rachele Bosc managed to score the first goal of the game for the Bisons. Sara White of the Huskies responded with a goal of her own, tying the game 1-1 at the end of the second period. The third period saw numerous heroic saves by Bison goalie Stacey Corfield, and Nellie Minshull scored the game-winning goal for the Bisons with less than two minutes left in the game. The final score was 2-1.

Game two of the showdown saw the Huskies take down the Bisons on Friday afternoon with a score of 2-1. Breanne George of the Huskies got the only goal of the first period as the U of S team was out to avenge their loss the night before. Early into the second period Bison Amy Lee tied up the game. Minutes later Sarah White scored a goal for Saskatchewan that left Bison goalie Corfield lying on the ice for several minutes. Corfield ended up having to leave the game and was replaced by rookie goalie Tara Lacquette. Lacquette did not let the puck into the Bison net for the remainder of the game and the final score was 2-1 for the Huskies.

With the series tied at one game apiece, Saturday’s game was crucial for both teams. The Bisons showed their skill less than a minute into the game when Tammy Brade scored the first goal. Closer to the end of the first period Nellie Minshull got her second goal of the series giving the Bisons a 2-0 lead. Lacquette was making solid saves the entire game as she continued to replace the injured Corfield in net. Addie Miles scored again for the Bisons near the end of the second period and increased their lead 3-0. Early in the third period the Huskies scored two goals, one from forward Kelsey Tulloch and the other from Julie Paetsch. But it was too little too late, as the Bisons were triumphant with a final score of 3-2.

This best of three semi-final victory against Saskatchewan brings the Bisons to the Canada West finals next weekend.