The Bisons men’s hockey team lost 4-3 in overtime to the Mount Royal University Cougars in the return game on Saturday, Oct. 25. The game was an intense, back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout.

The Bisons struck first in the 16th minute [16:04] of the first period when Jonny Hooker scored a goal, assisted by Skyler Bruce and Kaycee Coyle.

The Bisons continued their momentum into the second period, with Blake Swetlikoff scoring two goals. One in the first minute [1:20] assisted by Eric Alarie and Caden Zaplitny, and another in the seventh minute [7:10] in a power play, assisted by Zaplitny and Grady Lane. However, the Cougars responded swiftly, with Josh Tarzwell scoring an unassisted goal also in the seventh minute [7:56] and Alex Izyk scoring in the 10th minute [10:37], assisted by Kyle Walker and Connor Poffenroth.

The game became tied 3-3 in the third period. The Cougars took advantage of their momentum, with Jayden Wiens scoring a goal in the first minute [1:33] of the third period, assisted by Walker and Connor Bouchard. The game remained tied until overtime.

In overtime, Teague Patton scored the winning goal for the Cougars in the early minute [1:55], assisted by Walker and Tristan Zandee, securing a 4-3 win as the Cougars outshot the Bisons 55-20.

The game saw its fair share of penalties, with the Bisons taking eight minutes in penalties on four infractions, and the Cougars taking six minutes on three infractions. The penalties did not seem to hinder either team’s determination to win.

The Cougars now hold a one-point lead over the Bisons in the division standings. However, with two outstanding games to play, the Bisons have an opportunity to catch up and potentially overtake the Cougars for the top spot if they can secure all four points.

The Bisons will play against the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. CT and Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. CT in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.