Cougars visit Merlis Belsher Place on Friday night

The U-Prairie Challenge continues this weekend with the U of S hockey teams facing the Regina Cougars. The men’s team will host the U of R on Friday night, then visit Regina on Saturday. The men put a 4 and 0 record on the line following a bye week. Victories over Manitoba and Grant MacEwan to start the season were impressive. “We haven’t played a ton in our own, which is good”, said coach Brandin Cote.

Fourth year forward Justin Ball is off to a strong start with 7 points, 4 games into the season. “Justin Ball is a great story”, said Cote. “He was a guy who had to earn his way to be in the line-up. He had a depth role in the 2020 Canada West championships. He’s just progressed. He wants to be a guy who is counted on in all situations and that is what he is doing for us.”

Centre Liam Keeler is quickly recovering from what appeared to be a nasty orbital/eye injury in the Manitoba series. Cote says the prognosis is positive and a return to the roster might not be as far away as first thought. As a result, the Huskies have played with four first year centres to start the season, including Minnesota Wild draft pick Josh Pillar and former Swift Current Bronco, Raphael Pelletier.

“They all play with speed and have some skill”, said Cote. “They bring a fresh energy to our group. They just want to be Huskies. You see that in all of our younger guys who are here. They are buying in to that team concept. They are pushing each other yet supporting each other.”