Photo credit: Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards/Huskie Athletics

By Ryan Flaherty

going the distance

Dinos blank Huskies to force Game 3

Feb 17, 2024 | 6:36 PM

The Saskatchewan Huskies had their share of chances but could not solve Gabby Durante as the Calgary Dinos netminder made 28 saves for her first career playoff win and shutout in a 2-0 victory to force a third and deciding game in their best-of-three Canada West quarterfinal at Merlis Belsher Place.

After the Dinos outshot the Huskies in Friday’s series opener but lost 2-1, the roles were reversed in Game 2, with Saskatchewan carrying more of the play and outshooting Calgary 28-16. However, a goal by Saskatoon native Sydney Mercier just 22 seconds into the contest forced the Dogs to play from behind basically from the first drop of the puck.

“As much as you want to say that goal doesn’t affect you, ’cause we had two periods and 19 minutes left in the game, but you’re just chasing the game from that point,” head coach Steve Kook said.

The Huskies drew a pair of power plays in the minutes following Mercier’s goal but could not capitalize. Calgary failed to convert its only advantage of the first period and the score remained 1-0 after one.

The Dinos got another power play midway through the second period and this time they made it count. Calgary scoring leader Elizabeth Lang cut inside off the rush and had her shot stopped by Drever but Shell Lake, SK product Brooklin Fry followed the play to the net and potted the rebound to double the Dinos lead.

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Shortly thereafter, the Dogs would go back to the advantage but once again they could not produce. A fourth opportunity would also go by the wayside early in the third, despite Saskatchewan’s best efforts. The Huskies’ power play is now 0-for-10 in the series, though Kook was quick to note that a few of those opportunities have been quite brief due to overlapping penalties.

“I didn’t dislike our game. That was a desperate (Calgary) crew out there, they were diving in front of pucks. They did what they had to do to stay in the series,” he said.

Saskatchewan continued to push as the third period wore on but despite spending plenty of time in the Dinos zone, they simply could not find a way to beat Durante, even with more than two minutes of six-on-five time to use after pulling Drever for an extra attacker late in the frame. The Huskies goaltender finished the game with 14 saves.

So now the series comes down to one game. The veteran Huskies have experience in such a situation after taking UBC to three games in last year’s Can West semifinals and playing three do-or-die contests at the 2022 U SPORTS National Championship.

“If there’s any team in this league that’s used to that situation, it’s us, so play loose, play our game, do what we do,” Kook said.

Game 3 is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday at Merlis Belsher Place. Meanwhile, in Calgary, the Mount Royal Cougars defeated the Manitoba Bisons 5-1 to sweep the other quarterfinal series. MRU will now travel to Edmonton to face the Alberta Pandas in one semifinal while the winner of Sunday’s game in Saskatoon will advance to face the UBC Thunderbirds in the other semi.

Fans can catch Game 3 on huskiefan.ca and the free HuskieFAN app.

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