Emma Backman recorded her first career USPORTS win and shutout on Oct. 24 against Regina. Photo: Rachel Albertson/Huskie Athletics

By Ryan Flaherty

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The milestones keep coming for the Huskies women’s hockey team early in the season with a pair of noteworthy individual accomplishments headlining a 1-0 overtime win over the Regina Cougars at Co-operators Arena on Friday.

First-year forward Peppi Virtanen scored the game winner in her first U SPORTS game and third-year goaltender Emma Backman made 17 saves in her season debut to earn her first career win and shutout as the Dogs picked up their second win of the campaign.

“It felt pretty awesome. I’ve worked pretty hard over the past couple of years so to get it finally and to see (fifth-year goalie) Colby (Wilson) so happy for me was an unreal experience,” Backman said.

It was the third straight game that went beyond regulation for both teams and the Huskies, who dropped a pair of overtime contests on home ice last weekend, were glad to come out on the other side of things this time despite failing to generate much offence throughout the contest.

“We’re five games in and we’re still trying to make sure that we’re consistent with the things that we do. That’s our challenge right now is we get so urgent and we just want to make plays,” head coach Steve Kook said. “I give the crew kudos just for sticking with it and finding a way.”

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The teams combined for just 34 shots through regulation time, with the Huskies holding a 19-15 edge. Special teams couldn’t get much going either, as the Dogs went 0-for-3 on the power play while the Cougars failed to score on four opportunities.

But with more room on the ice in the three-on-three overtime session, the game opened up and both teams started to generate chances. Backman made a critical toe save midway through the frame and a short time later, Kahlen Wisener hit Virtanen with a breakway pass and the Finnish import took full advantage, streaking in and roofing a backhand shot over the shoulder of Cougars goaltender Natalie Williamson.

After missing the Huskies first four games of the season due to illness, Virtanen was happy to come through for her new team in her first meaningful action as a Huskie.

“Of course it felt good. It was very relieving because of the four or five weeks that I’ve been out so of course I was excited to play, and the goal was just like the cherry on top of the cake,” she said.

The 21-year-old rookie has professional experience playing in Finland’s top women’s league, but said she’s getting used to the North American style of game.

“The speed is faster, there is much more happening at the same time and the situations are coming faster. I think that’s the biggest thing and of course the game is physical. They let us play more body against body,” Virtanen explained.

Meanwhile Backman, who became the third Huskie goaltender to start a game this season, was grateful for a chance to contribute after seeing creasemate Clara Juca pick up her own first win and shutout in Saskatchewan’s second game of the season against the Mount Royal Cougars.

“It’s usually my mindset in any game, just to stop anything that comes to me, but it’s kind of not getting in your head about it,” Backman said. “It’s just taking it one shot at a time and making the save.”

The win moves the Huskies to 2-1-2 on the season, the same as the Cougars, who earned a single point in defeat. The provincial rivals will square off again on Saturday, this time at Merlis Belsher Place, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the free HuskieFAN app.

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