Courtesy: Liam Richards/Electric Umbrella/Huskie Athletics

By Wray Morrison

Huskies earn point on Play for a cure night

Cougars edge Huskies in overtime

Jan 16, 2026 | 11:09 PM

Another successful “Play for a Cure” night is in the books for the Huskie women’s hockey team. The annual event, which raises money for cancer, culminated in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Mount Royal Cougars on Friday night at Merlis Belsher Place. USask climbed back from a 2-0 deficit to force extra time and get a crucial point in the standings.

“It was a gritty game”, said Huskie starting goaltender Colby Wilson who was credited with 28 stops. This year’s Play for a Cure game was dedicated to Kerri Backman who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. Kerri’s daughter, Emma who is a third-year Huskie, was the back up goalie for the game. “It was really special this year”, Wilson said. “Emma and Kerri are a big part of my life. It was awesome to put on the colours for Kerri and support her and Emma.”

Cougar forwards Kaia Borbandi and Julia Duke scored a pair of goals 42 seconds apart in the second period to take a 2-0 lead. The Huskies took four straight penalties in the first and second periods which limited offensive chances; however, Huskie head coach Steve Kook was happy with how his team held Mount Royal to no power play goals. “The PK is one of those things that is very detailed” he said. “You have to know where the puck is going and who is going where. I thought we did an outstanding job. We blocked a lot of shots tonight on the kill.”

Huskie second year forward, Jaiyana Nurani, notched her first of the season 18 seconds after Duke scored to cut the Cougar lead to 2-1. Huskie veteran Shelby Williamson buried her third of the season at 8:19 of the third period to tie game. Saskatchewan played with increased urgency in the third period, drawing four straight MRU penalties.

The 3-on-3 overtime session ended in 43 seconds as first year Cougar Isa McPhee scored the winning goal. Saskatoon product Scout Anderson picked up her 11^th win in her 14^th appearance of the season with 10 saves in the Mount Royal net.

Season wrap up

HuskieFAN partners hosts USask women's hockey team

Mar 31, 2026

St. Mary's pulls out OT win over USask

Huskies eliminated at University Cup

Mar 20, 2026

University Cup preparations continue

Roulette named U SPORTS men's hockey rookie of the year

Mar 18, 2026

With the point in the standings, the Huskies maintain a two-point lead over Manitoba for the third and final playoff spot in the Canada West, east division. The Trinity Western Spartans defeated the U of M Bisons 5-4 in overtime in Winnipeg. (The Huskies have 19 points, while the Bisons have 17. Both teams have nine regular season games remaining.)

The second game of the Cougar-Huskie series is Saturday night at 5:00 PM at Merlis Belsher Place and can be heard on the free HuskieFAN app starting at 4:45 PM.

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

X: @wraymorrison