Dave Westbury's ”decorated digs” on Sunday night (Image Credit: Wray Morrison)

By Wray Morrison

Westbury honoured for 400th game with the team

Cougars edge Huskies in shootout

Feb 2, 2026 | 12:53 AM

On a Sunday night, when a team legend was honoured, the Huskie women’s hockey squad battled hard for a point in the standings against its provincial rival at Merlis Belsher Place. The University of Regina Cougars pulled out a 3-2 win over the USask Huskies in a game that was postponed a day due to poor travel conditions.

Veteran Huskie Paris Oleksyn gave the home side the early advantage with a marker in the first minute of the first period. Led by captain Shaylee Scraba, the Cougars responded in a big way in the last five minutes of the opening frame. After burying her fourth of the season, Scraba assisted on a Makena Kushniruk goal in the final minute of the period and the visitors led 2-1.

Huskie coach Steve Kook was pleased with his team’s effort in the second period. Kahlen Wisener’s sixth goal of the season came at the midway point of the middle frame to tie the game at two. “In the second we ramped our forecheck up”, Kook said. “We needed to do that.”

The shots on goal were even at eight in third period. Regina’s lone power-play chance came in the final frame; however, they were unable to score. “I thought the third was a choppy period momentum wise”, said Kook.  “Even overtime; that was the worst overtime I’ve seen.”

The shootout went six rounds with 4th year Cougar, Trinity Grove, putting the puck past Wilson for the win. Cassidy Peters had the other Cougar shootout goal while Sara Kendall scored for the Huskies.

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Cougar first-year goaltender, Amy Swayze, made some big saves in place of veteran Natalie Williamson who was injured in Friday’s night’s 4-1 loss to USask. Swayze, a Weyburn product, made 38 saves including a pair of big stops in the five minute, three on three, overtime session. 5th year USask keeper Colby Wilson made 25 saves in 65 minutes of hockey.

The point in the standings keeps the (10-9-3-2) Huskies in third and final playoff spot in the Canada West, east division, one point up on Manitoba. Following a 4-1 win on Friday over Regina and Sunday’s shootout loss, USask earned three of four points in the weekend series. “The group is pretty sour after a shootout”, said Kook. “But I said don’t hang your heads.”

Prior to puck drop, long time equipment manager Dave Westbury was recognized with a video tribute for his 400th game with the Huskie women’s hockey program. The 44-year-old, from Wiseton, Saskatchewan, has not missed a game since taking on his volunteer position with Steve Kook since 2010. 

“It’s all about the players”, said Westbury. “I try make sure they don’t worry about anything.” He estimates that he puts in about 1500 hours with the team per season. “I wouldn’t change a minute of it.”

Westbury says he enjoys the start of each season. “I just love it players come for their first day at the rink. I’m just handing them new gear and getting to know the people a bit.”  Kook says the respect between Westbury and the players is mutual. “He leaves a big impression on people who have gone through our program”, Kook said. “We’ve been lucky to have him for 400 games.”

Prior to Sunday night’s game the players decorated Westbury’s work area at Merlis Belsher Place with pictures of him with the players as well as balloons and garland. “I’ve got a little bit of clean up to do”, he joked. “I feel the love.”

The Huskies visit the U of C Dinos on February 6th and 7th. The games can be heard on the free HuskieFAN app.

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

X: @wraymorrison