The USask Huskies host the Regina Cougars (Image Credit: Huskie Athletics)
By Wray Morrison
USask jumps out to 4-0 first period lead

Huskies dominate Cougars in Saturday night contest

Oct 24, 2026 | 10:49 PM

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies completed a weekend sweep of their provincial rivals Saturday night, blanking the Regina Cougars 5-0 at Merlis Belsher Place.

The victory capped off a home-and-home Canada West hockey series, following a tight 3-2 shootout win for the Huskies in Regina on Friday.

USask (5-1) stormed out to an early lead, starting with Liam Keeler’s third goal of the season just 1:07 into the opening frame. The Huskies followed with a wave of pressure, getting additional first-period goals from Jaydon Dureau, Raphael Pelletier, and Keaton Sorenson to build a 4-0 cushion.

The home side dominated the initial 20 minutes, outshooting the visitors 19-2. The offensive outburst chased Regina goaltender Ross Hawryluk, who was replaced by Damon Cunningham for the start of the second period.

“It was good to get them early,” said Huskie head coach Brandin Cote. “We put them on their heels and capitalized on some opportunities which is good. Overall, a real solid effort up and down our lineup.”

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The Cougars showed life in the second period, outshooting Saskatchewan 11-10 and earning three power-play opportunities, but they were unable to beat goaltender Nolan Maier.

Maier, who stopped everything he faced to improve to 4-0 on the season, earned high praise from his bench boss.

“He’s a pro,” Cote said. “I didn’t really expect anything less. He was really dialed in.”

Saskatchewan’s power play finished the night 1-for-4, capitalizing late in the third period when Chase Bertholet scored his second goal of the campaign with 1:50 remaining.

“I thought Chase Bertholet has been snake-bitten a little bit,” Cote said. “He’s had lots of Grade A looks, so it was nice to see him connect at the end.”

The Huskies, now 5-1 on the season, visit the UBC Thunderbirds on Oct. 30 and 31.

—

wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

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by Wray Morrison
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