LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – A five-point night from Aspen Sterzer fueled the No. 5 University of Calgary Dinos to a 9-1 thumping of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday night at the Nicholas Sheran Arena.

Coming into the contest with one goal on the season, 20-year-old rookie Sterzer had his biggest game as a Dino. Scoring twice in the first before burying two more in the final minute of regulation, Sterzer was on fire while working on a line with Spencer Edwards and Chris Collins. Elgin Pearce also had a big night on Friday, scoring twice to tie him atop the conference in goals with 17.

"My linemates were awesome tonight, late in the game I was being put in good situations to have the opportunity to score," noted Sterzer. "I have been battling to get back going and have had a lot of help from guys."

With a record of 17-8-0, the Dinos remain one point ahead of the Mount Royal Cougars after both teams picked up wins. The Pronghorns fall to 4-21-0 on the season.

Scoring four times in the first period, the Dinos' attack exploded in the opening period as they took an early and commanding lead. After Edwards netted the game's first goal just over three minutes in, Calgary would not score again until the final four minutes of the period. Dylan Walchuk, Kevin King and Sterzer each found the back of the net late to stun the home team.

The first period also saw the season debut of fifth-year forward Walker Wintoneak. Playing with familiar linemate King, Wintoneak was a presence in the offensive zone and on the penalty kill.

"He is huge and is a big character guy in the dressing room. He had some big blocks and made a big impact," said Sterzer.

Staying hot, Sterzer kept the scoring coming early in the middle frame as he banged home a chance from the blue paint. Lethbridge would get their lone goal of the game from Justin Valentino on a shorthanded breakaway before Pearce scored to make it a 6-1 game through 40 minutes.

A quite third period saw three more goals in the final minutes. Pearce connected on the power play at the 17:45 mark and was followed up by Sterzer, who added two more to round out the scoring in the final minute.

Calgary outshot Lethbridge 46-27. The Dinos went 4-for-6 on the power play, while the Pronghorns went 0-for-4.

The Dinos will host Seniors' Night on Saturday night at the Father David Bauer Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00pm between Calgary and Lethbridge.

-UC-