WINNIPEG - Cain Franson scored the game-winner 1:12 into the second overtime period as the University of Calgary Dinos salvaged a weekend split with the University of Manitoba Bisons with a 7-6 win Saturday afternoon at Wayne Fleming Arena.

Franson's backhand that eluded Bison goaltender Byron Spriggs capped a wild finish after five goals were scored in the second period as the Bisons came back froma 5-2 deficit after 40 minutes.

The Bisons at one point trailed 6-2 early in the third period before battling back and equalling the game at 6-6 with goals from Brad Bowles, Jordan Depape, Blake Heinrich and Liam Bilton. 

With Calgary picking up the two points, they now sit three points clear of Manitoba for the fourth and final home playoff position in the Canada West Men's Hockey standings. The victory also clinched a playoff spot for the Dinos.

The middle frame saw the rink be tilted heavily in favour of the Dinos. An early period goal coming off the stick of Dylan Walchuk combined with two power play goals from Drydn Dow and Coda Gordon gave Calgary a 4-2 lead. The visitors would get a fourth goal before the period ended from Logan Fisher to give the Dinos a 5-2 lead after beginning the period behind 2-1.

Calgary opened the scoring early in what was a very even opening period between the two sides. Dinos forward Chris Collins would put one past Bison goalie Byron Spriggs at the 5:20 mark, with assists coming from Walchuk and Brayden Sherbinin. The two teams would continue to exchange scoring chances and power play opportunities.  The home side would come back and get two late goals from Quinton Lisoway and Brett Stovin to give their team a 2-1 lead heading into the middle frame.

Brett Stovin led the way for the Bisons with a goal and two assists. Gordon carried Calgary, also recording a goal and two assists.

Franson was named the first star for his game-winning goal in overtime with Stovin and Gordon picking up the 2nd and 3rd stars for their offensive outputs. 

Despite allowing six goals, Dinos goaltender Matthew Greenfield made 46 saves including a big right pad save in overtime.

Spriggs finished the game with 25 saves for the Bisons.

The Dinos return home for a huge series with the Mount Royal Cougars next weekend, with the Dinos trailing MRU in the standings as they head into Thursday night's Crowchild Classic at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

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