CALGARY- The University of Calgary Dinos began 2017 on a winning note, defeating the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 4-3, Friday evening, Jan. 6th at the Father David Bauer Arena.

Parker Bowles made his Dinos debut after having to wait to join the team until the New Year and in his first game he was the difference maker, notching two goals including the game winner.

"It feels good," explained Bowles. "It's been a long time coming, I'm excited to finally play and get on with the season."

Neither team could find the back of the net in the first period. Calgary's greatest opportunity came just past the mid-way mark of the period when Dinos forwards Elgin Pearce and Adam Kambeitz escaped the Pronghorns defence for a two-on-none chance. Pearce passed to Kambeitz but Pronghorns goaltender Garret Hughson had his pad down and made the easy save.

Pearce would open the scoring in the middle frame, six minutes in on the power play. Dylan Walchuk passed to Pearce from the half-wall; Pearce beat a screened Hughson high blocker side.

Just past the mid-way mark of the period, Bowles made his presence known in front of Lethbridge's net. Mitch Cook stepped out from behind the net for a quick shot on net; Bowles was in front to grab the rebound, toe-drag across the crease before firing the puck top shelf.

The Pronghorns responded just 11 seconds later. Dalton Sward made a cross-crease pass to Cory Millette, who put away his fourth on the season.

Looking to regain their two-goal lead the Dinos scored just 27 seconds later, making that three goals in a span of 38 seconds. Danny Gayle fed TJ Dumonceaux from behind the net, and redirected the pass low glove-side.

The scoring wasn't done in the second period. The Pronghorns closed in on the Dinos two-goal lead, off the half wall Ryon Moser passed to Torrin White who was streaking into the Dinos high slot before wristing a shot past Calgary goaltender Steven Stanford.

Bowles would add another for the Dinos just before the mid-way point of the third period. On a shot from Chris Collins, Bowles redirected the puck blocker-side past Hughson.

The Pronghorns would cut the Dinos lead to one, on the power play late in the third period off the stick of Mitchell Maxwell but that would be as close as the Pronghorns would get.

"There's a lot of good guys in the dressing room," said Bowles. "We're looking for another two points tomorrow night."

Lethbridge and Calgary will face-off again tomorrow evening in Lethbridge to round out the home-and-home series.

- UC -