CALGARY – After an eventful weekend against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and a weekend off, the University of Calgary Dinos are back this week to take on the Mount Royal University Cougars in this season's first hockey installment of the Crowchild Classic, this Thursday, Nov. 9 and Friday, Nov. 10.

In the last weekend of October, a two-game set against the Huskies took a turn for the worse in time for the second game. The Dinos only dressed 15 skaters and emergency goalie, Kira Wasylak, made her debut as a Dino with regular starter Kelsey Roberts unable to play. 

Rookie forward Holly Reuther, who was one of the 15 skaters, described what happened over the weekend.

"In the morning a few people were sick, and throughout the day it just kept on adding up, so by game time we had [15] skaters and one goalie who had never played before for us, so I think we were all a bit nervous, but there were no expectations on us. I think that kind of helped a bit. We just gave it our all, ended up having a close game, we only lost 1-0 and Kira played really well in net she stopped 40 shots or something like that. There was no expectation of us for that game and it kind of took the pressure off, and we gave it our all."

For Reuther, who is tied for the team lead in shots on goal, has gained a greater sense of comfort as her rookie season continues. While being unable to score to this point in the season, her ability to create chances and offence is a facet in her game that she's been working on.

"I try to get a lot of shots in and try to get the puck deep. Just carrying the puck up the ice, feeding the puck to people. Just trying to create chances. I used to be more of a defensive player, but recently, I've been focusing more on my offensive side and I think it's starting to show."

On the other side of the ice, the Cougars head into this week's games with a 2-6 record, sitting just one point ahead of the Dinos in the standings. Last season, the Cougars and Dinos each picked up two wins in four games. 

Tight games are common between these two squads, and as Reuther described, the Dinos are going to have to bring their best if they want a good result.

"They're a very hard working team and they don't quit. They're hard on the puck and they pressure hard so I think we can expect that again. I know they beat Alberta in a shootout, so they can play well, so we just have to come out with our best game and come out hard."

The Dinos will be on home ice, Thursday Nov. 9 for a 7 p.m. puck drop at Father David Bauer Arena before the series shifts to the Cougars home ice, Friday, Nov. 10 for a 7 p.m. start at the Flames Community Arenas.