REGINA – The No. 1 nationally ranked University of Calgary Dinos have tied a 43-year-old Canada West men's hockey record.

With an 8-2 victory over the Regina Cougars on Friday night, the Dinos have now won 17 consecutive games, tying a mark originally established by the Alberta Golden Bears during the 1978-79 season.

Calgary's streak began on Oct. 15, when they overcame a three-goal deficit to defeat the crosstown Mount Royal Cougars 4-3 in overtime. During the record run, the Dinos picked up victories over every team in the conference. They broke their team record, which previously stood at 13-straight wins, on Jan. 6.

"I am really proud of the guys, they have bought in all season and every week accepted what has needed to be done," said Dinos head coach Mark Howell, who is currently away from the team serving as general manager and assistant coach of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games in Lake Placid, New York.

"It is very hard in Canada West to win two games in a weekend, so to do it as many times as we have is a testament to the players and staff and their willingness to compete at a high level."

Five different Dinos found the back of the net early on Friday night as they took a commanding lead after 20 minutes in Regina. The Cougars responded with two goals in the second period, but the final frame saw Calgary connect three more times to round out the scoring.

Jake Gricius wrapped up an outstanding weekend with six points across the two-game sweep of Regina, including a goal and two assists on Friday.

Carl Tetachuk, the WHL Grad of the Month for November, recorded his conference-best 14th win of the season with a 20-save performance.

With a 19-3-0 record in Canada West action, the Dinos turn their attention to one of the largest U SPORTS events of the season – the Crowchild Classic at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary will have a chance to break the conference record for consecutive wins in front of the largest gathering of students in the city each year. Mount Royal has put together an impressive season as well, holding a 16-3-3 record while ranking fourth in the country.

"Mount Royal continues to win every weekend as well. To have the opportunity to try and break the record next Friday night in front of the largest crowd of the season is a big moment, but it is also an important game with first place on the line."

Tickets for the event, which holds multiple U SPORTS hockey attendance records, are on sale now at godinos.com/cc.

-UC-