CALGARY – Following a two-year hiatus, one of U SPORTS most anticipated and exciting events – the Crowchild Classic – makes its triumphant return to the Scotiabank Saddledome this weekend. The No. 1 University of Calgary Dinos (19-3-0) will be looking to make history as they head into the marquee game on a 17-game win streak to face the fourth-ranked Mount Royal Cougars (16-3-3).
 
The Crowchild Classic at the Scotiabank Saddledome is an annual celebration of university sport in Calgary. It is the largest gathering of students in the city each year and will once again feature a hockey doubleheader, with the women's game set for 4 p.m. with the men to follow at 6:45 p.m.
 
Tickets are available for the Scotiabank Saddledome game at godinos.com/cc.
 
Following Friday's contest, both teams will face each other once more on Saturday, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. at the Flames Community Arena.
 
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

1. REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS – The Dinos have been on an absolute tear for seemingly the entire 2022-23 season, winning an incredible 17 straight games. With last weekend's impressive 8-2 win over the Regina Cougars, this year's squad officially cemented their place within Canada West hockey history, tying the conference record for consecutive wins, originally set by the Alberta Golden bears during the 1978-79 season. The Dinos magical streak began back on Oct. 14, when the Dinos came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat none other than the MRU Cougars. Interestingly enough, MRU is also the last team to have defeated Calgary, winning 7-2 the night before the streak began.
 
2. U SPORTS FINEST – For the third consecutive week, the Dinos are ranked No. 1 in the weekly U SPORTS Top 10. Mount Royal sits fourth in this week's poll. While much has been made about the Dinos amazing season, and for good reason, MRU has also enjoyed success this season. The Cougars boast an impressive record themselves and currently are on a four-game win streak, including two wins over fifth-ranked Alberta.
 
3. ROARING RIVALRY – The last Crowchild Classic took place in 2020 and lived up to the hype and then some. MRU went on to defeat Calgary in double overtime after a last-minute goal from Calgary tied the game 4-4. In 2019, the Dinos were able to complete the comeback, scoring two goals in the third period to earn a 2-1 victory. While the two teams have split the first eight games played inside the 'Dome, Calgary has gotten the better of MRU overall, holding a 21-14 conference record. However, there is not much that has separated the two rivals as of late, as the two have split the series dating back to the start of last season.

4. STAT SHEET STUFFERS – The Cougars have the top two leading points getters in Canada West. Second-year forward Riley Sawchuk leads Canada West in all three major categories of points (43), goals (18) and assists (25), and is currently the only player to have eclipsed 40 points this season. Remarkably, Sawchuk has achieved this in just 21 games. Third-year forward Nolan Yaremko has also put together an impressive season of his own, tallying 38 points to date. The Dinos have a much more balanced attack, with multiple players producing at a high rate. Second-year forward Riley Stotts leads Calgary in assists with 19 and second-year forward Jake Gricius leads the team in goals with 12.

5. GOLDEN GOALIES – Dinos first-year netminder Carl Tetachuk has been incredible for Calgary thus far. Tetachuk ranks first in Canada West in both wins (14) and shutouts (two). Tetachuk is also third amongst goalies in save percentage at .907%. The Cougars have two goalies worthy of praise, as both Riley Sims and Jackson Berry have six wins while splitting time between the pipes this season. The sophomore Sims ranks second in both GAA (2.00) and save percentage (.910%).
 
-UC-