CALGARY – Dinos defenceman Connor Horning buried the go-ahead goal with 10:02 remaining in the third period for what proved to be the game winner, giving the University of Calgary men's hockey team a 2-1 win over the Manitoba Bisons Friday evening at Father David Bauer Arena. 

With the win, the Dinos extend their winning streak to five games and improve to 10-2-1 on the season, just one point back of first place UBC. The loss drops Manitoba to 1-11-1. Despite the discrepancies in records, Friday's contest demonstrated the depth of the Canada West Conference, thanks in large part to the play of Bisons goalie Ross Hawryluk. Hawryluk, who played in just his second game of the season, was standing on his head all night in an effort to keep his team in the game, saving 52 shots in what can only be described as an incredible performance. At times you could see the frustration on the faces of the Dinos skaters as despite crisp passing and aggressive play, the puck refused to go in. After the game Horning discussed how the Dinos were able to weather the storm and earn the victory.

"It was a bit frustrating for sure, but I think we did a great job of sticking with our game plan," Horning said. "We knew that if we kept on doing the little things right that we were going to get rewarded, and that's what ended up happening."

In the first period, it was Manitoba that stunned the home crowd and opened up the scoring as Codey Behun netted his first of the season by way of the power play after a deflected shot found its way to his stick in front of the net.

The Bisons would carry the lead into the break, but the Dinos would roar back early in the second period, putting together one of the prettiest plays you'll see on a power play of their own. Starting behind their own net, Calgary went coast to coast, with every player on the ice touching the puck before Canada West's leading goal scorer Colson Gengenbach buried his 11th of the season off a perfect feed from Arjun Atwal.

The Dinos dominated the rest of the way, generating countless excellent scoring opportunities. Just when it seemed as though Calgary was out of answers, Horning provided the solution, as he expertly followed a two-on-one and was rewarded with a pass in the slot. The second-year defenceman shared his perspective of the game-breaking play.

"I saw Stewy (Mack Stewart) was going down the wing and I saw I had some open space (in the slot). I just tried to call for it. Luckily he saw me and I was able to take care of the rest."

Calgary finished the night with a 54-25 edge in shots on goal, including a remarkable 22-4 advantage in the final period.

The Dinos and Bisons will return to Father David Bauer Arena Saturday afternoon for the rematch. Tune in to Canada West TV for the 2 p.m puck drop to catch the action.

-UC-