CALGARY – Brianna Sank stopped 39 shots by the University of Calgary Dinos women's hockey team as the MacEwan Griffins came away with a 3-0 victory on the road to open the 2023-24 Canada West season.

Calgary's efforts were relentless throughout Friday night, reaching double-digits in shots in each period. Sank went unbeaten in the Griffins net though, including denying a five-on-three power play for the Dinos in the third period.

"The energy was really good within our group. I really liked how we played. Sometimes you make it up on the board and sometimes you don't, but we thought collectively it was a pretty good game for us," said Dinos head coach Carla MacLeod. "Obviously it is disappointing to lose a game, but when you look at the chances we were making, you have to be proud of that.

"Hopefully we can bring the same energy and effort and see what the result will be after that."

The Griffins scored the first goal of the year halfway through the second period. Tess Collier delivered a long shot from the blue line that was turned away by Calgary goaltender Gabriella Durante, but parked in front of the crease was Ali Macaulay to tuck the puck in and make it 1-0.

MacEwan added to their lead with 55 seconds left in the middle frame. With the seconds ticking down on a Dinos penalty kill, the Griffins managed to keep the home team trapped in their end and Shaelyn Hopkins sailed a shot past a maze of tired bodies and Durante.

Despite prime power play chances in the third period, Calgary was held off the score sheet and Allee Isley rounded out the scoring with an empty net goal in the final minute of play.

Durante finished the evening with 14 saves in the season-opening setback.

The Dinos make the trip to Edmonton on Saturday for a rematch with the Griffins. Puck drop is 5 p.m. from the Downtown Community Arena and can be seen on Canada West TV.