CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos defeated the Mount Royal University Cougars 3-1 on Friday night at Flames Community Arenas in the first edition of this season's women's hockey Crowchild Classic. 

Friday's game marked the return of former Cougars and current Dinos defenceman Alex Spence, who played 97 games across four seasons at Mount Royal. Spence played an integral part of the MRU 2022-23 National Championship-winning team, but now finds herself on the other side of the Crowchild Classic.

The Dinos got on the board first about halfway through the first period after an inopportune turnover by the Cougars.

Bree Kennedy was steadfast on the forecheck, picking the pocket of MRU blueliner Jordynne Hojnocki behind the net before finding Solana Cooper in front. Cooper's quick shot beat the glove of Cougars netminder Kate Holan to make it 1-0 for the visiting Dinos.

Calgary found themselves on the powerplay late in the opening period and made Mount Royal pay. Dinos defenceman Jada Johns ripped a point shot along the ice, finding the stick of Kyla Mitenko for a deflection. The redirection fooled Holan, allowing the puck to slide through her five-hole and into the back of the net. 

Coming out of the first intermission, things went from bad to worse for Mount Royal before the puck was even dropped as they were given a delay of game penalty for being late to the ice for the start of the period. Fortunately for the Cougars, they were able to kill off the two-minute minor.

Mount Royal had a dangerous chance to score when Jerzey Watteyne was sprung on a breakaway. Before Watteyne could get a clean shot off, Dinos' netminder Amelia Awad made a smart poke-check to spoil the chance for the Cougars.

Heading into the third period, the Dinos held their 2-0 lead with frustration building among the Mount Royal personnel.

The Cougars finally ended their goalless drought that spanned over five periods. Watteyne got her second of the year with a redirection of Allee Gerrard's point shot on a powerplay. 

The Dinos quickly restored the two-goal lead with Hannah Reagh getting her first of the season. 

Awad held it down between the pipes the rest of the way for Calgary, leading them to their second win of the season.

The Dinos and Cougars will face off again in the second half of the weekend home-and-home on Saturday night at Father David Bauer Arena. Puck drop for tomorrow's game is set for 5 p.m. and can be streamed live on Canada West TV.

-UC-