EDMONTON – Connor McClennon scored 11:53 into overtime, lifting the Alberta Golden Bears to a 2-1 win over the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team to open their Canada West Quarter-Final series.

After allowing the game-tying goal early in the third, the Bears controlled the offensive zone time and scoring chances, outshooting Calgary 19-6 in the final 30 minutes of action. McClennon finally broke the deadlock, beating Dinos starter Carl Tetachuk five-hole from the slot in OT. 

Despite the loss, Tetachuk was unquestionably the star of Game 1, stopping 38 of the 40 Bears shots, including all 15 he faced in the third period to force overtime. However, the relentless Alberta attack proved to be too much, resulting in the overtime winner from McClennon. 

McClennon's OT winner was set up by a pass from Jakin Smallwood behind the goal line, with the Bears taking advantage of a tired Dinos unit in their own zone. Mason Ward scored the other Bears goal late in the second period in what was an extremely even and physical contest for a majority. 

Rookie Tyler Palmer stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced to earn his first career playoff win. 

Ward broke the deadlock late in the second, beating Tetachuk off a cross-ice feed from Tyler Preziuso. 

Dallon Melin scored the lone Dinos goal early in the third, scoring on a rebound after his initial shot on a two-on-one rush was turned aside by the Bears rookie. 

Friday's contest saw just four penalties called in a game that was largely determined by five-on-five play. Both sides were scoreless on two power play chances, thanks to blocked shots and key saves from both goalies. Both Tetachuk and Palmer played with confidence all game, with neither netminder giving any second chances to the opposing offence.

Game 2 of their best-of-three quarter-final series is set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night at Clare Drake Arena.