CALGARY – Special teams were the difference in Game 3 of the Canada West semifinal Sunday night as the Mount Royal Cougars edged the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team 2-1 at Flames Community Arenas.

The final five penalties of the game were called against Calgary, and the Cougars capitalized twice on the power play to clinch the series. With the win, Mount Royal advances to the Canada West Final and secures a berth at the U SPORTS national championship.

"It's a tough one," said Dinos captain Adam Kydd. "We were right there and battled. It's hard when everyone buys in and competes like that, but you don't get the result."

Mount Royal controlled the pace for much of the contest, outshooting Calgary 38-19 and dominating possession, particularly in the second period. Dinos goaltender Carl Tetachuk kept the game within reach, frustrating the Cougars at even strength.

While Calgary generated fewer chances, they were dangerous when they did establish offensive-zone time. Mount Royal goaltender Shane Farkas was sharp when needed.

After withstanding an early push from the Cougars, Calgary settled in and opened the scoring at the 13:10 mark of the first period. A blocked attempt fell to Pavel Bocharov in the right faceoff circle, and he snapped a shot past Farkas to give the Dinos a 1-0 lead.

Calgary had opportunities to extend the advantage but could not convert.

Mount Royal found the equalizer on its first power play of the night. For the second straight game, Justin Lies capitalized with the man advantage, locating a loose puck in the crease and tying the game 1-1.

Calgary was assessed three consecutive slashing penalties to open the final frame, putting the visitors on their heels. On the second of those power plays, Jayden Wiens struck from in close to give Mount Royal a 2-1 lead.

Once back at five-on-five, the Dinos pushed to respond. Tetachuk was pulled for the extra attacker with under three minutes remaining, but Calgary could not solve Farkas again.

The loss caps a season of change for the Dinos. Calgary integrated 16 new players into the lineup and excelled early, winning 10 consecutive games and climbing to No. 1 in the U SPORTS rankings. The Dinos later finished third in the Prairie Division before sweeping the MacEwan Griffins in the opening round of the playoffs to reach the semifinal.

Kydd, goaltender Carl Stankowski, and defenceman Sean Strange conclude their university careers on Sunday.

"It has been amazing," Kydd said. "I've made so many friendships and brothers. I appreciate the guidance from the coaches and everyone around the program. It's been an incredible three years, and I've learned so much. 

"There's a bright future here."

-UC-