Eoin Colquhoun, Pronghorn Athletics

LETHBRIDGE – Backstopped by a 45 save performance from goaltender Jane Kish, the Regina Cougars shutout the Lethbridge Pronghorns 2-0 in the first of two games.

Kish was the story over the final two periods, making 38 of her 45 saves over the final 40 minutes, many of the difficult variety. Her 45 saves also sets a new Canada West record for saves in a shutout win.

With the win the Cougars improve to 2-1-0 on the season, while the Pronghorns fall to 1-2-0 with the loss.

Matina Maskova and Jordan Kulbida scored for the Cougars.

Both teams failed to capitalize on the power play with the Pronghorns missing on 5 opportunities, while the Cougars missed on the two chances they had.

Following a relatively tentative opening 10 minutes, Martina Maskova opened the scoring for the Cougars. Racing after a loose puck, Maskova couldn't catch up for the breakaway but stayed with it and beat Pronghorn goalie Alicia Anderson to the far post for the wrap around.

The Cougars held a slim advantage on the shot clock, eight to seven.

In the opening moments of the second frame, sophomore Alli Borrow had a glorious chance to tie the score, pulling the puck around Cougar goaltender Jane Kish but hit the post as she flew through the air.

Through the first half of the second period, the Pronghorns controlled the chances, outshooting the Cougars 6-2 but could not beat Kish.

Despite the Pronghorns having the majority of the chances, it would be the Cougars who would double their lead. Jordan Kulbida received a pass streaking down the far side and beat Anderson with a backhand deke for her first goal of the season.

Pronghorns continued to push offensively following the Cougars second goal, finishing with 16 second period shots but Kish continued her strong play. Through 40 minutes the Pronghorns outshot the Cougars 23-17 but trailed 2-0.

Aided by an early power play, the Pronghorns continued to pepper Jane Kish in the Cougars net but Kish made stellar stops on Brett Campbell and Alli Borrow to keep the Pronghorns off the board.

With seven minutes to play, Pronghorn freshman Kenzie Lausberg found herself all alone back door but Kish went post-to-post to rob Lausberg of her first career Canada West goal.

Kish shut the door for the remainder of the third to earn the victory, turning aside 22 shots alone in the third. 

The Pronghorns and Cougars wrap up their two game weekend set tomorrow afternoon, puck drops at 2:00 pm. Catch all the action on www.canadawest.tv.

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Photo by: MPP Photography