Braedan Willis, Bison Sports

WINNIPEG - The Mount Royal Cougars came into Game 2 of the Canada West quarter-finals Saturday afternoon against the Manitoba Bisons looking to score an upset sweep. 

On the back of their goaltender Cameron Lanigan, MRU managed a 5-3 win at the Wayne Fleming Arena to sweep the best-of-three series and punch their ticket to next weekend's semifinals against the Alberta Golden Bears.

The captain of the Herd, Brett Stovin,  did everything he could for his time scoring both of the Bison's goals in the third period but it wouldn't be enough. After being down 4-0, Manitoba did battle back to make the score 4-3 before Jamal Watson put the nail in the coffin with an empty net goal late in the third period. 

"This one stings, its going to sting for a while. Are guys competed from start to finish and I thought our guys deserved a better outcome tonight," said Bisons head coach Mike Sirant after the disappointing end to his team's season.

The Cougars got out to exactly the start they wanted. Despite being on the penalty kill, the visitors cashed in on an 2-on-1 opportunity when Josh Bly tipped the puck over the glove of Bison goalie, Byron Spriggs. Bly's goal would give the visitors the early 1-0 lead. The home side kept the pressure on the Cougars for the majority of the period but couldn't managed to beat Cameron Lanigan.

The table seemed to flip in the second period as Mount Royal exploded with three goals and would take a 4-1 lead into the locker room. Goals came from Tanner Olstad, Jamal Watson and the fourth from Austin Adamson, which saw Bison Adam Henry, and Cougar Jesse Lees go at each other after the puck had beat Spriggs.  Justin Augert added the lone goal for the home side.

The Bisons once again carried the play for most of the final period but couldn't manage to beat Lanigan for the tying goal despite having numerous opportunities.