Written by Kelsey Schaefer, Manitoba Bisons
WINNIPEG – Bison men's hockey player Zach Franko scores his first regular-season goal in overtime against the No. 2 Saskatchewan Huskies, lifting Manitoba to a come from behind 4-3 win in overtime on Friday at the Wayne Fleming Arena.
With the win, Manitoba is now 2-3-0 record while Saskatchewan drops to 4-0-1 on the young season.
Manitoba looked like they were going to suffer their third loss in a row when they found the back of the net with only 15 seconds left in regulation to tie the game.
With only 15 seconds left on the clock, Kamerin Nault scored in the slot and sent the game into overtime.
With two minutes left in the first overtime, Brett Stovin passed the puck to Zach Franko, who took a slap shot on a one-timer and the game-winner for the Bisons.
Manitoba player Nick Zajac got the game started by getting the team's first goal, followed by their first penalty. Saskatchewan reciprocated with two goals by John Lawrence and Josh Roach. The Bisons finished the first period behind Saskatchewan, with a score of 2-1. The Huskies outshot Manitoba 10-4.
The home side started the second period with determination with a goal two minutes in. Saskatchewan's player caught a high shot, hitting it back to the ice beside the net when Shawn Bowles snuck up to slip it in and tie the game.
Bison goaltender Byron Spriggs put on an admirable performance during the second period, blocking twice as many shots as the opposition's goalie. Spriggs continued to protect the net even when he was knocked down and pinned under a teammate. The score remained 2-2 throughout the second period.
Within two minutes of the third period, the visitors gained momentum with a goal by Kohl Bauml. Spriggs returned with back-to-back saves immediately after.
The teams will meet again Saturday night at 7 p.m.