SASKATOON – Two-time U SPORTS goaltender of the year Jordon Cooke made 29 saves to lead the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to a 4-0 shutout over bitter rival the University of Alberta Golden Bears Saturday night in Rutherford Rink.
The fourth-year goaltender from Leduc, Alta., stopped nine Golden Bear shots in the first, seven in the second and 13 in the third for the shutout win.
With the win, Saskatchewan splits the weekend series between the nationally ranked teams and becomes the first team in 2017-18 to defeat Alberta. The No. 3 ranked Huskies move to 9-2-1, while the No. 1 Golden Bears are 11-1-0. A night earlier, the Bears won 6-1.
Logan McVeigh opened the scoring at 9:55 in the first period when his quick shot from just inside the left faceoff circle shot beat Zach Sawchenko stick side.
Just 3:28 into the second period, Carson Stadnyk gave the Huskies a two goal lead after he picked up the puck in the neutral zone. He released a quick shot from the right faceoff circle sending it just under the crossbar by Sawchenko. The Huskies would add another goal at 19:34 when Josh Roach made his way into the slot and beat Sawchenko five hole.
The Golden Bears had a big opportunity to get back in the game with back-to-back power plays at 8:13 and 10:19 in the third period. But they couldn't capitalize on their four shots on the power play. Alberta was also on the power play with 2:46 left in the game and pulled Sawchenko for the 6-on-4. But couldn't find the back of the net.
Roach added the empty net goal at 19:20 to seal the win.
Sawchenko made 32 saves in the loss for the Golden Bears.
The Huskies travel to Calgary to meet the Mount Royal Cougars next weekend, while the Golden Bears return home to host the UBC Thunderbirds.