Huskies get leg up on Bisons in series

by Nicole Betker, USask Sports Information

SASKATOON - The University of Saskatchewan Huskies earned a leg up in the race to host a Canada West semifinal with a 4-1 decision over the No. 9-ranked Manitoba Bisons Friday night at Saskatoon's Rutherford Rink.

Entering the weekend, the Bisons and the Huskies each sat with 30 points and in second place in the conference standings. The win moves the Huskies to 14-7-4, while the Bisons drop to 14-9-2. Saskatchewan now has 32 points, is in sole possession of second place and has clinched a playoff spot. Two more wins or one and some help would lock up home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Huskie captain and leading scorer Steven DaSilva made up for lost time after missing last weekend's series against the Calgary with two goals and one assist on the night.. Linemate Kyle Bortis also finished the night with multiple points with two assists.

DaSilva opened the scoring just 4:50 into the game with a wrap around that beat Manitoba's Steve Christie stick side. The 2008-09 Canada West MVP and Rookie of the Year added his second goal just one minute into the second period. After winning the face off, DaSilva went to the net, shot the puck and then scored on the rebound on his backhand . It gave the Huskies a two goal advantage.

Rookie Andrew Bailey helped the Huskies a three goal cushion on a scrum in front of the net at 2:06 in the third period. Manitoba attempted a comeback when Bison Mike Hellyer made it a two goal game when he scored on a shot that rebounded off the backboards and ended up in front of the net catching Reekie of guard.

The Hellyer goal was the lone the Bisons could muster. Kyle Ross added the empty netter for the at 19:03.

Reekie stopped 34 of the 35 shots he faced on goal, while Christie stopped 38 of 41 in the game. Bison backup Jesse Deckert made one save when he entered the game for just over a minute when Christie went to the bench for an equipment repair.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night. Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. CT at Rutherford Rink. The game will be webcast at http://www.educationcdn.com/schools/huskies/

Game Notes
Huskie captain Steven DaSilva's three points in the game added $300 to his Huskies Play For A Cure point tally. For every point DaSilva scores in the second half of the season, Reality Executives will donate $100. The total is at $900.