Canada West Semi Final: Manitoba pushes semifinal to decisive Game 3

by Nicole Betker, USask Sports Information

Archive photo courtesy Chris Zuk / U of Manitoba Athletics: Jared Walker scored twice, including the winning goal, helping Manitoba even its semifinal series with Saskatchewan at one game apiece

SASKATOON - The University of Manitoba Bisons earned an extra lifeline with a 4-2 win in Game 2 of a Canada West Semifinal series against the Saskatchewan Huskies Saturday night in Saskatoon's Rutherford Rink.

Manitoba's win ties the best-of-three series at 1-1 and sends it to a third and deciding game. The winner of the series will move on to face the winner of the Calgary-Alberta semifinal in the Canada West final. They will also move on as one of two conference berths in the University Cup in Thunderbay March 25-28.

Bisons Jared Walker and Tyler Dittmer each had multiple points on the night. Walker scored the Bisons first two goals and Dittmer finished the game with two assists.

Manitoba opened the scoring with Walker's first goal. It came on a rebound that beat veteran Huskie netminder Jeff Harvey glove side at 4:43 in the first period. The Huskies were able to equalize the score at 15:30 when rookie Kyle Bortis popped the puck over the outstretched hands of Bison goalie Steve Christie. Just 1:35 later, Manitoba was able to gain back their one goal lead when Walker netted his second. He was able to bat a high rebound from Harvey out of the air and into the back of the net.

With no scoring in the second period, Manitoba was the first to strike again at 5:48 in the third period. Greg Beller came out the victor on a scramble in front of the net that he was able to chip over Harvey. Rick Wood gave the Bisons a three goal lead at 9:36. On a power play, Steven Gillen brought the Huskies back within two goals at 11:44. Saskatchewan pulled Harvey with 1:45 left in the game in favour of the extra attack but despite spending the majority of the final time in the Manitoba's end the Huskies couldn't get back the goals.

In the win Christie made 36 saves for the Bisons, while Harvey stopped 30 in the loss.

Game 3 puck drop is 7:00 p.m. CT at Rutherford Rink.