Box Score Game Summary

First-year goaltender #A.J. Whiffen# stopped 33 shots to backstop the University of Regina's men's hockey team to a 2-1 win over Saskatchewan in a Canada West game on Friday night in Saskatoon.

Pressed into service with Adam Ward unavailable for the weekend because of a suspension, Whiffen gave up a goal to Saskatchewan's Brenden Dowd six minutes into the first period and was perfect the rest of the way. Whiffen made 11 saves in each of the three periods.

The Cougars' two goals both came on power play goals early in the middle frame. Cody Thoring's unassisted goal 1:26 into the second tied the game at one, and Dillon Johnstone's first of the season five minutes later would stand as the game-winning marker. Thoring and Matt Strueby both assisted on Johnstone's goal.

The Cougars improve to 3-2-0 and are first in the Canada West standings, though they have at least two games in hand on the other six teams in the conference. Saskatchewan falls to 1-2-0 with the loss.

Regina won the special teams battle, going 2-for-6 on the power play and holding Saskatchewan scoreless on its nine opportunities with the man advantage. The Cougars were outshot 34-17 during the contest.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday night at The Co-Operators Centre in Regina. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.