Lethbridge – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, playing host to the visiting University of Regina Cougars, put an end to their 7 game losing streak with a 5-2 win Friday night, as the two teams faced off at Nicholas Sheran  Arena.

Boxscore

Winston Day Chief scored twice for the Pronghorns, while Dustin Moore, Nicholas Hotson and Daniel Iwanski contributed with one apiece. Tyler Henry and Terrance DeLaronde responded for the Cougars.

Much of the period saw both teams playing end to end, pushing back and forth, but both teams struggled to find the back of the net.

Opening minutes of play saw a few golden opportunities for both clubs. Streaking up the right side, Brett Henke had his hard wrister gloved down by the Cougar’s rookie goaltender Lucas Gore. Regina’s Terrance DeLaronde also fired a quick shot off from the slot that was promptly denied by Lethbridge’s Scott Bowles.

The ‘Horns appeared to find some life towards the end of the period, generating offensive opportunities in the Cougars end. The game’s pace picked up and with bodies in front of the net, DJ McDougall took a hard pass in the slot and tried to chip it up and over an outstretched Gore but would be robbed by the keeper, whose quick reflexes kept the game scoreless.

Exchanging penalties as the first period came to a close, the Cougars tried to capitalize on the 4-on-4.  Bowles managed to contain a blast by second year forward Matt Strueby , getting into position to make his 10^th stop of the frame.

Lucas Isley’s textbook pass to Tyler Henry opened the scoring at 11:53, rifling it up and into the net top shelf past Bowles. 1-0 Cougars.

 Day Chief broke in on a partial breakaway, minutes later, after jumping on a Cougar turnover and released a low snap shot, blocker side from top of the circle at 13:31 to knot the game up at ones.

The Cougars would answer back quickly, though, as DeLaronde netted his 5^th on the year, regaining the lead for his team.

With the pace of the game showing no signs of letting up and with tempers beginning to flare up, both teams’ offensive lines were in high gear.  Nicholas Hotson added one for the home team at 17:41; tying things back up before heading into intermission.

The third period started with both teams looking to create the difference maker. With chances at each end, the go-ahead goal was there for the taking and Lethbridge seized the opportunity. Day Chief skillfully placed the puck past Gore, his second of the game, to give the hometown ‘Horns the edge.

Riding the momentum of the Day Chief goal, Pronghorns captain Dustin Moore beat Gore low stick side, at 9:12, increasing the margin to two, midway through the third.

Late in the frame, Dan Iwanski would another for the Pronghorns, beating the Regina net-minder blocker side.

Bowles was solid in the win, turning aside 31 shots, while Gore made 29 saves in a losing effort.

The Pronghorns and Cougars face off again tomorrow night, concluding the two game weekend series. Game time is 7:00pm and will also be broadcast live on http://canadawest.tv