Lethbridge – Sean Ringrose, the Golden Bears’ leading scorer, scored twice as the Alberta Golden Bears took game one of the weekend series, 3-1 over the Lethbridge Pronghorns at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
 
Boxscore
 
Jesse Craige had the other goal for the Bears, while Nick Hotson replied for the ‘Horns. Both goaltenders had solid nights for their respective teams, as Bear’s starter Real Cyr made 30 saves, including 15 in the third period to keep the ‘Horns at bay. At the other end, Scott Bowles turned away 28 of the 30 shots he faced.
 
The Golden Bears generated and maintained offensive pressure early, setting and controlling the pace of the game. Early penalties plagued the ‘Horns and an ensuing power play opportunity saw sophomore Craige notch his second of the season, as he found the back of the net with a rocket from just inside the blue line.
 
Later in the first, Greg Gardner was denied on the doorstep by the quick reflexes of the ‘Horns net-minder Bowles. Ringrose was more successful, however, beating Bowles far blocker side from the top of the faceoff circle – off the post and in, giving the Golden Bears a 2-0 edge, headed into the first intermission.
 
Lethbridge found life in the second and a successful cycle down low lead to scoring chances in tight. ‘Horns third-year center, Hotson, managed to find an opening; controlling the loose puck and sneaking it past Cyr to make it a one goal game.
 
A turnover at center ice led Daniel Iwanski to out-skate the Alberta defense, creating a breakaway chance as the second period drew to a close. Cyr held strong between the pipes, though, and denied the streaking winger who tried to go up and over his glove. Outshooting the Golden Bears in the second 13-10, Lethbridge looked to complete the comeback going into the third and final frame.
 
Looking for that elusive goal to knot things up in the third, the Pronghorns battled hard in the offensive zone, creating chances in front and forcing Cyr to play quick and smart, deep in his crease. The late effort was too little too late, however, and the Golden Bears held on for the win. Ringrose went on to score an empty netter with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock to seal the victory.
 
With this win, University of Alberta improves to 5-2-2 CW while the ‘Horns slip to 2-5-1 CW. Game two of the weekend series between the ‘Horns and Golden Bears goes tomorrow afternoon at 3:00pm at Nicholas Sheran Arena.