Box Score Lethbridge - The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns dropped the first of a two-game series against the visiting University of Regina Cougars, 4-3, Friday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena.

Scoring for the Cougars were Sanfred King, Carter Selinger, Matt Strueby and John Sonntag. Clayton Cumisky earned two goals for the Pronghorns, while Chase Schaeber added the third.

Full stats: http://www.leaguestat.com/canadawest/mens/en/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1179

Damien Ketlo started in net for Lethbridge and faced 26 shots before being relieved in the second frame by Dylan Tait, who turned aside all 15 he faced. Andrew Hayes looked strong for Regina, turning aside 35 of the 38 shots.

King opened the scoring, unassisted, at 2:22, releasing a quick one from the slot and giving the visiting team an early edge. Selinger would add a second marker soon after, using his aggressive stick to poke a loose pack past Ketlo.

Failing to covert on a couple of close chances by Hayden Rintoul and DJ McDougal, the 'Horns weren't able to break Hayes. Tim Campbell's rocket from the slot was also denied by the keeper, as Regina held strong, keeping their two point lead in tact headed into the break.

Early in the second, the Cougars would add another as Sonntag's blast from just outside the redline smoked the top corner, beating Ketlo glove-side.
Regina's offensive effort continued to push the pace and it paid off for them, once again, as Strueby managed to outmaneuver an outstretched Ketlo at 11:48 and widening the gap to four and that spelled the end of Ketlo’s night. The 'Horns answered right back though as Cumisky deflected Henke's hard shot, putting the puck past Hayes, cutting the Cougar lead to three.

Out-shot 19-9 in the second period, the ‘Horns looked to regroup in the intermission and attempt to mount a comeback, trailing the Cougars 4-1 after 40 minutes of play.

The ‘Horns did just that coming out the gate with some desperation in the third, looking to bounce back after struggling offensively in the second. Seventeen seconds into the frame, freshman Schaeber's quick shot snuck through Hayes' five hole, bringing the 'Horns within two.

The ‘Horns continued to turn up the heat throughout the period, out shooting the Cougars 19-10 in the period but it took to the final seconds for their persistence to pay off with the man advantage. Cumisky buried his second of the night, from Schaeber and Rintoul, making it 4-3 Cougars with only 36-seconds left, but that's as close as the hometown team would come.

Game two of the weekend series goes tomorrow night at Nicholas Sheran Arena. Puck drops at 7pm. The game will also be broadcast live at www.canadawest.tv
 
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