Box Score Lethbridge – The new look Lethbridge Pronghorns gave the two-time defending CIS Champion Alberta Golden Bears all they could handle on opening night but with two third period goals, the Bears downed the Pronghorns 2-0.
Jordan Hickmont and Riley scored for the Golden Bears.
'Horns senior goalie Dylan Tait stopped 28 of 29 shots his faced, while his counter-part Luke Siemen made 26 saves to earn the shutout.
"I'm proud of the way these men played tonight," said head coach Spiros Anastas. "We're a team that works on the process and our process was good tonight."
"Over time good process will prevail and our guys know that. So we get back to work tomorrow and stick to our process."
"We have a dedicated group and it showed tonight, we are excited to play U of A again tomorrow night."
Despite a scoreless opening twenty minutes, there was plenty of action in both directions. The Bears held a distinct 12-5 advantage in the shot department but 'Horns goaltender Dylan Tait stood tall in the crease, making some great saves to keep the game scoreless.
The Bears were 0 for 2 with the power play, while the 'Horns failed to score on their lone opportunity with the extra man.
The second period saw much of the same, but the 'Horns were able to get more shots directed towards Luke Siemens, outshooting the Bears 11-8.
Dalton Sward had the 'Horns best chance in the second frame while shorthanded, forcing Siemens into a turnover behind the net, but his wrap around was thwarted by a diving Siemens.
At the other end of the ice, Jordan Rowley had probably the best chance for the Bears, stepping to the top of the circle and ripping a shot but Tait flashed the leather to keep the game scoreless.
With eight minutes remaining, the Golden Bears got the break they needed. Hickmont's seeing eye shot from the top of the circles beat a screened Tait to give the Bears the first lead of the game.
The 'Horns had a power play a short time later but were unable to capitalize, despite have some solid zone time late in the man advantage.
For the next five minutes, the Bears played with poise and battened down the hatches, not allowing a quality chance against, while keeping possession in the 'Horns end.
With the goaltender pulled 'Horns right winger Mitch Maxwell had a glorious chance from the slot but Siemens was equal to the task and secured the Bears lead.
Kieser scored into the empty net with 30 seconds remaining to seal a Bears win.
The 'Horns and Bears will square off again tomorrow night, puck drops at 7:00pm at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
