REGINA – Looking to rebound following a disappointing result a night ago, the Lethbridge Pronghorns continued to search for their offensive game, dropping a second consecutive 4-1 decision to the Regina Cougars.
Scott Mickoski's first U SPORTS goal turned out to be the game-winner for the Cougars as his team was able to hold the Pronghorns to only a single goal for the second consecutive game.
Brandon Holtby was spectacular, making 34 saves to help the Cougars improve to 4–12-2 on the season, while Taz Burman made 32 saves for the Pronghorns who fall to 5-12-1.
Conner Chaulk recorded his second goal of the weekend, and Ben Duperreault scored two goals for the Cougars, while Torrin White scored for the Pronghorns.
Regina's first goal came less than two minutes into the game. Tanner Nagel wrapped the puck around the Pronghorns boards, leading to Chaulk battling with a Lethbridge defender on the boards before emerging with the puck and rifling a wrist shot short side into the back of the net. Mickoski extended the Cougars lead to 2-0 midway through the first period. Arthur Miller sent a pass up to Mickoski, who walked into the Pronghorns zone and fired a wrist shot by Burman's glove.
Both teams had opportunities in the second period, but Holtby and Burman could not be beat, making 13 and 10 saves each.
Duperreault gave the Cougars some breathing room with an early third-period goal. Tristan Frei won a faceoff to Duperreault, who took a quick shot and found the back of the twine.
Lethbridge fought back with a power-play goal midway through the third period. Cycling the puck in the Cougars zone, Taylor Fisher set Luke Coleman up with a one-timer which White deflected into the back of the net. Duperreault recorded his second goal of the night late in the third period with an empty netter, securing Regina's two-game sweep over the Pronghorns.
The Cougars will return to action next weekend, hosting the UBC Thunderbirds while Lethbridge will also be at home next weekend, this time facing the University of Saskatchewan.
