Huskies MHKY: Tensions boil over in electric Game Two as Huskies force winner-take-all match tomorrow

Last night had some fiery moments between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and UBC Thunderbirds, but tonight was a much different animal. UBC entered Game 2 leading the best-of-three series 1-0, with a chance to secure their spot in the Canada West Championships. A loss at home was rare for Saskatchewan this season, only happening once in the regular season back on October 25. The game wasn’t a complete takeover by UBC, as they had moments to close out the series but a late five-minute charging call would send Saskatchewan to the man advantage where they would score two goals, and win the game 3-2.

Like last night, UBC scored first and early thanks to defenseman Jake Lee joining the rush and sniping one past the glove of Jordon Kooy. In the late stages of the first period and down 12-2 on the shot clock, Saskatchewan would get a late power-play and would tie the game thanks to Landen Kosior getting his second in as many games. The shots in the first ended 15-6 in favor of UBC with the late goal from the Dogs injecting some life into the bench. The second period was better for the Huskies with UBC still having the better of the chances and outshooting Saskatchewan 11-4 with the score remaining one a piece.

Just over a minute into the third period, Jake Wright received a perfect pass from Ty Thorpe and buried it, giving UBC a 2-1 lead and putting them within reach of the championship series. The turning point of the game would come with 5:45 left as UBC defenseman Jonny Lambos caught Huskies forward Ben Tkachuk up high and would receive five and game misconduct for charging, sending Saskatchewan to the power-play. Chantz Petruic scored a minute later to ignite the crowd and tie the game at two. With just over a minute left in regulation, veteran forward Vince Loschiavo netted the game-winning goal, sending the Merlis Belsher Place crowd into a frenzy and securing the crucial victory to force a decisive Game 3 tomorrow night at 6:00.

Tensions boiled over after the final whistle with most players already on the ice pushing and shoving, and lots of comments from both benches to setup a thrilling finale tomorrow night. Below is a game summary courtesy of Canada West and postgame comments from head coach Brandin Cote and forward Vince Loschiavo.

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UBC 2 at Saskatchewan 3 – Status: Final
Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Merlis Belsher Place

UBC 1 0 1 – 2
Saskatchewan 1 0 2 – 3

1st Period-1, UBC, Lee 1 (Kindree), 5:47. 2, Saskatchewan, Kosior 2 (Petruic), 19:19 (PP). Penalties-McNabb Ubc (roughing), 18:31; McDonald Ubc (interference), 19:56.

2nd Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Wright Ubc (checking from behind), 3:40; Rhinehart Ssk (tripping), 8:12; Kosior Ssk (holding), 11:54; Huo Ubc (hooking), 16:49.

3rd Period-3, UBC, Wright 3 (Thorpe, Lee), 1:26. 4, Saskatchewan, Petruic 2 (Kosior, Keeler), 15:25 (PP). 5, Saskatchewan, Loschiavo 1 (Petruic), 19:16 (PP). Penalties-Latimer Ubc (tripping), 6:18; Petruic Ssk (slashing), 6:30; Sadhra-Kang Ubc (roughing), 11:53; Wong Ssk (slashing), 11:53; Lambos Ubc (major-charging), 14:25.

Shots on Goal-UBC 15-11-5-31. Saskatchewan 6-4-10-20.
Power Play Opportunities-UBC 0 / 4; Saskatchewan 3 / 7.
Goalies-UBC, Schwebius (20 shots-17 saves). Saskatchewan, Kooy (31 shots-29 saves).
A-2,316
Referees-Adam Forbes, Bryce Sebastian.
Linesmen-Tanner McGregor, Marc Guitard.

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Postgame Media Scrum with Huskies Head Coach Brandin Cote: