Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

The lone team on the road last weekend, the Cougars women's hockey team opened up the 2023-24 season, taking on the University of Regina Cougars for a couple of games across the provincial border. After a dream season in 2022-23 where they took home a Canada West silver medal and most importantly the U SPORTS National Championship, Mount Royal was eager to start the new campaign on the right foot.

On Friday MRU defeated Regina in a comeback 3-2 overtime win. Regina got on the board first in the second period; however, Mount Royal evened the score before the period concluded thanks to a slick pass from Mackenzie Loupelle that found a wide open Aliya Jomha in front of the net. Jomha quickly snapped the puck past the netminder to make it 1-1 heading into the final frame.

Early in the third, Regina regained their lead and MRU had an uphill battle again. But just like the second period, Mount Royal tied it up. Allee Gerrard whipped the puck towards the screened Regina goalie and found twine to make it 2-2 with under three minutes left. 

In the ensuing overtime period, Kiana McNinch tapped in a perfect pass from Athena Hauck to end the game and secure the first win for MRU in the new season.

In Saturday's rematch, it was a much different story. Mount Royal was dominant right from the start and blew out the Regina Cougars 6-0. 

Friday's heroes, Gerrard and McNinch each got their second goal of the season, while veteran leaders Aliya Jomha and Lyndsey Janes both picked up two points. The big win was highlighted by an outstanding university hockey debut from forward Jerzey Watteyne. The rookie from Lafleche, Sask. scored two breakaway goals and added one assist in her first game in an MRU uniform. Reigning Canada West Defenceman of the Year, Emma Bergesen scored her own marker to make it six total goals on the day while netminder Scout Anderson registered the shutout.

The Cougars return home for a game they've had marked on their calendar for months. The 2022 national champions will raise their banner at Flames Community Arena on Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m. before a battle with the University of Alberta Pandas. Tickets to the game can be purchased online or streamed live on Canada West TV.