After a tough loss yesterday evening, the Briercrest hockey team came to the Barkman Arena in hopes of getting a win for their team and move up in the standings. An unfortunate slow start for the Clippers saw them down by four goals after the first fifteen minutes of the 1^st period; with two of those goals coming on the Augustana power play. Briercrest’s head coach Lloyd Friesen decided to switch things up and made a goaltender adjustment bringing in #30 Christian Mueller. The decision by Friesen seemed to make a difference as Briercrest went from being outshot 11 to 6 to ending the period leading in shots 15 to 14. Along with the abundance of shots in the last five minutes of play, #22 Branden Whitehawk got a beautiful rebound and put it high on Augustana’s goaltender to put them down by only three goals going into the 2^nd period.

Briercrest came into the 2^nd willing to battle but Augustana clearly had more energy. Eight minutes in Augustana claimed their first goal of the period putting them back up by four goals. Shortly after Augustana added to their goal wealth and put another on the board at the ten minute mark. Briercrest pressed hard gaining 13 shots on net yet it was Augustana who once again put the puck in the back of the net with just one minute left in the 2^nd period. Briercrest’s hopes of a win were growing slim as they headed into the dressing room down by six.

The 3^rd period was filled with opportunity for the Briercrest hockey team. Mid-way through the 3^rd A quick pass from #11 Josh Anderson to #9 Taylor Epp led to an opportunity for #19 Stephen Langford to put one past the Augustan goalie putting Briercrest down by five. With six minutes left in the third a slashing call on Augustana gave Briercrest the man advantage. A minute into the power play a shot by Whitehawk left a huge rebound and a wide open net for #3 Josh Dufresne to put one home. Briercrest ends the game down by four goals, yet played a strong third period. Final score was 7-3 for the Augustana Vikings. Shots on net Briercrest 43 and Augustana 38.

Players of the game: Briercrest’s #22 Branden Whitehawk with 1 goal and 1 assist, Augustana’s #1 Joel Danyluk with 40 saves.

Briercrest hits the road next weekend and will play the NAIT Ooks in Edmonton, Alberta. Friday’s game starts at 8:00pm Saskatchewan time and Saturday’s game starts at 3:00pm. You will be able to see a live stream at www.sportscanada.tv or find updates on the Briercrest Hockey Facebook page and on Briercrest Hockey’s Twitter.