Huskies prepare to meet Bears for first final in new rink

It’s a familiar Canada West Final in men’s hockey, and it will have a familiar ending.

But the setting will be brand new for the latest instalment in the rivalry between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

The Huskies and Bears will meet for their 17th Final of the last 23 seasons. No other team has won the championship since 1996.

Saskatchewan comes in ranked first in Canada West, but the Golden Bears are the top-ranked team in national standings.

“It’s probably one of the best rivalries in U Sports, not just hockey,” Huskies forward Kohl Bauml said.

“It’s a fun, intense atmosphere wherever we’re playing — whether it’s here or there.”

This year, the drama will play out at Merlis Belsher Place for the first time. So far, the Huskies have only lost one game in their new home — a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the U of A.

The Golden Bears haven’t lost a game since then.

However, Saskatchewan will have the confidence knowing they have this season’s Canada West Goaltender of the Year in net in the form of Taran Kozun.

“It kind of shows our boys came out to play every night,” Kozun said when asked about the award. “I want to say it’s more of a team award than a personal award.”

The Nipawin, Sask. goalie set a new Canada West record for wins (20) and posted the longest regular-season shutout streak in league history at 267 minutes and 32 seconds.

But he knows he’ll have to be at the top of his game for the Dogs to find success in their first Final   in their new digs.

“You know (the Golden Bears) are going to be shooting from everywhere and they come down with a lot of speed,” Kozun said.

“They’re really skilled over there.”

That skill includes Canada West player of the year Luke Philp, who led the league with 45 points in 24 regular season games, and defenceman of the year Jason Fram, who came fifth in league scoring with 30 points.

The Bears’ roster also boasts this season’s rookie-of-the-year in former Red Deer Rebel Grayson Pawlenchuk.

Huskies bench boss and Canada West coach-of-the-year  Dave Adolph said the matchup is going to be personal.

“I’ll be honest with you, it’s progressed where it’s frustrating for me,” Adolph said.

In his 26 years as head coach, Adolph has triumphed over Alberta in five Finals and lost 11.

“We’ve had some great teams … and they’ve had our number,” he said.

The Huskies will look to write a new chapter starting Friday at 7 p.m. in Merlis Belsher Place.