The 12th annual Crowchild Classic between Mount Royal University’s Cougars and the University of Calgary Dinos saw both teams claim victory in front of a record-breaking 13,324 fans Thursday night.
Mount Royal University’s men’s team beat the Dinos in a close match, while the University of Calgary women’s hockey team edged out the Cougars in a one-goal victory.
“There just aren’t many events like this on other campuses, and both institutions recognize how significant it is,” said Mount Royal Cougars head coach Scott Rivet.
This year’s annual women’s and men’s hockey doubleheader at the Scotiabank Saddledome saw two teams near the top of the Canada West standings go head-to-head in some intense play.
Historically, the Dinos have maintained the upper hand in the rivalry between the two universities separated by eight kilometres along Crowchild Trail, leading the all-time series 14-8 heading into the game.
Dinos women win another close one
History repeated itself Thursday night as the Dinos squeezed out another one-goal victory for the third consecutive year.
There was a lot at stake coming into tonight’s game.
With a sweep in this series, the Cougars would clinch the number one seed in the East and a bye to the semi-finals.
“The magnitude of these games is always big because we’re battling each other for necessary points at a crucial time of year,” said Rivet.
The first period was a back-and-forth period with only seven shots between the two teams.
Kindersley, Sask., native Caitlyn Perlinger opened the scoring for the Dinos in the second, potting it on the near side.
Dinos forward Josie McLeod would then extend the lead to 2-0 in the third period.
Cougars forward Gabby Lindsay would make it close, batting a puck mid-air to cut the lead to one.
Ultimately, it was not enough for the Cougars, who struggled to score on Dinos goaltender Amelia Awad.
Awad had another incredible performance at the Crowchild Classic, making 28 saves.
Cougars men capture crucial win
The men’s game also had a lot on the line.
With both teams tied in the standings, the winner of the game takes control of the first seed in the East.
“It’s a critical series this weekend for us here at Mount Royal. We’ve put ourselves in a position to be a contender,” said Mount Royal Cougars head coach Bert Gilling.
Cougars forward Vaughn Wattertodt opened the scoring with a slick backhander in the top of the net.
The Dinos would respond right back on the power play with Jake Poole scoring his 11th of the season.
Clay Hanus would score the winner with a one-timer.
Rivalry runs deep
It’s safe to say there was no blood lost between these two rivals.
A Mount Royal fan told the Calgary Journal he was amazed by the atmosphere.
“The energy is unreal,” he said.
Both Dinos and Cougars fans were not afraid to throw jabs at each other.
Occasional “MRC” chants — recalling the university’s roots as Mount Royal College — were heard coming from the Dinos’ side.
Rivet acknowledges the importance of the crowd and what the event means to both teams.
“Our student-athletes don’t get the opportunity to play in front of crowds like this at any level, so it’s something that gets circled on the calendar early,” said Rivet.
Gilling hopes this event can translate to more fans in the building for their upcoming playoff run.
“The hockey is great. Please don’t let that be the only game you show up to watch. Try to try to make it out,” said Gilling. “Get out and support these teams on playoff runs. It’s great hockey. It’s exciting.”