USask Huskies forward Chantz Petruic takes a shot on net as Jeff Faith tries to provide a screen against the University of Regina Cougars. (Katie Brickman-Young/HuskieFAN)

By Katie Brickman-Young

Franklin nets winner late

Huskies beat Cougars in home opener

Oct 23, 2021 | 9:29 AM

Zane Franklin is enjoying being a University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskie.

The first year forward scored the game winner for the Huskies in their home opener at Merlis Belsher Place, as they defeated the University of Regina Cougars 3-2 in Canada West action Friday night.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a game, but I think it was a success. A win is a win, but I think we will try to make it a little less stressful the next time,” said Franklin.

It has been 597 days since the Huskies last saw game action and it was forward Justin Ball that got the home team on the board with the first goal of the 2021-22 season in the opening period.

The Cougars tied it up with a goal from Tanner Sidaway in the second period.

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Penalties were an issue for the Huskies, giving the Cougars nine opportunities on the man advantage, but the Huskies were perfect on the penalty kill.

“We need to work on the discipline part – there is no point in being the box,” said Babcock. “When you get in your own way, you make the game harder than it should be. We need to stay out of the box.”

As would be expected after a long stretch of inaction, the Huskies looked a little “hectic” throughout the game.

“I think everyone was a little eager to chase the puck around, but I think we got playing our game in the third,” said Franklin.

The Cougars took the lead early in the third period on a shot from Turner Ripplinger that beat rookie goaltender Roddy Ross, who started in net over veteran Travis Child.

“It’s simple, you try to find the best guy that can give you the best chance to win,” said Babcock on choosing Ross. “I thought Ross was real solid and we gave up some ugly scoring chances and he made big saves that helped us survive and get the win. I thought he was our best player.”

The Huskies had to shuffle their lines early after Vince Loschiavo was injured in the first period after taking an awkward fall behind the net and colliding with a linesman along the boards. Babcock did not have an update on Loschiavo’s injury after the game but stated it would be a while before he returned to the lineup.

They then lost forward Jeff Faith on a boarding penalty and game misconduct in the second period.

“It doesn’t make things easier at all. That puts the coaches in a tough spot and put the forwards in tough spot after practicing with the same guys,” said Franklin. “But it goes back to us adjusting in the game.”

Rookie forward Chantz Petruic scored the equalizer, deflecting a shot from the point. Petruic was creating scoring opportunities and creating havoc for Cougars goaltender Brandon Holtby throughout the game.

“They (Franklin and Petruic) are real good players and very skilled and confident guys. They are going to be important pieces for us,” said Babcock.

Franklin scored the eventual game winner just under two minutes later after Donovan Neuls pulled Holtby out of position to give Franklin the open cage to put the Huskies on top.

“I saw the first two (goals) go in and the crowd erupted,” said Franklin. “It was nice to get my own and it was a good feeling. Hopefully there are a couple more to come down the road.”

Prior to the game, the Huskies unveiled their 2018-19 Canada West W.G. Hardy Trophy championship banner.

The Huskies will play the rematch against the Cougars in Regina on Saturday night.