Men’s Football vs. UBC Thunderbirds 

After falling short to the Calgary Dinos in week one, the Huskies responded with a statement 43-15 victory over the Thunderbirds at Thunderbird Stadium in B.C., silencing the roaring crowd in UBC’s home opener. 

Receiver Sam Baker opened the scoring early in the first quarter, catching a five-yard pass from quarterback Mason Nyhus to jump out to a 7-0 lead. Running back Adam Machart continued the theme of early offence with a 43-yard dash to the end zone, giving the Huskies a 14-0 lead. The team did not relinquish the lead the rest of the game, with touchdowns from receiver Colton Klassen and running back Josh Ewanchyna, and a field goal from kicker David Solie. 

Nyhus continues his strong form from week one against the Dinos, throwing for 351 yards total with 18 completed passes and three touchdowns. Klaasen recorded another two touchdown game, with the receiver looking sharp after his injury in the 2019 season. The dynamic Huskies offence capitalized with its running game, as 2019 standout Machart and Ewanchyna both recorded over 90 net yards with a touchdown each. 

The Huskies will rest up with the Canada West bye-week before returning to action in their season home opener against the Alberta Golden Bears on Oct. 16. 

Women’s Soccer vs. Winnipeg Wesmen 

Describing the Huskies women’s soccer weekend against the Wesmen as dominant is somehow an understatement — the team earned six points with commanding 5-0 and 6-0 victories on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. 

The Huskies struck thrice within the first 15 minutes in the first game, with goals from Naleya Kobussen, Maya Gabruch and Payton Izsak. After seizing the lead early, the team remained aggressive, generating a total of 23 shots with 14 on goal throughout the game. After another goal from Kobussen, first-year defender Georgina Gannitsos-Clark’s first goal of her Canada West career solidified the team’s win. 

The onslaught of scoring continued on Oct. 2. The first half was all veterans, as 2019 standout Gabruch scored twice, with Hannah Zdunich-Costa adding in a long-range strike that found the back of the net. The rookies extended the team’s 3-0 lead at halftime in the second half, with Anna Oliver scoring the first goal of her Canada West career. Both Kobussen and Marie Kilcher continued their great form this season with a goal each to end the game 6-0. 

With the 12-game season over halfway complete, the Huskies have a formidable 6-1-1 record. After resting in the Canada West bye-week, they look to remain in command of the East division of Canada West soccer with a double header against the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16. 

Men’s Soccer vs. MacEwan Griffins 

The men’s soccer team suffered their first defeat of the season on Oct. 2 against the Griffins, but quickly bounced back with a victory the next day. 

The Oct. 2 game started with confusion as Huskies defenceman Aaron Hidalgo-Mazzei scored in the second minute, but the goal was called off after a review for a potential offside on the play. Although the Huskies kept up the pressure throughout the game, with a total of 26 shots, they were unable to capitalize. Griffins’ defenceman Zachary Rocht headed the ball in off a corner kick in the 22nd minute to give them their only goal of the game, one that was sufficient for the win. 

The Oct. 3 afternoon game was a different story, with the Huskies winning 4-0. Midfielder Robert Mackay opened the scoring off Tobias Hyrich-Krueger’s assist, with defenceman Zach Edwards recording a brace to extend the Huskies lead to 3-0. Midfielder Fraser McLeod came off the bench in the second half and swiftly found the back of the net, scoring the Huskies’ final goal of the game. 

The team sports a 3-1 record near the midpoint of the season. They will return home for two evening games against the Calgary Dinos on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9, looking to build on their strong start to the season. 

Men’s Hockey vs. Briercrest Clippers

The Huskies men’s hockey team continued their pre-season action with a pair of high-scoring games with the Clippers at Merlis Belsher Place on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. Both games were split-squad exhibition games, with the Huskies and Clippers players mixing to form Team Black and Team White, based on Huskies’ jersey colours. 

The first game was tied at two apiece after the first period, with Team White breaking out to a 4-3 lead after two periods. A goal in the third ensured Team White’s win. The second game was more nerve wracking, as Team White trailed after the second period 2-1. However, they clawed their way back into the game, prevailing with a 4-3 shootout victory. 

The Huskies will head to Edmonton for a pair of games against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. 

Women’s Hockey vs. MacEwan Griffins

The Huskies women’s hockey team concluded their preseason campaign against the Griffins with a 3-1 win in Unity, Sask. First-year forwards Kelsey Hall and Mallory Dyer each found the back of the net, with second-year forward Kate Ball rounding out the scoring.  

The game in Unity materialized due to assistant coach Nolan Horbach’s connection to the town. Unity Minor Hockey  organized the game and hosted a girls’ mini hockey camp where the Huskies helped 25 young female hockey players hone their game. 

The team takes the ice next in their season opener against the University of Regina Cougars in Regina on Oct. 22, with the home opener the very next day on Oct. 23 at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon.  

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Uday Chhina | Sports and Health Editor

Photos: As Credited