By Western Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. – Team Saskatchewan defeated Team Manitoba 6-3 in the opening game of the 2012 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup on Thursday afternoon at Father David Bauer arena in Calgary, AB. 

Wyatt Sloboshan scored a shorthanded goal and set up two more and Ethan Bear scored twice while Rykr Cole added a goal and an assist for Saskatchewan. 

Colt Conrad tallied a goal and two assists for Manitoba in the loss. 

Team Saskatchewan faces Team BC on Friday morning while Team Manitoba will take on Team Alberta on Friday evening.

SASKATCHEWAN 6, MANITOBA 3

First Period
1 – SK – Bear (Sloboshan) PP, 8:43
2 – MB – Purtill (Keane, Conrad) PP, 10:42
3 – MB – Shearer  (McDonald, Conrad) PP, 19:49

Second Period
4 – MB – Conrad (Shearer, Keane) PP, 3:05
5 – SK – Hobbs (White), 10:15
6 – SK – Bear (Sloboshan, Cole), 15:38
7 – SK – Halbgewachs (Nagy), 17:24
8 – SK – Cole (Olson), 18:18

Third Period
9 – SK – Sloboshan (Litwin) SH, 0:24

SOG:
SK: 7, 8, 8 = 23
MB: 7, 3, 6 = 16

Goalies:
Flodell (SK) – 13/16

Verhelst (MB) – 10/16
Petit (MB – 7/7

Players of the Game:
SK – Sloboshan
MB – Conrad

————————————-

For more information on the 2012 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup, CLICK HERE

GAME SCHEDULE:
*all games will take place at Father David Bauer arena (Calgary, AB)

Thursday, November 1
Game #1 – Saskatchewan 6 – Manitoba 3
Game #2 – British Columbia @ Alberta 

Friday, November 2
Game #3 – British Columbia @ Saskatchewan (11:30 am MST)
Game #4 – Alberta @ Manitoba (3:00 pm MST)

Saturday, November 3
Game #5 – Saskatchewan @ Alberta (11:30 am MST)
Game #6 – Manitoba @ British Columbia (7:00 pm MST)

Sunday, November 4
Game #7 – BRONZE MEDAL GAME, @ 9:30am MST
Game #8 – GOLD MEDAL GAME, @ 1:00pm MST