CALGARY, ALBERTA – Spencer Moe was the hero in game one of the Canada West Men's Hockey Semifinal, with the Mount Royal University Cougars defeating the University of Alberta Golden
Bears 3-2 in overtime.

Connor McClennon and Aidan de la Gorgendiere scored for the Bears, who never led in Game 1. de la Gorgendiere's goal midway through the second tied the game at 2-2, sending the game to extra time. Tyler Palmer made 26 saves for the Bears in his first career post-season start. 

Alberta got the first high-danger chance after Tyler Preziuso found himself on a breakaway but was stopped by Shane Farkas.

Blake Stevenson almost broke free all alone but was hauled down by Aidan de la Gorgendiere, giving Mount Royal a powerplay.

Although the Golden Bears successfully killed off that first penalty, the Cougars broke the ice just a few minutes later at even strength.

Justin Lies's shot from the top of the left circle was deflected by Josh Tarzwell, fooling Alberta goalie Tyler Palmer and giving MRU a 1-0 lead.

After missing last year's postseason due to injury, Mount Royal goaltender Shane Farkas made his impact in the first period, robbing Golden Bears winger with a fantastic glove save. Farkas's effort kept it 1-0 for MRU heading into the first intermission.

Halfway through the second frame, Alberta evened up the score. After the Cougars failed to get the puck out of their zone, Tschigerl found Connor McClennon wide-open for a one-timer and the Golden Bears forward rifled a shot for his third of the playoffs.

However, the equal score didn't last very long. Mount Royal star forward Connor Bouchard sprung Robbie Holmes on a breakaway and the Golden Bears were doing everything they could to withhold the former Regina Pat from scoring. Despite having Tyson Laventure draped all over him and even drawing a delayed penalty, Holmes got the puck to his forehand and shot the puck over the shoulder of Tyler Palmer.

Just like the second period, the resilient Golden Bears drew even again. While on the man-advantage, de la Gorgendiere sifted a shot from the point that found its way to the back of the net to tie the game at two.

The Golden Bears had a glorious opportunity to end the game with Connor McClennon firing another one-timer from the same spot that he scored earlier in the game but this time Shane Farkas read it perfectly, sliding across and denying McClennon point blank.

Less than 30 seconds later, Spencer Moe ended it with a wrist shot that whistled past Tyler Palmer's blocker. The sold-out FCA crowd was sent into bedlam.

Game two's puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Flames Community Arenas. Tickets can be purchased online and the game can be streamed live on Canada West TV - Powered by BioSteel.