EDMONTON – Skyler Bruce scored three times, including an empty-net goal in the final minute, to lead the Manitoba Bisons to a 4-2 win over the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Friday night at Silent Ice Center.

Bruce opened the scoring at 18:46 of the first period, and Manitoba took that 1-0 lead into the third. Alberta rallied early in the final frame, getting a goal from Colin Doherty at 2:24, assisted by Zane Saab and Dylan Ruptash, and then taking the lead when Alex Thacker scored at 9:15 off passes from Harper Lolacher and Ryder Matter.

The lead lasted just 48 seconds. Bruce tied the game at 10:03, and Dawson Pasternak put the Bisons ahead on the power play at 12:22, with Tanner Willick and Lucas Brennan setting him up. Alberta pulled goaltender Beckett Langkow late in search of an equalizer, and Bruce sealed it into the empty net at 19:04 to complete the hat trick.

Langkow made 14 saves in the loss, while Manitoba's Braden Holt stopped 18 of 20 shots. Alberta outshot the Bisons 20-18, but went 0-for-2 on the power play while Manitoba converted one of its two chances.

The loss drops the Golden Bears to 1-2-0 on the season, while Manitoba improves to 2-3-0.

-UA-