EDMONTON - The Alberta Pandas have earned the right to play for a 15th conference banner, thanks to a 2-0 Game 3 win over Mount Royal in the CW Semifinal. 

Madison Willan scored the game-winner 61 seconds into Game 3, as she was able to beat Cougars goalie Kaitlyn Ross on the first shot on goal in the game. Pandas goalie Halle Oswald stopped all 20 shots she faced, earning her fifth career playoff win and third post-season shutout.

"Right from the start of the series we knew it would come down to who capitalized on their chances. These two teams seem to be tied at the hip for a few years now, and they always present us with a great challenge." said Pandas acting head coach Darren Bilawchuk, who will now lead Alberta into their 20th Canada West Final appearance, and first since 2020.

Hayleigh Craig also added an empty netter for the Pandas, who will now move on to face UBC next weekend. Next week's winner will not only add another CW Banner to their rafters, but also qualify for the 2024 U SPORTS Championship, hosted by the Saskatchewan Huskies. 

"It's going to take our best game next week. We saw them not too long ago, and we know they will be a handful once again," said Bilawchuk of UBC. "We will start preparing for a great battle tomorrow." 

After getting shutout in Game 2 by Mount Royal, the Pandas came out firing early in the opening frame. Willan beat Ross off a cross-ice feed from Allison Reich, with her second goal of the season giving Alberta a 1-0 lead just over a minute in. 

Ross, who was terrific in Game 2, turning aside 21 saves in the shutout, was once again excellent in Game 3. After allowing the early goal, Ross stopped 32 consecutive shots to keep the Cougars alive, including 27 saves in the first and second period. 

If it wasn't for Ross, the game could have been over sooner. Alberta pressured relentlessly for an additional goal, but were unable to sneak one past Ross. 

MRU's best scoring chance of the opening frame came off the blade of Abbey Borbandy, as her shot beat Oswald clean, but bounced harmlessly off the cross-bar. 

Alberta held a 28-16 shot lead through 40 minutes, but their one-goal lead held. The Pandas also finished the night 0/3 on the powerplay, unable to extend their lead before the third. 

Facing elimination, the Cougars were only able to send four shots on goal in the third, thanks in large part to fantastic shot blocking from the Pandas. MRU was able to generate a healthy amount of offensive zone time, but were unable to get any shots through to Oswald. A blocked shot in the final 15 seconds left to Craig's empty net goal to seal the win. 

Game 1 of the 2024 Canada West Final is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Vancouver.