2017-18 Manitoba Bisons/USports Thread

[Hollywood3]

SUPPLEMENTARY PREVIEW

There are some additional Regina and Manitoba links for a supplementary preview. Then comes the material on the early start to the weekend.

• GoBisons: [Series Preview]
• GoBisons: [Scholarship Fundraiser Tickets]
• CW: [Alumni Spotlight: Wilcox's Regina hockey connections run deep]

The Bisons have posted a series preview blurb, and they have a link for tickets to the fundraiser dinner on January 31st. There was nothing new on the Regina site, but the CW did an Alumni Spotlight on former goalie Darren Wilcox, complete with a 1980s era team photo.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 6
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5
(in overtime)

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View]
Stories: [MRU] : [rp @CW] : [UofC]
CW: [Alumni Spotlight: Calgary Dinos proved to be perfect fit for Quinn]
YouTube: [The New West in 90 - MHKY (Jan. 25, 2018)]

The CW weekend got off to an early start as the Bedrock Dinos played the Mount Royal Bluegars in the annual Crowchild Classic before a large crowd of boisterous fans at the Saddledome. It was a wild and crazy affair. Tied 2-2 after two periods, neither goalie could stop anything in the 3rd period. The Dinos scored on 3 of 8 shots on Cam Lanigan, and the Bluegars scored 3 goals on 7 shots on Matthew Greenfield. The game also had wild swings in scoring. The Dinos led 2-0, then fell behind 3-2. They regained a 4-3 lead, then the Bluegars regained a 5-4 lead. Despite the onslaught of goals, Jamie King of MRU was the only one to score twice. It seems that overtime is becoming a regular feature of these games. The rematch goes Friday night at Bedrock.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Jan 25 Laurier 2 W. Ontario 6
Jan 25 Ryerson 4 Brock 3 (ot)

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood3]

Jan 26: Bisons Win a Wild One

REGINA COUGARS 6
MANITOBA BISONS 8

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM*]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [UofR]

What a crazy game this was. The game had a raucous crowd of needy youth, mostly disabled and lots in wheelchairs. It was nice to see these kids getting a night out. But the teams often forgot to play as their coaches wanted, which was entertaining and frustrating all at once.

The best news was that three injured players were back in the lineup (Channing Bresciani, Nick Zajac, and Kamerin Nault), and goaltender Justin Paulic hit the ice for the first time. Here's how the teams lined up:

MANITOBA

Goal
35 Spriggs (1st period) – 1 Paulic (3rd period)

Defence
2 Henry – 25 Skrumeda
16 Heinrich – 4 Bresciani
3 Christensen

Forwards
27 Franko – 14 Nault – 18 St. Croix
12 Zajac – 13 Laurencelle – 28 Stovin
8 Bilton – 21 Brooks – 24 Augert
26 Lisoway – 23 Schreyer – 22 B Bowles – 17 Callis

Scratches
9 Douglas – 11 Sharonov – 15 S Bowles
19 Spencer – 20 Keane – 29 Wasylak
34 Sydora

REGINA

Goal
31 MacAuley (35 Herringer)

Defence
8 Bourhis – 4 Schacher – 25 Nagel
7 King – 18 Luhning
28 Peel – 5 Burns

Forwards
21 Langford – 13 Frei – 17 Kosloski
20 Duperreault – 12 Stevely – 27 Fowlie – 14 McNulty
22 Sparrow – 16 McPhee – 15 Hansen – 29 Predinchuk

Scratches
2 Bear – 10 Coleshaw – 19 Marr
23 Magnus – 30 Holtby – 32 Zborosky

So with Bresciani returning, captain Brett Stovin returned to the forward lines as the team stuck with the five defencemen rotation they have used most of the season, along with a 4th line which rotates 4 players. Regina had 8 players listed as defencemen in their lineup, 7 of whom played there. That left 11 forwards, and they largely interchanged. I listed them in the three groupings in which they typically played. And here's who scored:

1st 03:00 – Reg Ben Duperreault (4)
1st 07:07 – Man Blake Heinrich (3)
1st 11:12 – Man Michael St. Croix (9)
1st 11:47 – Man Liam Bilton (5)
1st 13:28 – Man Liam Bilton (6) (SH)
2nd 05:23 – Reg Landon Peel (2)
2nd 10:15 – Man Quintin Lisoway (8)
2nd 12:29 – Man Brad Bowles (2) (PP)
2nd 13:18 – Man Brett Brooks (6)
2nd 15:52 – Reg Jordan Burns (2)
3rd 06:17 – Reg Zach McPhee (5)
3rd 14:22 – Reg Landon Peel (3)
3rd 18:19 – Man Quintin Lisoway (9) (PP)
3rd 18:37 – Reg Stephen Langford (2)

Byron Spriggs got the win with 16 saves on 19 shots, and Paulic's relief appearance saw him stop 4 of 7 shots. Dawson MacAuley took the loss with 27 stops on 35 shots. Now those save percentages are not impressive. However, the Bison forwards pushed aside the Kittens' defence at will and, once they had amassed the lead, they played out of position and were caught going forward before they had accomplished a clearance of their zone.

The most positive aspect of the game was that 7 of the 8 goals came from the 3rd and 4th lines. Since they were ahead by 3 goals most of the game, they were able to dole out generous ice time to everybody.

Saturday's rematch goes at 1:00 p.m.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 8
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA]

The Hørny Ønes came up with a stinker here, and it looks like they are headed to another late season slide from the playoffs. Too bad. Jamie Crooks (with his 5th and 16th) and Steven Owre (with his 11th and 12th) led the Evil Monkeys with their combined 4 goals. Brendan Burke stopped 27 of 28 shots for the win, and Garret Hughson stopped 29 of 34 in 35 minutes to suffer defeat. Ty Edmonds came on in relief to stop 9 of 12.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @MRU]

In the Town of Bedrock, everybody dressed in red is shouting Yabba Dabba Doo! They got a must-needed sweep to keep their playoff hopes alive. The teams each had two powerplay goals when Cain Franson scored the only even-strength goal of the night to get the win. That's two game-winners in two days for him. An empty-netter put the game away. Jordan Papirny stopped 25 of 27 shots for the win. After riding veteran Cam Lanigan, the Bluegars never dressed him. Wyatt Hoflin stopped 18 of 21 shots to take the loss, and former starter Colin Cooper was the backup.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 5

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC*] : [rp @CW*] : [rp @UofS]

How do you outshoot a team 41-18 and lose 5-1? Well, the Banjo Mutts found a way to do just that Friday night in British California. Matt Hewitt stopped 40 of 41 for the win, and Jordon Cooke had an off night with 13 stops on 17 shots. Michael Stenerson had his 10th and 11th goals of the season, the latter into an empty net, to lead the way for the T-irds. Catching a break with a pair of forfeited losses by the Dinos has seemingly sparked the T-irds.

STANDINGS

OUT EAST

Ontario
Jan 26 Concordia 2 Carleton 4
Jan 26 Guelph 5 Toronto 4
Jan 26 R.M.C. 3 Laurentian 4 (ot)
Jan 26 U.O.I.T. 2 Nipissing 3
Jan 26 Waterloo 4 Windsor 7
Jan 26 York 5 Lakehead 4 (ot)

Atlantic
Jan 26 U.P.E.I. 4 Moncton 1
Jan 26 St. F.X. 3 Saint Mary's 2 (ot)

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West
Jan 27 Alberta at Lethbridge
Jan 27 Regina at Manitoba
Jan 27 Saskatchewan at U.B.C.

Atlantic
Jan 27 Acadia at Dalhousie
Jan 27 Moncton at New Brunswick

Ontario
Jan 27 Brock at W. Ontario
Jan 27 Carleton at McGill
Jan 27 Concordia at U.O.I.T.
Jan 27 Guelph at Laurier
Jan 27 Queen's at Laurentian
Jan 27 R.M.C. at Nipissing
Jan 27 Ryerson at Toronto
Jan 27 U.Q.T.R. at Ottawa
Jan 27 Waterloo at Windsor
Jan 27 York at Lakehead

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Saturday Morning Links

Last night there were some links not yet updated as I posted. Now here they are:

Boxscores: [UofM]

Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW]

 

[RED ARMY EAST]

Since the horns will host next year, CanadaWest will see 3 teams.
Do the Horns graduate many players this year??
A complete rebuild would be tough, in that short of a time.

 

[Hollywood3]

Jan 27: Convincing Sweep For the Bisons

REGINA COUGARS 1
MANITOBA BISONS 7

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [UofR]

Tough weekend for the Kittens. A Herd of stampeding Bison is too much for cute little kitties to handle. Bubbles would be appalled. There was some feistiness late in the game, which was controlled by the referees.

The Bison alignment for the first and second periods was identical to Friday's. However, Dasan Sydora dressed as backup goaltender in place of Justin Paulic. In the 3rd period, Brett Stovin was shifted from forward to defence and the team rolled four lines and three defence pairs.

For Regina, Dawson MacAuley had started in goal on Friday but did not suit up on Saturday. Michael Herringer played the first two periods and Brandon Holtby played the 3rd period. Here's how the Bisons lined up in the 3rd period:

Goal
35 Spriggs (34 Sydora)

Defence
16 Heinrich – 25 Skrumeda
2 Henry – 3 Christensen
4 Bresciani – 28 Stovin

Forwards
27 Franko – 14 Nault – 18 St. Croix
12 Zajac – 13 Laurencelle – 24 Augert
23 Schreyer – 21 Brooks – 8 Bilton
17 Callis – 22 B Bowles – 26 Lisoway

Scratches
1 Paulic - 9 Douglas – 11 Sharonov
15 S Bowles - 19 Spencer – 20 Keane
29 Wasylak

And here's who scored:

1st 11:04 – Man Remi Laurencelle (5)
1st 12:32 – Man Joel Schreyer (2)
2nd 03:39 – Reg Jordan Burns (3)
2nd 05:55 – Man Kamerin Nault (11)
2nd 10:27 – Man Quintin Lisoway (10)
2nd 18:29 – Man Warren Callis (3)
3rd 02:06 – Man Justin Augert (4) (PP)
3rd 19:19 – Man Lucas Skrumeda (2) (PP)

Byron Spriggs stopped 26 of 27 shots for the win. Herringer stopped 21 of 26 shots to take the loss, and Holtby stopped 13 of 15 shots in relief. Seven different Bisons scored, and the 1st line had one goal, and the rest had two goals each.

Next weekend the Bisons play their final home games of the regular season against Lethbridge. Friday's game starts at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday's rematch goes at 1:00 p.m.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 9
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA]

Before the Bisons get too pumped by their 15 goal weekend, the Evil Monkeys beat that with 17 goals of their own. This has to be devastating for the Hørny Ønes, who are now tied for 6th place and looking like they will be pipped at the wire for the 3rd consecutive season. The Monkeys continued rotating goalies, as Zach Sawchenko got the win with 29 saves on 31 shots. Meanwhile, Lethbridge went to backup goaltender Ty Edmonds, who stopped 33 of 42 shots to taste defeat. Stephane Legault scored twice for the winners, and was the only one to do so.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofS]

After the T-irds caught a lucky break with two bonus wins over Bedrock U, they evidently took that seriously. They are now on a 6-game winning streak and are 7-1 in the 2nd semester. Rylan Toth got a 27 save win, and Jordon Cooke got a 27 save loss.

STANDINGS

Here's what we know:

1. Alberta is guaranteed a first round bye.
2. Saskatchewan needs another win or OTL to be guaranteed a first round bye.
3. Manitoba and UBC can finish no worse than 5th.
4. Manitoba needs one more win or MRU loss to be a guaranteed at least hosting a quarter-final.
5. UBC needs one more win over MRU to be a guaranteed at least hosting a quarter-final.
6. Lethbridge and Calgary could still finish ahead of MRU.
7. Lethbridge holds the tie-breaker over Calgary.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Jan 27 Brock 3 W. Ontario 2 (ot)
Jan 27 Carleton 1 McGill 6
Jan 27 Concordia 3 U.O.I.T. 5
Jan 27 Guelph 5 Laurier 3
Jan 27 Queen's 3 Laurentian 1
Jan 27 R.M.C. 4 Nipissing 3
Jan 27 Ryerson 3 Toronto 4 (ot)
Jan 27 U.Q.T.R. 2 Ottawa 5
Jan 27 Waterloo 2 Windsor 1 (so)
Jan 27 York 4 Lakehead 0

Atlantic
Jan 27 Acadia 2 Dalhousie 6
Jan 27 Moncton 4 New Brunswick 7

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West
Feb 02 Calgary at Regina
Feb 02 Lethbridge at Manitoba
Feb 02 Saskatchewan at Alberta
Feb 02 U.B.C. at Mount Royal

Atlantic
Jan 31 Moncton at Dalhousie

Ontario
Jan 31 McGill at U.Q.T.R.
Jan 31 Waterloo at W. Ontario – from Jan 12
Feb 01 Carleton at U.O.I.T.
Feb 01 Lakehead at Ryerson
Feb 01 R.M.C. at Queen's
Feb 01 W. Ontario at Laurier

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Since the horns will host next year, CanadaWest will see 3 teams.
Do the Horns graduate many players this year??
A complete rebuild would be tough, in that short of a time.

They have 3 5th years and 3 more 4th years.

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: Feb 2-3: Lethbridge at Manitoba

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (7-14-3, 8-13-3*, 11-19-3, OHT35 #24)
MANITOBA BISONS (14-8-2, 18-12-3, OHT35 #6)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)
Feb 2 7:00 CST at Wayne Fleming Arena
Feb 3 1:00 CST at Wayne Fleming Arena

Live Links:
• Video: [CanadaWest.tv] (all games)
• Audio: [101.5 UMFM] ∞ [second stream]
• Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
• Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

Manitoba Links:
• GoBisons: [The 2018 playoff picture for all Manitoba Bisons teams]
• GoBisons: [Quintin Lisoway ... Bison Sports Athlete of the Week]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Lethbridge Links:
• Team: [Team Site]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• CW: [Alumni Spotlight: Gatto helped ‘Horns to improbable U Cup run]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• Lethbridge News Now: [Lethbridge awarded 2019 men's university hockey championship]

Prior Games:
Nov 17: UofM 3 UofL 4 (ot): [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
Nov 18: UofM 3 UofL 4 (ot): [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]

Other Links:
• [USports] ∞ [US Schedule/Links]
• [US Standings] ∞ [Top Ten]
• [CW Site] ∞ [CW Schedule]
• [CW Stats] ∞ [Media Access]
• [Tuesday Morning Skate: Week 13, January 30th 2018]

The Bisons are on a roll and have assured themselves of a playoff berth. The Hørny Ønes sit tied for 6th with the Dinos. So will Lethbridge shed the shame of their whippings against Alberta last weekend? It is unique that Lethbridge and Calgary both face the same opponents (Manitoba and Regina) in their two closing series. Lethbridge holds the tiebreaker, so all they need to do is match Calgary.

The 'Horns have been a tough opponent for the Bisons. They swept the last series, albeit both games went into overtime. In the last 5 years, the Bisons are 10-6-2 in head-to-head matchups (Lethbridge is 8-10-0).

For players to watch, the 'Horns are led by Mitchell Maxwell (8-17-25). In goal, Garret Hughson solidified the #1 slot with some good performances, but his numbers have come back to Earth (7-9-0, 3.39 GAA, .908 S%).

This week, it was announced that Lethbridge will host the 2019 University Cup. It would be excellent preparation if they could qualify for the playoffs before they play in that event. 2019 could be the 10th anniversary of their last playoff series and the 25th anniversary of their last playoff series victory!

In any event, I suspect that the Bisons will need to play tougher than they did against Regina. As always, both games are on Canadawest.tv (if you pay) and on free radio, at UMFM 101.5 on your FM dial (or on-line) on Friday, or Saturday on the “second stream” on-line.

ELSEWHERE

CALGARY DINOS (11-8-5, 8-13-3*, 17-10-6, OHT35 #13)
REGINA COUGARS (3-19-2, 5-23-2, OHT35 #33)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Links:
UofR: [Team Site]
UofC: [Team Site]
CUSN: [2018 Crowchild Classic: A Comprehensive Review]

The Banjo Cats end their home schedule with this series against Bedrock U. Could they finally end their abysmal losing streak? When these teams met in November, each side claimed a 3-2 win. But that was in the 1st semester, when Regina was seemingly a solid hockey team. They are 0-8-0 in the 2nd semester, and on a 10-game losing streak overall. If not for the 8 points they forfeited, the Dinos would be sitting comfortably in 4th place, just 3 points behind Manitoba. Instead they are tied with Lethbridge, realistically 1/2 point behind, for the 6th and final playoff spot. I suspect that, on one night at least, we will see some significant play from the Kittens so they can avoid disgrace at home.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (18-5-1, 19-8-1, OHT35 #4)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (20-3-1, 27-4-1, OHT35 #3)

Links:
UofA: [Golden Bears and Huskies renew rivalry this weekend]
UofA: [500: Golden Bears and Huskies rivalry hits historic mark]
UofS: [Team Site]

These two teams are assured of berths in the conference semi-finals. However, Sask's sweep at the hands of UBC last week has them in a difficult spot. It seemed that this was the great showdown for 1st place. Now Sask needs a 4-0 sweep to make it interesting. Alberta does a great job with their webcast so if you're not a subscriber to CanadaWest.tv, it might be worth it to purchase the one game.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (12-11-1, 14-9-1*, 15-12-1, OHT35 #14)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (11-11-2, 12-13-2, OHT35 #15)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Links:
CW: [Alumni Spotlight: WHL, CW experience paying off for Fiddler overseas] : [rp @MRU]
UBC: [Team Site]

This could be the closest matchup of the weekend anywhere. However, due to UBC's free 4 points against Bedrock U from forfeitures, they lead MRU by 5 points. It is likely that only one of these teams will be hosting a quarter-final series this year. In fact, the teams appear to be on a collision course to meet one another in the quarter-final round.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Jan 31 McGill 4 U.Q.T.R. 3
Jan 31 Waterloo 1 W. Ontario 2
Feb 01 Carleton at U.O.I.T.
Feb 01 Lakehead at Ryerson
Feb 01 R.M.C. at Queen's
Feb 01 W. Ontario at Laurier
Feb 02 Brock at Waterloo
Feb 02 Guelph at York
Feb 02 Lakehead at Windsor
Feb 02 Nipissing at Laurentian
Feb 02 Ottawa at Concordia
Feb 02 Toronto at Laurier
Feb 03 Brock at Windsor
Feb 03 Concordia at R.M.C.
Feb 03 Lakehead at W. Ontario
Feb 03 Laurentian at Nipissing
Feb 03 McGill at U.O.I.T.
Feb 03 Queen's at Carleton
Feb 03 Ryerson at Guelph
Feb 03 Waterloo at Toronto
Feb 04 U.Q.T.R. at Ottawa

Atlantic
Jan 31 Moncton 1 Dalhousie 2
Feb 02 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Feb 02 U.P.E.I. at Acadia
Feb 02 Dalhousie at St. F.X.
Feb 03 Moncton at St. F.X.
Feb 03 New Brunswick at Acadia
Feb 03 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's

Links:
• [US Presto S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood3]

Supplementary Preview: Feb 2-3

This week it seems that Thursday was a bigger day than Wednesday for series previews. So here are the updated links and some results from the OUA:

• GoBisons: [Bison men’s hockey team ... host Lethbridge ...]
• GoHorns: [In a playoff battle, Pronghorns travel to Winnipeg]
• GoHorns: [Lethbridge awarded the 2019 U SPORTS University Cup]
• Manitoba Post Jan 27: [A High Scoring Win for the Manitoba Bisons]
• Manitoba Post Jan 29: [Several Manitoba Bison Teams are Playoff Bound]
• Manitoban Jan 28: [Manitoba combines to score 15 goals over the weekend]
• P.A. Now: [Former Raider captain Lowes inducted in UofM Hockey Hall of Fame]
• WHL.ca: [Former Wheat Kings coach Bob Lowes inducted into Bison Hall of Fame]

That's a lot of stories from an assortment of news sources which popped up this week. Worth a gander or two, I would say.

UofR: [Cougars close home schedule with matchup against Dinos]

Regina got their preview up, but nothing from Bedrock U.

UBC: [‘Birds visit MRU with chance to clinch home berth]

UBC got their preview up, but the host Bluegars have yet to report.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 01 Carleton 4 U.O.I.T. 3 (so)
Feb 01 Lakehead 4 Ryerson 5
Feb 01 R.M.C. 5 Queen's 6 (ot)
Feb 01 W. Ontario 1 Laurier 0

Links:
• [US Presto S&R]
• [OUA S&R]

 

[Rob]

Alberta 4 Saskatchewan 1 - Watched the 2nd and 3rd periods of this one that were dominated by the Golden Bears. Huskies had plenty of power play opportunities but looked terrible. Alberta probably has the most pure skilled team in the league.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 2: Bisons Start Final Homestand with a Win

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 4
MANITOBA BISONS 5

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofL]
Other: [Congrats to newest Bison Hockey Hall of Fame inductees ...]

This was a game that seemed to go in stops and starts. The Hørny Ønes at times seemed to be in need of a good dose of Viagra. Let's start with the alignment:

MANITOBA

Goal
35 Spriggs (1 Paulic)

Defence
2 Henry – 25 Skrumeda
16 Heinrich – 4 Bresciani
3 Christensen

Forwards
27 Franko – 14 Nault – 18 St. Croix
12 Zajac – 13 Laurencelle – 28 Stovin
8 Bilton – 21 Brooks – 24 Augert
26 Lisoway – 22 B Bowles – 17 Callis
23 Schreyer

Scratches
9 Douglas – 11 Sharonov – 15 S Bowles
19 Spencer – 20 Keane – 29 Wasylak
34 Sydora

LETHBRIDGE

Goal
29 Hughson (35 Edmonds)

Defence
5 Rayman – 2 Hansen
10 Orban – 7 Jensen
24 Fisher – Valentine

Forwards
13 M Maxwell – 19 Valentino – 12 McKechnie
8 Chynoweth – 21 White – 23 Gore
14 Moser – 6 R Maxwell - 20 B Maxwell
16 Maltby – 18 Clowes – 47 Kalshnikov

Scratches
11 Merkley – 17 Filbrandt – 27 Wardley
33 Hogue – 34 Sanvido

The Bison line-up was identical to the one they used last Friday. And here's who scored:

1st 03:46 – Man Quintin Lisoway (11)
1st 12:19 – Leth Ryon Moser (5)
1st 14:18 – Leth Brooks Maxwell (2)
2nd 06:45 – Leth Artsiom Kalashnikov (1)
2nd 16:28 – Man Remi Laurencelle (6)
2nd 17:18 – Man Kamerin Nault (12)
2nd 18:18 – Man Justin Augert (5)
3rd 01:20 – Man Justin Augert (6) (PP)
3rd 06:15 – Leth Dallas Valentine (3) (PP)

Lisoway got the Bisons off to a quick start and, one can safely say, the Bisons seemed to be having their way with the Hørny Ønes. But by mid-period things hjad turned around. When #47 Artsiom Kalashnikov (that's right: “AK47”!) gunned down his first goal of the season, it was looking like Lethbridge was on their way to a big win. Instead, the final 5 minutes of the 2nd period showed that the Bisons can score in bunches. In less than 2 minutes, they scored three goals at even strength. When you combine that with a powerplay goal on a penalty which straddled the 2nd and 3rd periods, this game experienced a major turnaround in a relatively short time. After that outburst, the Bisons attempted to go into a shell, and took a string of penalties. Whilst 2-men short, they gave up the final goal of the night. In the end, Lethbridge did not do too much to threaten to force overtime.

Lisoway's 11th goal of the season is a pretty fair performance. What is spectacular is his 2nd semester where he now has 8 goals in 9 games.

If you check the summaries, Augert did not get the penalties for a hit from behind nor the 5-minute major. He served those whilst Nick Zajac and Blake Heinrich served misconducts.

Byron Spriggs got yet another win for the Bisons (with 32 saves), and Garret Hughson suffered defeat in net for the 'Horns (with 26 saves).

The Bisons are now assured of a home playoff series, and in fact still have a faint hope for 2nd place and a first round bye.

Saturday's rematch goes at 1:00 p.m., and it will be senior's night for the Herd and their 4 pending grads: Justin Augert, Warren Callis, Joel Schreyer, and Channing Bresciani.

2018 Bison Hockey Hall of Fame inductees - MHKY: Bob Lowes; WHKY: Caitlin MacDonald.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 7
REGINA COUGARS 0

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofR] : [rp @CW] : [UofC]

The Dinos need a sweep in Regina and took an emphatic step in that regard on Friday night. This one was never close. It was 4-0 after the 1st period, and shots were 17-4 in favour of the Dinos. It looks like the Kittens are going extinct. Rookie Brandon Holtby started in goal for Regina but was puilled after giving up 4 goals on 17 shots. Michael Herringer finished with 28 saves on 31 shots. Meanwhile, Jordan Papirny made 20 saves for the shutout as Bedrock U continued to rotate goaltenders. Chris Rauckman had two goals.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofA] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofS]

This was a decisive win for the Evil Monkeys and it basically ends the race for 1st place. After Manitoba swept the Monkeys, the Banjo Mutts made the race interesting. Those two losses to UBC killed their realistic hopes. Brendan Burke got the win for the Monkeys, and Jordon Cooke took the loss. The shots were 38-25 in favour of Alberta.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 5
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 1

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [MRU] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UBC*]
UBC: [Hewitt snags WHL Grad of the Month honour]

The T-irds have become the CW's unlikely hiot team. Until they were awarded a 4-point bonus in the Calgary forfeiture fiasco, they seemed to be a team in significant trouble of missing the playoffs. This win means they (and Manitoba) are assured of 3rd or 4th in the final standings. Matt Hewitt got the win and Cam Lanigan took the loss. However, MRU did outshoot UBC 24-19 on the night.

STANDINGS

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 02 Brock 2 Waterloo 3
Feb 02 Guelph 3 York 2
Feb 02 Lakehead 4 Windsor 1
Feb 02 Nipissing 2 Laurentian 4
Feb 02 Ottawa 3 Concordia 2
Feb 02 Toronto 1 Laurier 0

Atlantic
Feb 02 New Brunswick 5 Saint Mary's 4
Feb 02 U.P.E.I. 6 Acadia 3
Feb 02 Dalhousie 7 St. F.X. 3

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West
Feb 03 Calgary at Regina (3:00 CT)
Feb 03 Lethbridge at Manitoba (1:00 CT)
Feb 03 Saskatchewan at Alberta (6:00 CT)
Feb 03 U.B.C. at Mount Royal (4:00 CT)

Atlantic
Feb 03 Moncton at St. F.X.
Feb 03 New Brunswick at Acadia
Feb 03 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's

Ontario
Feb 03 Brock at Windsor
Feb 03 Concordia at R.M.C.
Feb 03 Lakehead at W. Ontario
Feb 03 Laurentian at Nipissing
Feb 03 McGill at U.O.I.T.
Feb 03 Queen's at Carleton
Feb 03 Ryerson at Guelph
Feb 03 Waterloo at Toronto
Feb 04 U.Q.T.R. at Ottawa

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Alberta 4 Saskatchewan 1 - Watched the 2nd and 3rd periods of this one that were dominated by the Golden Bears. Huskies had plenty of power play opportunities but looked terrible. Alberta probably has the most pure skilled team in the league.

I was unable to watch that because I was at the Bison/Lethbridge game. Sask can look brilliant themselves at times. I saw much of their previous win over Alberta. One thing for scouts in the east: Sask has more guys with a physical component to their game. And they still have lots of goal scorers and one of the top goaltenders in the country.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 3: Bisons Sweep, Will Host Playoff Series

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
MANITOBA BISONS 7

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [UofL]

This preview of the 2019 University Cup gold medal game (!) did not go well for the Hørny Ønes and, when combined with the out-of-town scoreboard, all but eliminated them from this year's playoff picture. First, the line-ups:

MANITOBA

Goal
35 Spriggs (34 Sydora)

Defence
2 Henry – 25 Skrumeda
4 Bresciani - 3 Christensen
28 Stovin

Forwards
27 Franko – 14 Nault – 18 St. Croix
12 Zajac – 13 Laurencelle – 24 Augert
8 Bilton – 21 Brooks – 19 Spencer - 23 Schreyer
26 Lisoway – 22 B Bowles – 17 Callis

Scratches
1 Paulic - 9 Douglas – 11 Sharonov
15 S Bowles – 16 Heinrich - 20 Keane
29 Wasylak

LETHBRIDGE

Goal
29 Hughson - 35 Edmonds

Defence
5 Rayman – 2 Hansen
10 Orban – 7 Jensen
24 Fisher – 3 Valentine

Forwards
14 Moser – 6 R Maxwell - 20 B Maxwell
13 M Maxwell – 19 Valentino – 12 McKechnie
21 White – 23 Gore - 8 Chynoweth
18 Clowes – 47 Kalshnikov – 9 Sward

Scratches
11 Merkley – 16 Maltby – 17 Filbrandt
27 Wardley - 33 Hogue – 34 Sanvido

Blake Heinrich was forced out of the Bison line-up due to his major penalty on Friday night. He was replaced by Calvin Spencer, and Brett Stovin went from forward to defence. For Lethbridge, the line-up was the same except that today's “ghost” was #9 Dalton Sward. (To me a “ghost player” is one who is listed on the LeagueStat roster but is never seen by me on the ice.) Last night their ghost was #16 Tyler Maltby.

Here's who scored:

1st 07:08 – Man Remi Laurencelle (7)
1st 09:03 – Leth Artsiom Kalashnikov (2)
1st 12:08 – Leth Tyler Hansen (2)
2nd 02:19 – Man Michael St. Croix (10)
2nd 03:59 – Man Liam Bilton (7)
2nd 04:59 – Man Quintin Lisoway (12) (PP)
3rd 02:38 – Man Michael St. Croix (11)
3rd 04:36 – Leth Dallas Valentine (4)
3rd 07:02 – Man Brad Bowles (3) (PP)
3rd 19:59 – Man Michael St. Croix (12) (PP)

The 1st period was firewagon hockey. The Bisons outshot the 'Horns 16-12, but the 'Horns held a 2-1 lead. Laurencelle picked the top corner on a nice shot to open the scoring. His return to the line-up has really helped balance the Bison scoring. He now is 7-6-13 in just 12 games played. He also had two assists on the night. AK47 aka Kalashnikov had two goals on the weekend, and oddly those are his first two goals of the season. He was one of the 'Horns' better players.

As on Friday, the Bisons experienced a 3-goal outburst to turn the game around. This time it was a stretch of under 3 minutes early in the 2nd period which did the trick. Of note, Lisoway's 4-2 goal was his 9th in 10 games played this semester.

The Bisons protested on Lethbridge's 5-3 goal. Byron Spriggs was dumped by a 'Horns' stick which was caught in his skate. When he tried getting up the stuck stick tripped him. At least nobody broke a stick over his head, I guess. (Sly reference to the blown call in the Jets-Knights game this week. Link: .)

Things were getting testy in the latter stages of the 3rd period. St. Croix finished his hat-trick on a powerplay when otherwise they would have just killed the clock.

Spriggs got the win, with 28 saves on 31 shots. Lethbridge started with Garret Hughson, who gave up 4 goals on 22 shots. Ty Edmonds finished it off with 21 saves on 24 shots.

The Bisons have thus completed their regular season home schedule. However, they are guaranteed a home playoff series. Lethbridge is on life-support. They must defeat Regina twice and hope that the Bisons beat Calgary twice. If the Bisons pull it off, they could also jump ahead of Saskatchewan, should they lose a pair to MRU. Not holding my breath. I suspect we'll be watching Bisons-Dinos on Feb 16-18.

The four graduating players were recognized before the game: Channing Bresciani, Joel Schreyer, Justin Augert, and Warren Callis.

Michael St. Croix scored a hat-trick.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 4
REGINA COUGARS 3

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofR] : [rp @CW] : [UofC]

My theory has been that the Kittens can deliver one tough game per weekend, and that was the case in this series. They held a 3-2 lead late in the 2nd period when Chris Collins scored a late powerplay goal to tie the game, then he followed that with another powerplay goal mid-way through the 3rd. Michael Herringer appears to have rediscovered his game, with 42 saves on 46 shots in taking the loss for Regina. Jordan Papirny stopped 23 of 26 shots for the win.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofA] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofS]

Well, I am sure you will be relieved to know that the drought is over for the Evil Monkeys. Their game report points out that this win gives them 1st place for the first time since back in 2014-15. Any Leafs fans out there? Steve Owre scored twice and Brendan Burke stopped 28 of 29 shots for the winners. Jordon Cooke stopped 27 of 30 in the loss. The Banjo Mutts still need a point to assure themselves of 2nd place.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 0
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [MRU] : [rp @CW] : [UBC]
Friday late link: [UBC Game Story]

Despite the streaks (T-irds' 7 game winning and Bluegars' 4 game losing) this series figured to be a split. Both sides are apparently in playoff mode. The shots were 22-16 for MRU. Cam Lanigan got the win, and Rylan Toth took the loss.

STANDINGS

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 03 Brock 2 Windsor 5
Feb 03 Concordia 3 R.M.C. 1
Feb 03 Lakehead 2 W. Ontario 3 (ot)
Feb 03 Laurentian 4 Nipissing 3 (ot)
Feb 03 McGill 4 U.O.I.T. 3 (ot)
Feb 03 Queen's 4 Carleton 3 (ot)
Feb 03 Ryerson 5 Guelph 4
Feb 03 Waterloo 0 Toronto 2

Atlantic
Feb 03 Moncton 2 St. F.X. 5
Feb 03 New Brunswick 3 Acadia 4 (ot)
Feb 03 U.P.E.I. 1 Saint Mary's 9

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West
Feb 09 Alberta at U.B.C.
Feb 09 Manitoba at Calgary
Feb 09 Mount Royal at Saskatchewan
Feb 09 Regina at Lethbridge

Atlantic
Feb 07 Saint Mary's at Moncton

Ontario
Feb 04 U.Q.T.R. at Ottawa
Feb 07 Laurier at Waterloo
Feb 08 Windsor at W. Ontario
Feb 08 York at Guelph

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

1st half v 2nd half

The final weekend of the regular season is in the offing. One thing which pops out at me is the contrast of 1st and 2nd half records for the various teams. Here's the table:

 

[RED ARMY EAST]

Looking like Manitoba vs Calgary and UBC vs Mount Royal. Two good playoff matches.
Certainly not a given that we will see the Huskies in Freddy. As for Alberta, that would be a major upset.
Both Huskies and Bears need to win one series only and they both will host their semi's.

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: Feb 9-10: Manitoba at Calgary

MANITOBA BISONS (16-8-2, 20-12-3, OHT35 #6)
CALGARY DINOS (13-8-5, 10-13-3*, 19-10-6, OHT35 #12)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Feb 9 7:00 MST/8:00 CST at Father David Bauer Arena
Feb 10 2:00 MST/3:00 CST at Father David Bauer Arena

Live Links:
• Video: [CanadaWest.tv] (all games)
• Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
• Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

Manitoba Links:
• GoBisons: [Team Site]
• Manitoban: [Bisons stampede over Pronghorns at home]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Calgary Links:
• Team: [Dinos eye playoff spot in final weekend of the season]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Prior Games:
Nov 24: UofM 3 UofC 2: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
Nov 25: UofC 4 UofM 0: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]

Other Links:
• [USports] ∞ [US Schedule/Links]
• [US Standings] ∞ [Top Ten]
• [CW Site] ∞ [CW Schedule]
• [CW Stats] ∞ [Media Access]
• [Tuesday Morning Skate: Week 14, February 6th 2018]

So the final weekend of the regular season is upon is, and the Bisons are off to the Town of Bedrock. And precious little suspense awaits us. The Bisons are 3rd, and could move up to 2nd only if they win both, and Saskatchewan loses both in regulation time. On the other hand, if UBC sweeps Alberta, and the Bisons lose both in regulation. Meanwhile, Bedrock U will hang on to 6th if they get one point, or if Lethbridge drops a point. Or with two wins they could vault over MRU if they can gain 3 points on them. So movement in the standings is possible, but only with a lot of sweeps.

Over the last 5 years, the Bisons are 8-7-3 against the Dinos, so I guess a split is the expected result. If so, the Dinos will visit the U of M for a playoff series next weekend.

On a side note, Michael St. Croix (12-22-34) sits just 3 points off the league lead in the scoring race.

ELSEWHERE

REGINA COUGARS (3-21-2, 5-25-2, OHT35 #34)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (7-16-3, 8-15-3*, 11-21-3, OHT35 #24)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Links:
UofL: [Pronghorns face must win and need help]
UofR: [Team Site]

What can you say about these two disappointing teams? They have both hit the skids in the 2nd semester. Regina is now on a 12-game losing streak. Lethbridge is on an 8-game losing streak. Ugh.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (22-3-1, 29-4-1, OHT35 #1)
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (13-12-1, 15-10-1*, 16-13-1, OHT35 #13)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Links:
UBC: [‘Birds host top-ranked Alberta in regular season finale]
UofA: [Team Site]
CW: [Alumni Spotlight: Fate took Antons to Kamloops, then UBC]

After a mid-season push from the Banjo Mutts, the Evil Monkeys have rebounded with style and have now wrapped up first place. They now have 9 of the top 20 scorers in the CW. So can UBC stop them? Well, Saudi Alberta has nothing at stake this weekend, whilst British California could still vault into 3rd place with a sweep and some help. So the impetus lies with the T-irds.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (12-12-2, 13-14-2, OHT35 #18)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (18-7-1, 19-10-1, OHT35 #5)
Links:
UofS: [Men's hockey closes season against Mount Royal at home]
UofS: [Game Notes (pdf)]
MRU: [Team Site]

After a 10-1 roll, the Banjo Mutts have hit a 4-game skid. They vaulted into contention for 1st place and now need a point to be assured 2nd place and a quarter-final bye. The Bluegars are a capable team. However, they have not quite hit their stride this year. I have seen a number of their games on-line and they can play with anybody.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 04 U.Q.T.R. 0 Ottawa 4
Feb 07 Laurier 4 Waterloo 2
Feb 08 Windsor at W. Ontario
Feb 08 York at Guelph
Feb 09 Guelph at Ryerson
Feb 09 Laurentian at U.O.I.T.
Feb 09 McGill at Concordia
Feb 09 Queen's at Ottawa
Feb 09 Toronto at Brock
Feb 09 U.Q.T.R. at Carleton
Feb 09 Waterloo at Lakehead
Feb 09 R.M.C. at Nipissing
Feb 10 Brock at Ryerson
Feb 10 Carleton at Concordia
Feb 10 Laurier at Lakehead
Feb 10 Nipissing at Queen's
Feb 10 R.M.C. at Laurentian
Feb 10 Toronto at York
Feb 10 U.O.I.T. at Ottawa
Feb 10 W. Ontario at Windsor

Atlantic
Feb 08 Saint Mary's at Moncton
Feb 09 Dalhousie at U.P.E.I.
Feb 09 St. F.X. at New Brunswick
Feb 09 Saint Mary's at Acadia
Feb 10 Acadia at Moncton
Feb 10 Dalhousie at New Brunswick
Feb 10 St. F.X. at U.P.E.I.

Links:
• [US Presto S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood3]

Supplementary Preview: Feb 8

• GoBisons: [No. 9 Bison men’s hockey team remains in third place and travel to Calgary on Feb. 9-10 in last two games of regular season]

The UofM got a weekend preview story posted. Still nothing from Regina, Alberta, or MRU.

OUT EAST

Since we are headed into the final weekend of the season, here are the standings out east:

Atlantic

Ontario

NOTE: UQTR forfeited 8 wins and 3 OT losses (19 pts) for using an ineligible player. The teams that benefited are: Lakehead (4 pts), Laurentian (4), Nipissing (3), Carleton (2), Queen's (2).

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 9: Bisons Mail One In, Playoff Picture Almost Complete

MANITOBA BISONS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 5

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM*]
Stories: [UofC (with videos)] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM*]

I never got to see much of this due to driving around and trying to catch some of the Jets' game. However, from what I saw the Bisons mailed this one in. The shots on goal were 36-33 for Bedrock U, so the gap was not as large as the score might indicate. Of note, Shawn Bowles played for the first time since Nov 24th (against Calgary) and Brett Dudar returned for the first time this season. He hasn't even been on the roster until now. Byron Spriggs started and took the loss (24 saves on 28 shots) but was removed in favour of Dasan Sydora (7 saves on 8 shots) to start the 3rd period.

Bedrock U was led by Drydn Dow (with two goals) and Jordan Papirny got the win with 32 saves on 33 shots.

Saturday's rematch goes at 2:00 MST or 3:00 CST.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

REGINA COUGARS 2
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 5

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [UofR]

One slump had to end in this one, and the Hørny Ønes were the fortunate ones. But since Calgary won, Lethbridge is toast. The Banjo Cats dressed just 16 players. Dawson MacAuley stopped 48 of 53 shots to take the loss. Garret Hughson stopped 37 of 39 for the win.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofS] : [rp @CW] : [rp @MRU]

This win wrapped up second place for the Banjo Mutts, and by extension third place for the Bisons. It also left the Bluegars' hold on fifth place vulnerable to a challenge by the Dinos. Josh Roach scored two for the winners, and Jamal Watson scored twice for the losers. Jordon Cooke stopped 25 of 27 shots for the win. Cam Lanigan stopped 34 of 37 shots in the loss.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 4
(in overtime)

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA*]

The Evil Monkeys came out and dominated the T-irds, outshooting them 22-4 in the 1st period. But they only had a 2-1 lead. UBC evened the score at 3-3 by the end of the 2nd, wherein they outshot Alberta 10-7. So the stage was set for a good 3rd period. The Monkeys reverted to form and dominated with an 11-4 shots advantage. Yet after each side scored once, it was off to overtime. Graeme Craig scored twice for Apes, and Carter Popoff did likewise for the T-irds. Zach Sawchenko got the win, and Matt Hewitt took the loss. The loss also means that UBC will remain stuck in 4th place.

STANDINGS

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 08 Windsor 5 W. Ontario 3
Feb 08 York 2 Guelph 6
Feb 09 Guelph 6 Ryerson 2
Feb 09 Laurentian 1 U.O.I.T. 5
Feb 09 McGill 3 Concordia 4 (so)
Feb 09 Queen's 1 Ottawa 4
Feb 09 Toronto 1 Brock 3
Feb 09 U.Q.T.R. 2 Carleton 4
Feb 09 Waterloo 4 Lakehead 5 (ot)
Feb 09 R.M.C. 4 Nipissing 3 (ot)

Atlantic
Feb 08 Saint Mary's 5 Moncton 1
Feb 09 Dalhousie 3 U.P.E.I. 6
Feb 09 St. F.X. 2 New Brunswick 5
Feb 09 Saint Mary's 0 Acadia 3

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West
Feb 10 Alberta at U.B.C. (2:00 PST)
Feb 10 Manitoba at Calgary (2:00 MST)
Feb 10 Mount Royal at Saskatchewan (7:00 CST)
Feb 10 Regina at Lethbridge (1:00 MST)

Atlantic
Feb 10 Acadia at Moncton
Feb 10 Dalhousie at New Brunswick
Feb 10 St. F.X. at U.P.E.I.

Ontario
Feb 10 Brock at Ryerson
Feb 10 Carleton at Concordia
Feb 10 Laurier at Lakehead
Feb 10 Nipissing at Queen's
Feb 10 R.M.C. at Laurentian
Feb 10 Toronto at York
Feb 10 U.O.I.T. at Ottawa
Feb 10 W. Ontario at Windsor

end of the regular season

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 10: Bisons Lose, Host Playoffs Friday

MANITOBA BISONS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM*]
Stories: [UofC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM*]
Friday late stories: [rp @UofM]
Friday late boxscore: [UofM]

This was a non-event. A blah matinee where the CanadaWest.tv feed went AWOL in the 2nd intermission. The Herd was not playing with the edge they need. They went with backup goaltender Dasan Sydora, who was so-so with 24 saves on 28 shots. Chris Collins and Logan Fisher had two goals each for Bedrock U, and Michael St. Croix had the sole marker for the Bisons. Matthew Greenfield faced just 18 shots for the win. Entering the night, all that was left to be decided in the final standings was 5th and 6th places. This win vaulted Calgary into 5th (where they would face UBC instead of Manitoba in the quarter-finals) pending MRU's evening game.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

REGINA COUGARS 6
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [UofR]

Well, each team broke their slump this weekend. And this win for the Banjo Kittens helped them avoid a 2nd half whitewash. They were short-staffed (down 3 bodies for this one) yet again. The Hørny Ønes outshot Regina 47-28. However, Michael Herringer stopped 43 of those shots and Cody Fowlie racked up a hattrick (to give him 11 goals on the season) to lead the way. Meanwhile, Lethbridge gave back-up Ty Edmonds a start, and he stopped 13 of 18 shots. Regina led the game 5-3 entering the 3rd period. But Lethbridge showed some resolve, outshooting them 19-5. Howvever, all they could do was claw to within 1 goal before an empty-netter put it away.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA]

The T-irds successfully fooled themselves into thinking they were a good team once their embarassing losses to Bedrock got turned into forfeit wins. They managed a split against the Evil Monkeys, against whom they are on a playoff collision course. The CanadaWest.tv audio was MIA, and then was gone altogether. But the Monkeys did outshoot them 39-23. Rylan Toth got the win, and Brendan Burke took the loss.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 7

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UofS] : [rp @CW] : [rp @MRU]

This was the CW's only evening game on this the final day of the regular season. Sask was assured of 2nd place and MRU knew they would get 5th with a win (and play UBC) or 6th with a loss (and play Manitoba). The shots were closer than the score, at 33-28 in favour of the Banjo Mutts. Each side got their backup goaltender some playing time. The Bluegars went with Wyatt Hoflin and the Mutts with Taran Kozun. Carson Stadnyk scored the Mutts' first two goals, then John Lawrence scored the next two. Combined, those goals gave the Mutts a 4 goal lead just 5 minutes into the 2nd period.

STANDINGS

OUT EAST

Ontario

Feb 10 Brock 3 Ryerson 0
Feb 10 Carleton 2 Concordia 4
Feb 10 Laurier 4 Lakehead 1
Feb 10 Nipissing 0 Queen's 5
Feb 10 R.M.C. 2 Laurentian 5
Feb 10 Toronto 1 York 6
Feb 10 U.O.I.T. 3 Ottawa 4 (ot)
Feb 10 W. Ontario 1 Windsor 7

Atlantic

Feb 10 Acadia 3 Moncton 2
Feb 10 Dalhousie 1 New Brunswick 4
Feb 10 St. F.X. 0 U.P.E.I. 5

Links:
• [US/CIS S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

NEXT UP

Canada West

Feb 16 Mount Royal at Manitoba
Feb 16 Calgary at U.B.C.
Feb 17 Mount Royal at Manitoba
Feb 17 Calgary at U.B.C.
Feb 18 Mount Royal at Manitoba (if necessary)
Feb 18 Calgary at U.B.C. (if necessary)

Byes: Alberta and Saskatchewan

Atlantic

TBA

Ontario

TBA

Links:
• [US/CIS Playoffs S&R]
• [CW All S&R]
• [OUA Playoffs S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Update

STANDINGS

The conference sites differ from the USports site in the OUA West and AUS tiebreakers in the final standings. Here are the revisions.

NEXT UP

We also have a quarter-final playoff schedule from the AUS, also added to the USports site. Here's the revised "Next Up" section:

Canada West

Feb 16 Mount Royal at Manitoba 7:00 CST
Feb 16 Calgary at U.B.C. 7:30 PST
Feb 17 Mount Royal at Manitoba 7:00 CST
Feb 17 Calgary at U.B.C. 7:30 PST
Feb 18 Mount Royal at Manitoba 6:00 CST (if necessary)
Feb 18 Calgary at U.B.C. 5:30 PST (if necessary)

Byes: Alberta and Saskatchewan

Atlantic

Feb 14 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST
Feb 14 Dalhousie at Acadia 7:00 AST
Feb 16 Saint Mary's at U.P.E.I. 7:00 AST
Feb 16 Acadia at Dalhousie 7:00 AST
Feb 18 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST (if necessary)
Feb 18 Dalhousie at Acadia 7:00 AST (if necessary)

Byes: New Brunswick and St. F.X.

Ontario

TBA

Links:
• [US/CIS Playoffs S&R]
• [CW All S&R]
• [OUA Playoffs S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: Feb 16-18: Mount Royal at Manitoba (qf)

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (12-14-2, 13-16-2, OHT35 #17)
MANITOBA BISONS (16-10-2, 20-14-3, OHT35 #10)
Feb 16 7:00 CST at Wayne Fleming Arena
Feb 17 7:00 CST at Wayne Fleming Arena
Feb 18 6:00 CST at Wayne Fleming Arena (if required)

Live Links:
• Video: [CanadaWest.tv] (all games)
• Audio: [101.5 UMFM] ∞ [second stream]
• Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
• Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

Manitoba Links:
• GoBisons: [Bison men’s hockey team host Mount Royal ...]
• Free Press: [Plenty of ice for playoff-bound Bisons] (story on Adam Henry)
• Manitoban: [Bisons welcome Mount Royal to town for playoffs]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Alumni Spotlight: Cara maximizing lessons learned on and off the ice]
• CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

M.R.U. Links:
• Team: [Team Site]
• Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
• CW: [Stats]∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
• LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Prior Games:
Oct 27: UofM 4 MRU 1: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
Oct 28: UofM 3 MRU 2: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
Jan 19: MRU 4 UofM 3: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
Jan 20: UofM 1 MRU 0: [UofM Game Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]

Other Links:
• [USports] ∞ [US Playoff Schedule/Links]
• [US Standings] ∞ [US Schedule/Links][Top Ten]
• [CW Site] ∞ [CW Schedule]
• [CW Stats] ∞ [Media Access]

The playoffs have arrived, and as always it seems so soon. The Bisons face the Bluegars for the third time in a playoff series. Last year the Bluegars hosted and won 2-1 and in 2014 the Bisons hosted and also won 2-1.

This season was significant for the Bisons in this rivalry as it turned around two years of Bluegar dominance. In 2015-16 and 2016-17 the Bluegars won all 8 games, plus the aforesaid playoff series. This season, the Bisons reversed the trend and won 3 out of 4.

The Bisons improved somewhat in the 2nd half of the season, going from 7-5-2 to 9-5-0. MRU was a steady 6-7-1 in both halves.

The series is not a foregone conclusion, however it is one the Bisons should be able to win.

ELSEWHERE

CALGARY DINOS (15-8-5, 12-13-3*, 21-10-6, OHT35 #9)
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (14-12-2, 16-10-2*, 17-13-2, OHT35 #15)
(*Record adjusted for Calgary's forfeits.)

Links:
UBC: [‘Birds host Dinos to open Canada West playoffs]
UofC: [Streaking Dinos hit the west coast for playoffs]

If not for the Dinos' forfeitures, they would be hosting this series in the Town of Bedrock. So I guess in the end all is fair. The odd thing is that once the T-irds got their two free wins over the Dinos, they suddenly thought themselves to be worthy and started playing like a winner. They went from 5-8-1 in the 1st half to 9-4-1 in the 2nd half. And that 2nd half started with two losses to the Bisons. Calgary was fairly consistent, going 7-4-3 in the 1st half and 8-4-2 in the 2nd half. Although UBC is the host, and although they have been hot down the stretch, IMO the Dinos are the favourites in this one.

OUT EAST

All series are best-of-three.

Ontario
Feb 14 Concordia 4 U.O.I.T. 1
Feb 14 McGill 5 Laurentian 2
Feb 14 Ottawa 2 Carleton 3 (ot)
Feb 14 Queen's 4 Nipissing 3 (ot)
Feb 14 Brock 3 Laurier 0
Feb 14 W. Ontario 2 Ryerson 4
Feb 15 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EST
Feb 15 York at Lakehead 7:00 EST
Feb 16 Carleton at Ottawa 7:30 EST
Feb 16 Laurier at Brock 7:15 EST
Feb 16 Nipissing at Queen's 7:30 EST
Feb 16 Ryerson at W. Ontario 7:00 EST
Feb 16 U.O.I.T. at Concordia 7:30 EST
Feb 17 Guelph at Windsor 7:30 EST
Feb 17 Lakehead at York 7:00 EST
Feb 17 Laurentian at McGill 7:00 EST
Feb 17 Nipissing at Queen's 7:30 EST
Feb 17 U.O.I.T. at Concordia 7:30 EST
Feb 18 Brock at Laurier 7:07 EST
Feb 18 Lakehead at York 7:00 EST
Feb 18 Laurentian at McGill 7:00 EST
Feb 18 Ottawa at Carleton 7:00 EST
Feb 18 W. Ontario at Ryerson 7:15 EST
Feb 18 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EST

Atlantic
Feb 14 Dalhousie 2 Acadia 5
Feb 14 U.P.E.I. 2 Saint Mary's 6
Feb 16 Acadia at Dalhousie 7:00 AST
Feb 16 Saint Mary's at U.P.E.I. 7:00 AST
Feb 18 Dalhousie at Acadia 7:00 AST
Feb 18 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST

Links:
• [US Presto S&R]
• [OUA S&R]
• [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 16: Bluegars edge Bisons in Game 1

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [rp @MRU]

This was a tough loss, determined by a goal in the final minute of play. There was a fair amount of tension in typical playoff fashion. The Bisons "fine motor skills" appeared lacking. Maybe they were too tense, but they had trouble putting passes on sticks and hitting the net with shots. These teams had many hard-hitting games in the past, when they were IMO the two biggest teams in the conference. The teams are not as big as they once were but still could use the body.

Here's how they lined up:

Manitoba

Goal
35 Spriggs (34 Sydora)

Defence
2 Henry - 3 Christensen
16 Heinrichs - 4 Bresciani
25 Skrumeda - 28 Stovin

Forwards
17 Callis - 22 B Bowles - 26 Lisoway
12 Zajac - 13 Laurencelle - 24 Augert
14 Nault - 27 Franko - 18 St. Croix
8 Bilton - 21 Brooks - 23 Schreyer

Scratches:
1 Paulic - 9 Douglas - 19 Spencer
20 Keane - 29 Wasylak

Not on roster:
10 Dudar - 11 Sharonov - 15 S Bowles

Mount Royal

Goal
29 Lanigan (31 Cooper)

Defence
21 Pankewicz - 7 Lees
27 Baker - 22 Smiley
4 Green - 5 Poulsen

Forwards
13 Bly - 11 King - 12 Lipon
15 Olstad - 24 Allan - 23 Watson
8 Henry - 10 Stephens - 18 Kennedy
28 Pare - 9 Zandee - 16 Adamson

Scratches:
3 Roberts - 6 MacPherson - 14 Rozdeba
17 Lindgren - 19 Zulinick - 20 Simpson
26 Rankin - 35 Hoflin

Scorers:
1st 05:29 Man Zach Franko
1st 07:33 MRU Jesse Lees
3rd 10:20 MRU Jamal Watson
3rd 15:44 Man Liam Bilton
3rd 19:17 MRU Jamie King

The Bluegars didn't mind holding the puck and attempting passes in tight situations. It did provide some good scoring chances, and the Bison defence will need to counter with a more physical presence, especially in the slot.

Also, the Bisons rolled four lines and three pairs. This usually pays off in the event 9 (or more) periods are needed to decide the series. The Bluegars had three lines and two pairs most of the time.

There were only four minor penalties in the game, and only one to the Bluegars.

Cam Lanigan got the win for MRU with 24 saves, and Byron Spriggs got the loss with 33 saves.

Finally, the Bisons put in new scoreboards. They had a big 4-sided one above centre ice. But several bulbs were going out. They put a smaller scoreboard at each end of the arena. I am wondering what they'll do for next year. It's funny what a difference it makes.

Game two goes Saturday at 7:00 p.m., which is my favourite start time.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 1
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC*] : [rp @CW*] : [rp @UofC*]

I saw the ending of this one on CanadaWest.tv. By the time I tuned in it was 3-0 for the T-irds. Bedrock U made a concerted attempt at a comeback in the 3rd, which in the end proved futile. Bedrock outshot the T-irds 19-9 in the 3rd period, and 45-36 overall. This was by far a much more wide-open game then the one played at the Wayne Fleming Arena. Matt Hewitt got the win and Matthew Greenfield took the loss. This game started late due to the UBC women's game going overtime.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 15 Windsor 1 Guelph 3 (game 1)
Feb 15 York 2 Lakehead 3 (ot) (game 1)
Feb 16 Carleton 0 Ottawa 5 (series tied 1-1)
Feb 16 Laurier 1 Brock 2 (BU wins 2-0)
Feb 16 Nipissing 1 Queen's 6 (QU wins 2-0)
Feb 16 Ryerson 1 W. Ontario 5 (series tied 1-1)
Feb 16 U.O.I.T. 2 Concordia 3 (ot) (CU wins 2-0)

Atlantic
Feb 16 Acadia 4 Dalhousie 2 (AU wins 2-0)
Feb 16 Saint Mary's 1 U.P.E.I. 2 (series tied 1-1)

NEXT UP

Canada West
Feb 17 Calgary at U.B.C. 7:30 PST
Feb 17 Mount Royal at Manitoba 7:00 CST
Feb 18 Calgary at U.B.C. 5:30 PST (if necessary)
Feb 18 Mount Royal at Manitoba 6:00 CST (if necessary)

Atlantic
Feb 18 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST

Ontario
Feb 17 Guelph at Windsor 7:30 EST
Feb 17 Lakehead at York 7:00 EST
Feb 17 Laurentian at McGill 7:00 EST
Feb 18 Lakehead at York 7:00 EST (if necessary)
Feb 18 Laurentian at McGill 7:00 EST (if necessary)
Feb 18 Ottawa at Carleton 7:00 EST
Feb 18 W. Ontario at Ryerson 7:15 EST
Feb 18 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EST (if necessary)

Links:
• [US/CIS Playoff S&R]
• [CW All S&R]
• [OUA LS S&R]
• [AUS Playoff S&R]

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Hollywood3]

Saturday Morning Links

Links:
Free Press: [Cougars scratch out opening-game win]
CW: [Playoff Preview Video]

The Winnipeg Free Press ran a story from Mike Sawatzky, complete with this picture of Zach Franko battling Bluegar defenceman Grant Baker along the boards.

Links:
Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW]

The late start, combined with the Pacific time zone start time, meant that the stories were posted late. Bedrock U is still waiting for a slate to arrive from the coast. The UBC link includes video highlights.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 17: Bluegars Ward Off Onslaught to Eliminate Bisons

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5
MANITOBA BISONS 3
(MRU wins series 2-0.)

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]
Stories: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [rp @MRU]

This was a frustrating end for the Bisons. They dominated the 2nd and 3rd periods, yet fell behind 4-0. They then mounted an impressive rally which was ultimately stunted by an empty-net goal. The teams aligned the same as the did on Friday night's Game 1. Here's who scored:

1st 01:38 MRU Josh Bly (SH)
2nd 03:38 MRU Tanner Olstad
2nd 12:08 MRU Jamal Watson
2nd 15:07 MRU Austin Adamson
2nd 19:20 Man Justin Augert
3rd 03:22 Man Brett Stovin
3rd 18:08 Man Brett Stovin
3rd 19:47 MRU Jamal Watson

The shots on goal described perfectly how the flow of the game changed throughout. The Bisons outshot the Bluegars every period, by 10-9, 17-9, and 10-3. Cam Lanigan made the saves needed for a win, and Byron Spriggs did not.

So that's another quarter-final exit, something the program will want to address in coming seasons. Next week the 1st place Bison Broads will be at home in the semi-finals. They would also host the conference final if they win.

Next week, MRU will be off to Edmontown to visit the Evil Monkeys in the semi-final round.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 6
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [CWHT Summary]
Boxscores: [US/CIS] : [CW]
Stories: [UBC] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofC]

In a twist of fate, Riley Sheen led the way with two goals for the Dinos. It was his illegal participation in the first six games of the season which led this series to be played in British California instead of the Town of Bedrock. Matthew Greenfield got the win, and Matt Hewitt took the loss, in a game where Bedrock had a 31-30 edge in shots. Game 3 goes Sunday night at 5:30 PST, or 7:30 CST and is available on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST

Ontario
Feb 17 Guelph 3 Windsor 4 (series tied 1-1)
Feb 17 Lakehead 2 York 4 (series tied 1-1)
Feb 17 Laurentian 1 McGill 9 (McGill wins 2-0)

Atlantic
no games

NEXT UP

Note: All of these games are Game 3 in a tied series.

Canada West
Feb 18 Calgary at U.B.C. 5:30 PST

Atlantic
Feb 18 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST

Ontario
Feb 18 Lakehead at York 7:00 EST
Feb 18 Ottawa at Carleton 7:00 EST
Feb 18 W. Ontario at Ryerson 7:15 EST
Feb 18 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EST

Links:
• [US/CIS Playoff S&R]
• [CW All S&R]
• [OUA LS S&R]
• [AUS Playoff S&R]

* indicates link not active as I post

 

[Rob]

Watched the second and third periods of the UBC vs Calgary game. I was pulling for UBC as I wanted to see a new team at the Nationals. It was a little underwhelming but the Dinos were definitely the better team. Scored with about 9 min left to take the lead. I think they can give Saskatchewan a run but I still fully expect the Huskies to win.

Mount Royal is another team I've never seen before. Probably won't this year anyway. It would be a monumental upset if they beat the Bears.

Off topic. Watching the UBC game I couldn't help but notice how empty Thunderbird Arena was. No wonder. It seats over 7,000. That is way to big for a U Sports Team. A few hundred fans in a rink that big makes for a terrible atmosphere. Might be a good place to host a U Cup though.

 

[Hollywood3]

Watched the second and third periods of the UBC vs Calgary game. I was pulling for UBC as I wanted to see a new team at the Nationals. It was a little underwhelming but the Dinos were definitely the better team. Scored with about 9 min left to take the lead. I think they can give Saskatchewan a run but I still fully expect the Huskies to win.

Mount Royal is another team I've never seen before. Probably won't this year anyway. It would be a monumental upset if they beat the Bears.

Off topic. Watching the UBC game I couldn't help but notice how empty Thunderbird Arena was. No wonder. It seats over 7,000. That is way to big for a U Sports Team. A few hundred fans in a rink that big makes for a terrible atmosphere. Might be a good place to host a U Cup though.

They fill it once a year for the "Winter Classic". It would be a great setting for a U-Cup.