2023-24 Manitoba Bisons/CW

[RED ARMY EAST]

Sadly, I am not remotely surprised by the Bisons' 0-6 start, They were a bottom-end team last year, they lost their two top scorers, and did not bring in a single noteworthy recruit to replace them. The only question is whether they will manage to finish ahead of Trinity Western.

I hope they don't go down the same path as the Pronghorns?

 

[MiamiHockeyII]

I hope they don't go down the same path as the Pronghorns?

I would expect not. Lethbridge is the 3rd best university in Alberta, a small university in a small city with a direct competitor in the WHL (sound familiar, Brandon?). Manitoba is a top-15 university in Canada, a large comprehensive university with every major academic program and the lowest tuition in Western Canada (not making that up ... it's in the Provincial legislation). If you read the 2023 WHL scholarship report, last season Manitoba had more ex-WHL players attending and NOT playing hockey (7) than Trinity Western had playing (2). Three of those ex-WHLers were playing Senior hockey instead of suiting up with the Bisons.

Manitoba desperately needs a coach with a vision. They have lacked that for years now, which is why so many of their top players leave after a short period (hello, Brett Davis).

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: October 27-28, 2023: MOUNT ROYAL at MANITOBA

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (4-2-0, 6-5-0, OHT35 #8)
MANITOBA BISONS (0-5-1, 1-11-1, OHT35 #35)

Friday, October 27th at 7:00 CDT at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg
Saturday, October 28th at 3:00 CT at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

Live Links:
➤ Video: CanadaWest TV
➤ Friday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech
➤ Saturday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: WEEKEND PREVIEW: Men's hockey, Shoot for the Cure highlight games on campus
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Mount Royal Links:
➤ MRU: Men's soccer and both hockey teams in the U SPORTS Top 10
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Last series:
➤ Jan 13/23: UM 1 MRU 5: LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)
➤ Jan 14/23: UM 0 MRU 7: LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)

Other Links:
➤ USports: Schedule/Links ∞ Standings
➤ CW: Home Page ∞ Season Schedule
➤ CW Hockey Tech: Daily Schedule
➤ CW LeagueStat: Media Stats ∞ Daily Schedule

This is a sparse weekend in the CW. For one thing, three teams (Alberta, Calgary, and Regina) have byes. And none of the three match-ups are bursting with anticipation. Perhaps the battle of the Bluegars v. Bisons offers the best chance at entertainment. The two teams used to have some great games when they were two of the biggest teams, and played hard-hitting games head-to-head. Last year, the Bluegars went 4-0 against the Bisons, and for several years now the Bisons have not been an upper echelon CW team.

The bad thing about this series is that the Rugby World Cup final starts at 2:00, and this game starts at 3:00. I have decided to stay home and watch both on two screens.

As usual, the focus for the Bisons is Chase Hartje (2-6-8 in 6 GP) on defence, Jonny Hooker (4-2-6 in 6 GP) up front, and Kolby Thornton (3.37 GAA, .915 S%) in net. Those three a blue-chip players. Blueliner Ryan Gottfried was injured against Sask on the opening weekend. If he could return to the line-up, that would be a 4th blue-chipper.

For the Bluegars, I thought they might be due for a dip. They lost the Sawchuk/Yaremko combo (1st and 2nd in conference scoring). But they still have Connor Bouchard, who was 3rd. This year, they have defencemen Clayton Hanus (4-6-10 in 6 GP) and Connor Blake (2-7-9 in 6 GP) and forward Spencer Moe (3-3-6 in 6 GP). From what I have seen, MRU has a very capable line-up. They seem certain to place somewhere in the top 5 of the CW.


ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS (0-6-0, 4-8-0, OHT35 #31)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (6-0-0, 7-4-1, OHT35 #9)

Links:
➤ TWU: THIS WEEK IN SPARTA
➤ UofS: Team Website

Now it’s true that Sask has had a soft schedule to open the season. However, from what I have seen, Holy Trinity is by far the weakest team in the CW. I doubt they could beat Sask, but Sask could find a way to lose once I guess. With banjo music and moonshine flowing, they should picku up 4 points here.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (8-0-0, 13-0-0, OHT35 #4)
MACEWAN GRIFFINS (2-5-1, 4-8-1, OHT35 #25)

Links:
➤ UBC: Team Website
➤ MacU: Three Stars: Strang, Shimoda, Isley earn honours
➤ MacU: Strang named Canada West men's hockey player of the week after historic hat trick
➤ MacU: Seasoned WHL vet Chorney beginning to realize his potential at the U SPORTS level

The Bisons gave the T-irds some problems, but somehow I think that the Family Guys would be delighted with a 2-point weekend here. I’d like to see more match-ups between the top 5, but that will have to wait.


OUT EAST

Thu Oct 26 York 4 Laurier 3
Fri Oct 27 Brock at McGill 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Carleton at Western Ontario 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Toronto Metro at R.M.C. 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 York at Ontario Tech 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Guelph at Concordia 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Lakehead at Toronto 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Nipissing at Waterloo 7:00 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Ottawa at Windsor 7:30 EDT
Fri Oct 27 U.Q.T.R. at Queen's 7:30 EDT
Fri Oct 27 Simon Fraser at Victoria 7:00 PDT
Sat Oct 28 Brock at Concordia 3:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Carleton at Windsor 4:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Guelph at McGill 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Lakehead at Toronto 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Nipissing at Laurier 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Ottawa at Western Ontario 3:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Toronto Metro at Queen's 7:30 EDT
Sat Oct 28 U.Q.T.R. at R.M.C. 2:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Waterloo at Ontario Tech 3:00 EDT

Wed Oct 25 Dalhousie 1 St. F.X. 8
Fri Oct 27 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT
Fri Oct 27 Dalhousie at U.P.E.I. 7:00 ADT
Fri Oct 27 Saint Mary's at Moncton 7:00 ADT
Sat Oct 28 Acadia at Moncton 4:00 ADT
Sat Oct 28 St. F.X. at U.P.E.I. 7:00 ADT
Sat Oct 28 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Men’s Hockey Page
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Oct 27 Portage College at Red Deer Poly 7:00 MDT
Fri Oct 27 N.A.I.T. at Concordia-Edmonton 7:00 MDT
Fri Oct 27 Briercrest College at UA-Augustana 7:00 MDT
Sat Oct 28 Portage College at Red Deer Poly 1:00 MDT
Sat Oct 28 Briercrest College at UA-Augustana 2:00 MDT
Sat Oct 28 Concordia-Edmonton at N.A.I.T. 2:00 MDT

Fri Oct 27 Simon Fraser at Victoria 7:00 PDT
Sat Oct 28 Logan Lake at Okanagan 6:15 PDT
Sat Oct 28 Simon Fraser at Vancouver Island 7:00 PDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

I would expect not. Lethbridge is the 3rd best university in Alberta, a small university in a small city with a direct competitor in the WHL (sound familiar, Brandon?). Manitoba is a top-15 university in Canada, a large comprehensive university with every major academic program and the lowest tuition in Western Canada (not making that up ... it's in the Provincial legislation). If you read the 2023 WHL scholarship report, last season Manitoba had more ex-WHL players attending and NOT playing hockey (7) than Trinity Western had playing (2). Three of those ex-WHLers were playing Senior hockey instead of suiting up with the Bisons.

Manitoba desperately needs a coach with a vision. They have lacked that for years now, which is why so many of their top players leave after a short period (hello, Brett Davis).

Lots of scholarship recipients do not play hockey. In fact, several go to schools without hockey (or in some cases, any athletics) programs.

The WHL has not, to my knowledge, released the 2023-24 numbers yet. But the 2022-23 numbers are here: https://cdn.whl.ca/whl/uploads/2022...n-Hockey-League-Scholarship-Recipients-V5.pdf

Across the CW, the number of WHL recruits is down from what it used to be. I suspect the trend to continue. Here are the numbers, including the total scholarships and the number not playing hockey:
Alberta 20 (1 not playing)
UBC 27 (6 not playing)
Calgary 22 (1 not playing)
MacEwan 19 (5 not playing)
Manitoba 20 (7 not playing)
MRU 25 (5 not playing)
Regina 19 (4 not playing)
Saskatchewan 28 (10 not playing)
TWU 2 (none not playing)

Trinity is clearly not in the major junior recruiting game. Of the rest, the oddbals are Calgary and Alberta with just one player each not playing. IIRC, they both used to have a lot more scholarships, but also a lot more not playing. So it seems that the total recruits who actually play is down only slightly in Alberta.

I usually take a peak at the possible Bison recruits every off-season. Not many of the 7 players attending the UofM and not playing hockey would have an impact on this year's Bison team. Here are the five forwards, with links to stats at Elite Prospects:

- Markus Sekundiak - He is a forward who mostly played in Brandon. He was 18-19-37 in 213 WHL games.

- Ian Briscoe - He divided two seasons between Seattle (WHL) and Dauphin (MJHL) before a full season in Swift Current. He had 16 points in 95 WHL games and 31 points in 39 MJHL games.

- Brian Harris - He had 3 goals and an assist in 54 games. He returned to the MJHL and scored 52 points in 59 games with Swan. He's been playing senior hockey for 4 years now.

- Ben Coppinger - He had just 18 games in the WHL (4 assists) and 8 games in thye MJHL (2 goals and 1 assist). He had one partial season and four full seasons with St. Vital in the MMJHL (Junior B+ for those outside Manitoba).

- Tanner Mole - In 42 WHL games he had 0 goals and 1 assist. He played mostly for Steinbach in the MJHL where he had 44-29-73 in 134 games.

There were also two goaltenders:

- Duncan McGovern - In 66 WHL games, he had a 3.85 GAA and .878 S%. He also split a couple seasons in the MJHL, where in 10 games he had a 3.98 GAA and .894 S%.

- Ryan Kubic - He hasn't played since 2018. He was entrenched in the WHL, playing 141 games and having a 3.55 GAA and .894 S%. In 2018-19, Byron Spriggs was the #1 goaltender. Could he have pushed him for the starter's job? Or would he have been a back-up?

I would hazard a guess that three of the seven were capable recruits, but none were sure-fire to avoid being healthy scratches. Of course, I have not seen these players so they might have benefits which do not show up in bare stats.

 

[Hollywood3]

October 27, 2023: BISONS EDGED BY BLUEGARS

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ Game reports: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofM: MHKY: Bisons fall to Cougars 4-2 in heartbreaker (with boxscore)
➤ MRU: Team Website

Quick Summary
MRU: R. Holmes (06:41 2nd), C. Bouchard (10:10 3rd), J. Senkoe (12:48 3rd), R. Holmes (19:30 3rd)
Man: T. Apetagon (16:41 2nd), C. Veloso (04:55 3rd)
Goal: MRU: Farkas (22 shots, 20 saves); Man: Thronton (37 shots, 34 saves)

The Bisons had a strong performance in this one. They were again limited to five defencemen. On the other hand, the Bluegars had some injured forwards and played some defencemen up front. I’d much rather play with too many, rather than too few, defencemen. The last time the Bisons finished first they played half the season with 8 or defencemen in their line-up. Their 4th line of defencemen was effective. They had a plus-minus of one goal scored and one goal allowed, IIRC, which is pretty good for a 4th line.

Here’s how they lined up:

MANITOBA:
Goal:
30 Thornton (34 Hawryluk)

Defence:
16 Hartje - 5 Casey
8 Toth - 4 Malchuk
25 Calder

Forwards:
20 Apetagon - 18 Hooker - 21 Basarab
29 King - 9 Thiessen - 17 Veloso
10 Paulhus - 19 Arpin - 11 Ostir
14 Zimmerman - 28 Behun - 12 Trimble - 26 Boucher

Scratches:
G: 1 Harkness
D: 6 Fry - 24 Wareham - 27 Gottfried
F: 13 Sutter - 23 Fawkes

MOUNT ROYAL:
Goal:
31 Farkas (35 Sims)

Defence:
25 Aquilon - 21 Hanus
4 Smythe - 16 Blake
5 Ladyman - 2 Walker

Forwards:
10 Holmes - 27 Senkoe - 12 Bouchard
3 Gould 11 Martens - 22 Hakim
17 Kernaghan - 8 Moe - 18 Stevenson
28 Rawji - 20 Zandee - 19 Miliken

Scratches:
G: 33 Wray
D: none
F: 9 Hiemstra - 13 Standen - 24 Rowland - 26 Englot

The Bisons held a 2-1 lead in the 3rd period and looked like they could win this one. The Bluegars tied it on a controversial PP goal mid-way through the 3rd, and added the go-ahead goal a couple minutes later. An empty-netter put it away for MRU.

I re-watched that 2nd MRU goal on CWTV, and the scorer was definitely in the crease with both skates and stopped Thornton from being able to dive on the puck. Maybe the Bisons have a break coming their way on Saturday afternoon.

Tony Apetagon scored on a deflection.


OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 5
MACEWAN GRIFFINS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UBC: Team Website
➤ MacU: Team Website


Quick Summary
UBC: T. Thorpe (11:22 2nd), J. Wismer (02:26 3rd), J. Kryski (07:06 3rd), C. Miller (09:20 3rd), T. Thorpe (12:44 3rd)
MacU: R. Appelt (05:54 1st), L. Schaufler (01:07 3rd)
Goal: UBC: Lane (16 shots, 14 saves); MacU: Abel (45 shots, 40 saves)

The T-irds dominated the stats line in this one. It was almost over when I go home from the Bison game, so I watched the end of the Sask v TWU game instead. It would be hard to find odds against a UBC sweep.

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS 0
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofS: MHKY: Huskies Remain Undefeated with Win Over TWU Spartans (with boxscore)
➤ TWU: Team Website

Quick Summary
TWU: none
Sask: V. Loschiavo (04:34 1st), C. Hayes (11:58 1st), V. Loschiavo (16:59 1st), D. Holt (16:23 2nd), J. Pillar (09:24 3rd)
Goal: TWU: Sommer (32 shots, 27 saves); Sask: Ross (23 shots, 23 saves)

I saw the ending of this one, and what I saw was the Banjo-Mutts passing it around with Holy Trinity giving chase. That said, at the very ending it looked like the Spartans broke the shutout. Where is the video review when you need it? A split of this series would shock me.


NEXT UP

Sat Oct 28 Mount Royal at Manitoba 3:00 CDT
Sat Oct 28 U.B.C. at MacEwan 3:00 MDT/4:00 CDT
Sat Oct 28 Trinity Western at Saskatchewan 7:00 CST/8:00 CDT


OUT EAST

Fri Oct 27 Brock 1 McGill 4
Fri Oct 27 Carleton 5 Western Ontario 2
Fri Oct 27 Toronto Metro 6 R.M.C. 3
Fri Oct 27 York 2 Ontario Tech 7
Fri Oct 27 Guelph 2 Concordia 6
Fri Oct 27 Lakehead 6 Toronto 2
Fri Oct 27 Nipissing 1 Waterloo 2
Fri Oct 27 Ottawa 3 Windsor 4
Fri Oct 27 U.Q.T.R. 6 Queen's 2
Sat Oct 28 Brock at Concordia 3:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Carleton at Windsor 4:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Guelph at McGill 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Lakehead at Toronto 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Nipissing at Laurier 7:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Ottawa at Western Ontario 3:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Toronto Metro at Queen's 7:30 EDT
Sat Oct 28 U.Q.T.R. at R.M.C. 2:00 EDT
Sat Oct 28 Waterloo at Ontario Tech 3:00 EDT

Fri Oct 27 Acadia 3 New Brunswick 6
Fri Oct 27 Dalhousie 4 U.P.E.I. 3
Fri Oct 27 Saint Mary's 2 Moncton 6
Sat Oct 28 Acadia at Moncton 4:00 ADT
Sat Oct 28 St. F.X. at U.P.E.I. 7:00 ADT
Sat Oct 28 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Oct 27 Portage College 1 Red Deer Poly 7
Fri Oct 27 N.A.I.T. 9 Concordia-Edmonton 5
Fri Oct 27 Briercrest College 7 UA-Augustana 2
Sat Oct 28 Portage College at Red Deer Poly 1:00 MDT
Sat Oct 28 Briercrest College at UA-Augustana 2:00 MDT
Sat Oct 28 Concordia-Edmonton at N.A.I.T. 2:00 MDT

Fri Oct 27 Simon Fraser 6 Victoria 7 (ot)
Sat Oct 28 Logan Lake at Okanagan 6:15 PDT
Sat Oct 28 Simon Fraser at Vancouver Island 7:00 PDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

October 28, 2023: BLUEGARS COMPLETE THE SWEEP

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ Game reports: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofM: Team Website
➤ MRU: Team Website

Quick Summary
MRU: M. Ladyman (04:08 1st), R. Holmes (19:24 1st), C. Blake (07:57 2nd), D. Kernaghan (09:03 3rd), C. Bouchard (19:24 3rd)
Man: J. Hooker (13:18 1st), J. Paulhus (12:43 3rd)
Goal: MRU: Sims (17 shots, 15 saves); Man: Thronton (34 shots, 30 saves)

With the Rugby World Cup final, Bisons-Dinos football, Jets hockey, and the World Series, it was a tough day to devote sufficient time to each and every game I wanted to watch. I had to forego live attendance at this game. The Bluegars switched goaltenders, but otherwise the line-ups looked alike. As of this post, GoBisons.ca has not updated game stories for the hockey game, nor for the football game.

Sidebar: The football ending was crazy. Last game of the regular season. Bedrock U needs a 13 point win to edge the Bisons out of the final playoff berth. Leading by 20, they fumble on the last play, the Bisons recover for a touchdown, and a 2-point convert made it a 12 point loss, and a playoff berth for the Herd.

On this peculiar CW weekend, this was the feature game of the night. However, it was far from a nail-biter. Captain Hook(er) scored his 5th to bring the Bisons to a 1-1 tie, and Josh Paulhus scored his 2nd to make pull the Bisons to within 4-2. An empty-netter sealed the deal.

This illustrates the gap in the CW. The Bisons may well be the #6 team, and the Bluegars the #5 team. Yet the gulf between the top 5 and bottom 4 continues to be large.


OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 7
MACEWAN GRIFFINS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UBC (Friday late): Four goal third period leads UBC to ninth straight win (with boxscore)
➤ UBC (Saturday): Sam Huo’s four point night leads ‘Birds to tenth straight win (with boxscore)
➤ MacU (Friday late): Griffins led No. 2 UBC for most of the game before wheels fell off in the third period of 5-2 loss (with boxscore)
➤ MacU (Saturday): Griffins repeat the same script, surrendering four unanswered third period goals in loss to UBC (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
UBC: S. Atkinson (07:55 1st), S. Huo (11:14 1st), L. Kindree (02:15 2nd), J. Lambos (02:46 3rd), S. Mutala (03:56 3rd), S. Huo (09:47 3rd), C. McDonald (15:21 3rd)
MacU: K. Chabot (05:30 1st), V. Scott (12:01 1st)
Goal: UBC: Schwebius (21 shots, 19 saves); MacU: Davis (32 shots, 25 saves)

I saw a bit of this one. The Family Guys had a good 1st period, tied 2-2 and shots 11-9 in favour of the T-irds. Eventually, though, UBC took charge and dominated this game. Game stories for the Friday and Saturday games are linked.

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS 0
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofS: MHKY: Saskatchewan Improves to 8-0 with Win Over Spartans (with boxscore)
➤ TWU (Friday late): SPARTANS DROP ROAD GAME WITH HUSKIES (with boxscore)
➤ TWU (Saturday): SPARTANS FALL TO HUSKIES (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
TWU: none
Sask: C. Jaquet (03:09 1st), V. Loschiavo (14:37 1st), R. Pelletier (03:57 2nd), D. Holt (12:47 3rd), V. Loschiavo (16:38 3rd)
Goal: TWU: Audet L (7 shots, 6 saves); Sommer (25 shots, 21 saves); Sask: Ross (23 shots, 23 saves)

Holy Trinity put up a good fight. They took 26 penalty minutes, and Sask scored twice on the PP. That’s back-to-back shutouts by Roddy Ross for the Banjo-Mutts. Sad to say, but even when the Spartans are at their best, they are a couple of levels down from Sask.


NEXT UP

Thu Nov 2 Trinity Western at Manitoba 7:00 CDT
Fri Nov 3 Calgary at Regina 7:00 CST
Fri Nov 3 Saskatchewan at Alberta 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 Trinity Western at Manitoba 7:00 CDT
Fri Nov 3 U.B.C. at Mount Royal 7:00 MDT


OUT EAST

Sat Oct 28 Brock 3 Concordia 2
Sat Oct 28 Carleton 7 Windsor 2
Sat Oct 28 Guelph 0 McGill 3
Sat Oct 28 Lakehead 2 Toronto 3
Sat Oct 28 Nipissing 3 Laurier 1
Sat Oct 28 Ottawa 5 Western Ontario 2
Sat Oct 28 Toronto Metro 2 Queen's 7
Sat Oct 28 U.Q.T.R. 7 R.M.C. 2
Sat Oct 28 Waterloo 1 Ontario Tech 3
Wed Nov 1 Concordia at U.Q.T.R. 7:00 EDT
Wed Nov 1 R.M.C. at Ontario Tech 11:00 AM EDT
Wed Nov 1 Waterloo at York 8:00 EDT
Wed Nov 1 Victoria at Vancouver Island 7:00 PDT
Thu Nov 2 Toronto Metro at Laurier 7:00 EDT

Sat Oct 28 Acadia 1 Moncton 4
Sat Oct 28 St. F.X. 3 U.P.E.I. 1
Sat Oct 28 Saint Mary's 1 New Brunswick 4
Wed Nov 1 U.P.E.I. at Moncton 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 Dalhousie at Saint Mary's 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 Moncton at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 St. F.X. at Acadia 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Sat Oct 28 Portage College 2 Red Deer Poly 3
Sat Oct 28 Briercrest College 3 UA-Augustana 6
Sat Oct 28 Concordia-Edmonton 1 N.A.I.T. 8
Fri Nov 3 Concordia-Edmonton at UA-Augustana 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 S.A.I.T. at Portage College 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. 7:00 MDT

Sat Oct 28 Logan Lake at Okanagan - no report
Sat Oct 28 Simon Fraser 3 Vancouver Island 10
Fri Nov 3 Victoria at Logan Lake 7:00 PDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[MeHateHe]

Sat Oct 28 Logan Lake at Okanagan - no report

Okanagan 8 Logan Lake 2

 

[Hollywood3]

October 29, 2023: SUNDAY MORNING LINKS

Links:
➤ Summaries: CW Presto
➤ UofM: Bisons fall 5-2 to Cougars in Saturday matinee

The only game story not posted on Saturday was the one at GoBisons.ca. It’s up now. Although late, it is a good summary. The Presto version of the boxscore on the CW schedule & results page does not appear yet for either game on the weekend. I link to the schedule itself in case the CW links it themselves.

Sat Oct 28 Logan Lake 8 Okanagan 2
Sat Oct 28 Simon Fraser 3 Vancouver Island 10
Fri Nov 3 Victoria at Logan Lake 7:00 PDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: November 2-4, 2023: TRINITY WESTERN at MANITOBA

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS (0-8-0, 4-10-0, OHT35 #35)
MANITOBA BISONS (0-7-1, 1-13-1, OHT35 #33)

Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00 CDT at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg
Friday, November 3rd at 7:00 CDT at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

Live Links:
➤ Video: CanadaWest TV
➤ Thursday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech ∞ Presto
➤ Friday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech ∞ Presto

Manitoba Links:
➤ UofM: Team Website
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Trinity Western Links:
➤ TWU: Women's Soccer CW Final Four, Basketball, Volleyball, and Hockey Conference Action
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Last series:
➤ Jan 27/23: TWU 7 UM 1: LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)
➤ Jan 28/23: TWU 6 UM 7: LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)

Other Links:
➤ USports: Schedule/Links ∞ Standings
➤ CW: Home Page ∞ Season Schedule
➤ CW Hockey Tech: Daily Schedule
➤ CW LeagueStat: Media Stats ∞ Daily Schedule

Last year the Bisons’ season fell apart when they hosted Holy Trinity. They were 7-9-0 at the end of the 1st semester, ending with a sweep of MacEwan and a split with Sask. After the break they were on a 0-6-0 run, but still had a great shot at a playoff berth with a sweep of TWU. Instead, they played their two worst games of the season, losing 7-1 and winning 7-6 (a game they led 6-2). Four more losses finished the season in an inglorious ending.

The three holy goalies have eerily similar stats. Audet (4.90 GAA, .898 S%, 0-2-0) Sommer (4.90 GAA,.894 S%, 0-5-0), and Berkeliev (5.10 GAA, .906 S%, 0-1-0) are not really the team’s problem. Their cumulative save percentage is comparable to the rest of the league. The team has just 11 goals through eight games. Not one Spartan has more than two points thus far.

The Bisons are improving under their new coach. Even as it is, they may well be the “best of the rest” amongst the bottom four, all desperately trying for that last playoff berth.

I’m not a big fan of Thursday games, likely so scheduled because the CFL Western Semi-Final would have been at the stadium on Saturday had the Bombers finished 2nd.


ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

CALGARY DINOSAURS (5-2-1, 11-2-1, OHT35 #2)
REGINA COUGARS (2-4-2, 5-7-2, OHT35 #23)

Links:
➤ UofC: Howell, Jozsa named to U SPORTS All-Star staff
➤ UofR: Team Website

The CW has become a two-tier league again this year. This is the only inter-tier matchup of the weekend. Here is each team’s record against Tier 1 teams:
Tier 1
U.B.C. 2-0-0
Alberta 3-2-1
M.R.U. 2-2-0
Calgary 1-2-1
Sask. 0-0-0

Tier 2
Regina 0-4-2
Manitoba 0-5-1
MacEwan 0-7-1
Trinity 0-6-0

The linked story is about Dinos’ head coach Mark Howell and video coach Alex Jozsa being named to the staff for the USports v. National Junior Team Selection games on December 12-13. Others named are Brett Gibson (Queen's - head coach), David Urquhart (McGill - assistant coach), Richard Lim (RMC - assistant coach), Jamie Nicholl-Carne (Queen's - equipment manager), and Adam Ellwood (Windsor - athletic therapist).

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (8-0-0, 9-4-1, OHT35 #12)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (5-2-1, 9-6-1, OHT35 #7)

Links:
➤ UofS: Team Website
➤ UofA: Team Website

The Banjo-Mutts have had a weirdly soft schedule thus far. 8-0-0 looks really good, but their four opponents thus far are Manitoba, MacEwan, Regina, and Trinity. They were only 1-4-1 in the pre-season, against a cross-section of teams. So now we’ll see what they have. The Evil Monkeys started with two losses to UBC, but since then are 5-0-1 against a cross-section of opponents. They looked back to their banana-loving selves in rolling over Calgary twice last weekend. This could be the best series to watch this weekend. Of note, their football teams meet on Saturday afternoon in a semi-final game.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (10-0-0, 15-0-0, OHT35 #3)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (6-2-0, 8-5-0, OHT35 #8)

Links:
➤ UBC: Team Website
➤ MRU: Team Website

Like Sask, the T-irds are 8-0-0 against the bottom four teams. They did open the season with a sweep of the Evil Monkeys. So this series is a chance to prove themselves. The Bluegars look decent, especially after having lost so much talent from last year.


OUT EAST

Thu Nov 2 Toronto Metro at Laurier 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Carleton at Ottawa 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Laurier at Toronto 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 McGill at R.M.C. 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Nipissing at Queen's 7:30 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Ontario Tech at Guelph 7:30 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Western Ontario at Lakehead TBA
Fri Nov 3 Windsor at Brock 6:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 McGill at Queen's 2:30 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Nipissing at R.M.C. 2:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Ontario Tech at Brock 4:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Ottawa at Carleton 7:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Toronto at Waterloo 7:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Western Ontario at Lakehead TBA
Sat Nov 4 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EDT
Sat Nov 4 York at Toronto Metro 2:00 EDT
Sun Nov 5 U.Q.T.R. at Concordia 2:00 EST

Wed Nov 1 U.P.E.I. 5 Moncton 2
Fri Nov 3 Dalhousie at Saint Mary's 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 Moncton at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 St. F.X. at Acadia 7:00 ADT
Sat Nov 4 Dalhousie at Acadia 7:00 ADT
Sat Nov 4 New Brunswick at U.P.E.I. 7:00 ADT
Sat Nov 4 Saint Mary's at St. F.X. 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Men’s Hockey Page
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Nov 3 Concordia-Edmonton at UA-Augustana 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 S.A.I.T. at Portage College 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. 7:00 MDT
Sat Nov 4 S.A.I.T. at Portage College 1:00 MDT
Sat Nov 4 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly 7:00 MDT
Sat Nov 4 UA-Augustana at Concordia-Edmonton 7:00 MDT

Fri Nov 3 Victoria at Logan Lake 7:00 PDT
Fri Nov 3 Okanagan at Simon Fraser 7:00 PDT DH
Fri Nov 3 Simon Fraser at Pittsburgh EX 7:00 EDT DH
Sat Nov 4 Victoria at Okanagan 6:00 PDT
Sat Nov 4 Simon Fraser at Robert Morris EX 7:00 EDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[jetsmooseice]

Looking forward to being back at the Wayne this Friday night for the first time since the WHL Conference Finals. I can't say I'm expecting a game for the ages but hopefully there will be some entertainment value.

I see a few familiar names from the Winnipeg Blues on the TWU roster, they definitely put in an effort recruiting MJHL players. Much like with the Bisons, it's a pretty junior A heavy lineup with few if any CHL vets.

 

[MiamiHockeyII]

Looking forward to being back at the Wayne this Friday night for the first time since the WHL Conference Finals. I can't say I'm expecting a game for the ages but hopefully there will be some entertainment value.

I see a few familiar names from the Winnipeg Blues on the TWU roster, they definitely put in an effort recruiting MJHL players. Much like with the Bisons, it's a pretty junior A heavy lineup with few if any CHL vets.

I am really curious to see how long the TWU hockey program lasts in Canada West. It's such a niche school that it will be near-impossible to compete for WHL recruits, and even top Jr A grads will hesitate to attend. Hockey is the single-most expensive athletic team outside of football, and TWU has almost zero endowment to fund athletics. Long-term, it makes much more sense for them to compete in the BCIHL.

 

[jetsmooseice]

I am really curious to see how long the TWU hockey program lasts in Canada West. It's such a niche school that it will be near-impossible to compete for WHL recruits, and even top Jr A grads will hesitate to attend. Hockey is the single-most expensive athletic team outside of football, and TWU has almost zero endowment to fund athletics. Long-term, it makes much more sense for them to compete in the BCIHL.

What were the politics behind TWU hockey? Was it regarded a goal in its own right? Or as a trial run before committing to a bigger, more expensive program like football?

I have to say, I went to a Giants game at the LEC last year and TWU has a high profile in that barn. It's a gorgeous rink, as a U of M alum I can only be envious at the arrangements they have in place over there. I would think prospective players would at least be impressed by the facilities if nothing else. It doesn't get as much hype as USask's because it's not "their own" but honestly, who cares if you still get to play all your games there.

 

[MiamiHockeyII]

What were the politics behind TWU hockey? Was it regarded a goal in its own right? Or as a trial run before committing to a bigger, more expensive program like football?

I have to say, I went to a Giants game at the LEC last year and TWU has a high profile in that barn. It's a gorgeous rink, as a U of M alum I can only be envious at the arrangements they have in place over there. I would think prospective players would at least be impressed by the facilities if nothing else. It doesn't get as much hype as USask's because it's not "their own" but honestly, who cares if you still get to play all your games there.

I find it incredibly hard to imagine TWU attempting a football program. They would get absolutely destroyed in Canada West, and the cost of a football program would eat up the entire athletics budget.

I don't know specifically about hockey, but generally smaller colleges & universities see athletics partly as a way to promote the school, and partly as a way to enhance student life. That attitude is much more prevalent in the US than Canada but, as a Private Christian Liberal Arts University, TWU is more like an American university than a Canadian university anyways.

Many universities also view athletics programs and facilities as a signal of financial strength, because they are visible to the public.

Again, I don't know TWU well enough to form a ironclad opinion, but it was likely some combination of all those factors,

 

[jetsmooseice]

I find it incredibly hard to imagine TWU attempting a football program. They would get absolutely destroyed in Canada West, and the cost of a football program would eat up the entire athletics budget.

I don't know specifically about hockey, but generally smaller colleges & universities see athletics partly as a way to promote the school, and partly as a way to enhance student life. That attitude is much more prevalent in the US than Canada but, as a Private Christian Liberal Arts University, TWU is more like an American university than a Canadian university anyways.

Many universities also view athletics programs and facilities as a signal of financial strength, because they are visible to the public.

Again, I don't know TWU well enough to form a ironclad opinion, but it was likely some combination of all those factors,

Interesting comments.

I'm no expert on university football but with SFU seemingly out of football for now you'd think there is some opportunity for an ambitious school with big dreams to fill the gap and scoop up some of the football talent coming out of BC and the surrounding area to form a competitive program? But you're right, it's expensive, the cost may just be prohibitive.

I agree with your comments about sports as a means for promoting the school and enhancing student life. But my impression is basketball and volleyball are the lowest hanging fruit in that regard, low cost and relatively easy to field a competitive team quickly. By contrast, I'd wager that hardly anyone knows anything about TWU's hockey program even in Langley, let alone further west into Vancouver and environs. I wonder if TWU is satisfied with how things are going with its hockey program...

 

[AUS Fan]

Interesting comments.

I'm no expert on university football but with SFU seemingly out of football for now you'd think there is some opportunity for an ambitious school with big dreams to fill the gap and scoop up some of the football talent coming out of BC and the surrounding area to form a competitive program? But you're right, it's expensive, the cost may just be prohibitive.

I agree with your comments about sports as a means for promoting the school and enhancing student life. But my impression is basketball and volleyball are the lowest hanging fruit in that regard, low cost and relatively easy to field a competitive team quickly. By contrast, I'd wager that hardly anyone knows anything about TWU's hockey program even in Langley, let alone further west into Vancouver and environs. I wonder if TWU is satisfied with how things are going with its hockey program...

It's not a matter of "big dreams" but deep pockets. Football is a non-starter for a school like TWU.

 

[MiamiHockeyII]

Interesting comments.

I'm no expert on university football but with SFU seemingly out of football for now you'd think there is some opportunity for an ambitious school with big dreams to fill the gap and scoop up some of the football talent coming out of BC and the surrounding area to form a competitive program? But you're right, it's expensive, the cost may just be prohibitive.

I agree with your comments about sports as a means for promoting the school and enhancing student life. But my impression is basketball and volleyball are the lowest hanging fruit in that regard, low cost and relatively easy to field a competitive team quickly. By contrast, I'd wager that hardly anyone knows anything about TWU's hockey program even in Langley, let alone further west into Vancouver and environs. I wonder if TWU is satisfied with how things are going with its hockey program...

Exactly why Brandon and Lethbridge dropped hockey.

Football is indescribably expensive ... roster size > 100, coaching staff > 10, trainers, etc. ... now think about the cost of transporting that group from Vancouver to Regina for a game.

There's a reason that only the 6 biggest CWUAA schools have football teams.

 

[Hollywood3]

November 2, 2023: BISON COMEBACK FALLS SHORT

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS 3
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ Game reports: LeagueStat : CW
➤ TWU: Spartans Get the Win, Knock off Bisons
➤ UofM: Team Website

Quick Summary
TWU: J. Penner (00:32 1st), A. Steinke (02:31 1st), C. Lowe (10:56 1st)
Man: J. Hooker (12:58 3rd), H. Ostir (17:33 3rd)
Goal: TWU: Sommer (36 shots, 34 saves); Man: Thornton (30 shots, 27 saves)

Once again, the Bisons had just 5 defencemen available for this one. Here’s how they lined up:

MANITOBA:
Goal:
30 Thornton (34 Hawryluk)

Defence:
16 Hartje - 5 Casey
8 Toth - 4 Malchuk
25 Calder

Forwards:
29 King - 18 Hooker - 17 Veloso
20 Apetagon - 9 Thiessen - 21 Basarab
14 Zimmerman - 19 Arpin - 11 Ostir
10 Paulhus - 28 Behun - 26 Boucher - 12 Trimble

Scratches:
G: 1 Harkness
D: 6 Fry - 24 Wareham - 27 Gottfried
F: 13 Sutter - 23 Fawkes

TRINITY WESTERN
Goal:
31 Sommer (90 Berkeliev)

Defence:
11 McMillen - 6 Fuller
10 Krahn - 43 Pomeroy
44 Cameron - 22 Oates

Forwards:
18 Sartor - 14 Penner - 27 Joss
91 Lowe - 9 Dubois - 26 Perepeluk
93 Spadafora - 16 Steinke - 24 Spafford
19 Vanderhooft - 20 Bruce - 42 Hopps

Scratches:
G:- 1 Labelle - 35 Audet
D: 5 Jurgeneit - 2 Mathys
F: 17 Borynec - 21 Klessens - 94 Johnson

Holy Trinity scored on their first two shots on goal. That had the Bisons looking lost for the 1st period, in which they were outshot 17-7. The Bisons did take control of the 2nd and 3rd periods, outshooting the Spartans 29-13. By the 3rd, the Spartans looked gassed as they were clinging to a lead. The Bisons have to be confident heading into Friday’s rematch. But they needed a sweep to get back into contendership for a playoff berth.

There were some dumb penalties and odd calls of note late in the game. In the last 4 minutes, goaltender Leon Sommer knocked the net off its moorings for the 4th time, and got a minor penalty. In the last 3 minutes, Bison Colton Veloso got 2 minutes for slapping a defenceman’s stick out of his way and sent it flying. Then just 15 seconds later, Holy Trinity’s Michael Spafford thought it would be a good idea to trip the goalie with nobody around them. After the Bisons scored on the latter PP, Thornton went to the bench for an extra attacker. The officials must have lost count, because they blew the whistle as the Bisons entered the offensive zone then had a face-off at centre ice. The Bisons mounted another attack and there was a battle for the puck in the TWU corner. Suddenly we heard a whistle. Why? Nobody knows. However the face-off came out of the TWU zone.

NEXT UP

Fri Nov 3 Calgary at Regina 7:00 CST
Fri Nov 3 Saskatchewan at Alberta 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 Trinity Western at Manitoba 7:00 CDT
Fri Nov 3 U.B.C. at Mount Royal 7:00 MDT


OUT EAST

Wed Nov 1 Concordia 0 U.Q.T.R. 5
Wed Nov 1 R.M.C. 1 Ontario Tech 3
Wed Nov 1 Waterloo 1 York 3
Wed Nov 1 Victoria 6 Vancouver Island 4
Thu Nov 2 Toronto Metro 1 Laurier 4
Fri Nov 3 Carleton at Ottawa 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Laurier at Toronto 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 McGill at R.M.C. 7:00 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Nipissing at Queen's 7:30 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Ontario Tech at Guelph 7:30 EDT
Fri Nov 3 Western Ontario at Lakehead TBA
Fri Nov 3 Windsor at Brock 6:00 EDT

Wed Nov 1 U.P.E.I. 5 Moncton 2
Fri Nov 3 Dalhousie at Saint Mary's 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 Moncton at New Brunswick 7:00 ADT
Fri Nov 3 St. F.X. at Acadia 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Nov 3 Concordia-Edmonton at UA-Augustana 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 S.A.I.T. at Portage College 7:00 MDT
Fri Nov 3 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. 7:00 MDT

Wed Nov 1 Victoria 6 Vancouver Island 4
Fri Nov 3 Victoria at Logan Lake 7:00 PDT
Fri Nov 3 Okanagan at Simon Fraser 7:00 PDT DH
Fri Nov 3 Simon Fraser at Pittsburgh EX 7:00 EDT DH

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

What were the politics behind TWU hockey? Was it regarded a goal in its own right? Or as a trial run before committing to a bigger, more expensive program like football?

I have to say, I went to a Giants game at the LEC last year and TWU has a high profile in that barn. It's a gorgeous rink, as a U of M alum I can only be envious at the arrangements they have in place over there. I would think prospective players would at least be impressed by the facilities if nothing else. It doesn't get as much hype as USask's because it's not "their own" but honestly, who cares if you still get to play all your games there.

Regarding this and the responding posts, CW football fans believe that the Okanagan Sun Junior Football Club might one day make a deal with UBCO, like the Rams did with the U of R back in the day. I write this off as wishful thinking.

Simon Fraser fired the AD who canned their football program. They'll likely be back soon with an independent schedule. Their alumin went nuts. The games were drawing flies since they left the CW. Their conference ultimately folded when football proved too expensive for most schools. So SFU played in a Texas conference. They were told they would not be allowed to stay, so they folded.

Regarding Holy Trinity, they started in the BCIHL in its inaugural 2003-04 unofficial season. Their teams were called "Titans" because they lacked varsity status. In 2010-11 they were granted varsity status and were renamed "Spartans", the school's varsity team moniker.

 

[Hollywood3]

November 3, 2023: SWEEP LEAVES BISONS IN BASEMENT

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS 5
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ Game reports: LeagueStat : CW
➤ TWU: Spartans Get Historic Sweep of Bisons (with boxscore)
➤ UofM (Thursday late): MHKY: Spartans hold on to beat Bisons 3-2 (with boxscore)
➤ UofM: MHKY: Spartans pull away late, beat Manitoba 5-2 (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
TWU: R. Perepeluk (03:32 1st), K. McMillen (18:22 1st), L. Spadafora (18:00 2nd), L. Fuller (10:27 3rd), M. Joss (11:51 3rd)
Man: D. Thiessen (06:45 1st), J. Hooker (19:49 2nd)
Goal: TWU: Sommer (24 shots, 22 saves); Man: Thornton (34 shots, 29 saves)

After a strong finish on Thursday, the Bisons had no follow-up in this one. I could not attend in person due to car trouble, and had to rely on CWTV. Unfortunately, the stream would not connect for most of the first half of the game. The Bisons had just one line-up change, Eric Fawkes subbing in for Cameron Trimble. The Bisons now need a sweep of their own in Regina next weekend.

It seems the Bisons have made themselves into a team that tries to contain superior opponents, not to crush the weaker teams. Of the Tier 2 teams, they give the Tier 1 teams the most problems. Yet they are 0-4-0 head-to-head against the Tier 2 teams.

opening faceoff

Thiessen in the slot, but no goal here.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 4
REGINA COUGARS 1

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofC: Patterson nets winner in return to ice (with boxscore)
➤ UofR: Cougars defeated 4-1 by No. 6 Calgary (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
Calg: M. Westhaver (01:35 1st), M. Patterson (17:59 2nd), C. Gengenbach (00:55 3rd), A. Kydd (04:01 3rd)
Reg: C. Sass (07:18 1st)
Goal: Calg: Stankowski (21 shots, 20 saves); Reg: Meger (32 shots, 28 saves)

With a lot of Friday night overlap, this one was not on my radar. Bedrock U needed a bounce-back win, now they need to complete the sweep.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 1

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofS: MKHY: Dominant Win for Huskies Over Rival Golden Bears (with boxscore)
➤ UofA: Third period comeback gives Huskies win over Bears (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
Sask: J. Pillar (01:19 3rd), R. Pelletier (11:40 3rd), G. Kinniburgh (19:03 3rd)
Alta: J. Smallwood (17:51 1st)
Goal: Sask: Ross (26 shots, 25 saves); Alta: Kruger (25 shots, 23 saves)

I caught the end of this one, and it was very well played. Both sides had well-organized defensive structure and could be a problem for any opponent. The rematch should be good. Sask has proven they can play at a Tier 1 level. That 5-way race is on, IMO.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ MRU: MHKY: Cougars take down Thunderbirds at home (with boxscore)
➤ UBC: Cougars snap streak as T-Birds suffer first loss of the season (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
UBC: C. Miller (03:11 1st), J. Lee (19:59 2nd), L. Kindree (16:01 3rd)
MRU: R. Holmes (12:52 1st), C. Hanus (17:21 2nd), T. Zandee (14:33 3rd), C. Hanus (18:12 3rd)
Goal: UBC: Lane (22 shots, 18 saves); MRU: Farkas (42 shots, 39 saves)

The T-irds’ unbeaten streak came to a halt in this one. They outshot the Bluegars 42-22 but that was not enough. After the Bison game, I focused on the Monkeys/Mutts game so I did not get a real handle on this one.


NEXT UP
Sat Nov 4 Calgary at Regina 5:00 CST / 6:00 CDT
Sat Nov 4 Saskatchewan at Alberta 7:00 MDT / 8:00 CDT
Sat Nov 4 U.B.C. at Mount Royal 5:00 MDT / 6:00 CDT


OUT EAST

Fri Nov 3 Carleton 1 Ottawa 3
Fri Nov 3 Laurier 2 Toronto 3
Fri Nov 3 McGill 6 R.M.C. 3
Fri Nov 3 Nipissing 1 Queen's 8
Fri Nov 3 Ontario Tech 2 Guelph 3
Fri Nov 3 Western Ontario 2 Lakehead 3
Fri Nov 3 Windsor 1 Brock 3
Sat Nov 4 McGill at Queen's 2:30 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Nipissing at R.M.C. 2:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Ontario Tech at Brock 4:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Ottawa at Carleton 7:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Toronto at Waterloo 7:00 EDT
Sat Nov 4 Western Ontario at Lakehead TBA
Sat Nov 4 Windsor at Guelph 7:30 EDT
Sat Nov 4 York at Toronto Metro 2:00 EDT

Fri Nov 3 Dalhousie 0 Saint Mary's 5
Fri Nov 3 Moncton 3 New Brunswick 4 (ot)
Fri Nov 3 St. F.X. 4 Acadia 1
Sat Nov 4 Dalhousie at Acadia 7:00 ADT
Sat Nov 4 New Brunswick at U.P.E.I. 7:00 ADT
Sat Nov 4 Saint Mary's at St. F.X. 7:00 ADT

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: [Men's Ice Hockey - Ontario University Athletics] Schedule & Results [/url]
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Nov 3 Concordia-Edmonton 4 UA-Augustana 3
Fri Nov 3 S.A.I.T. 4 Portage College 3 (ot)
Fri Nov 3 Red Deer Poly 0 N.A.I.T. 7
Sat Nov 4 S.A.I.T. at Portage College 1:00 MDT
Sat Nov 4 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly 7:00 MDT
Sat Nov 4 UA-Augustana at Concordia-Edmonton 7:00 MDT

Fri Nov 3 Victoria 5 Logan Lake 4
Fri Nov 3 Okanagan 6 Simon Fraser 3
Fri Nov 3 Simon Fraser 6 Pittsburgh 1 (ACHA EX)
Sat Nov 4 Victoria at Okanagan 6:00 PDT
Sat Nov 4 Simon Fraser at Robert Morris (NCAA EX) 7:00 EDT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[UNB Bruins Fan]

Manitoba getting swept by both Macewan and Trinity Western raises the question…are they currently the worst team in the country?

 

[Hollywood3]

November 4, 2023: TIER 1 TEAMS SPLIT THEIR SERIES

The Bisons finished their series on Friday night, so all we have is three games from out of town.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 4
REGINA COUGARS 2

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofC: Dinos complete road sweep of Cougars (with boxscore)
➤ UofR: Team Website

Quick Summary
Calg: M. Westhaver (14:29 1st), R. Stotts (07:47 2nd), T. Upper (08:55 2nd), Z. Wytinck (10:00 2nd)
Reg: K. Runke (04:54 2nd), J. Davis (18:20 2nd)
Goal: Calg: Tetachuk (17 shots, 15 saves); Reg: Evanoff (44 shots, 40 saves)

On a super busy Saturday (Jets started at 3:00 followed by a smorgasbord of NHL games, two CFL playoff games, and two CW football playoff games), this game was almost lost in the shuffle. But I did see a lot. The score was close than Friday’s, but this was a very dominant performance by Bedrock U. The Banjo-Cats did manage two goals on six shots in the 2nd period. They only had three shots in the 3rd period, hence no chance of a rally.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofS: Team Website
➤ UofA: Team Website

Quick Summary
Sask: R. Pelletier (12:31 1st), C. Petruic (16:19 1st), J. Faith (03:29 2nd)
Alta: N. Boyko (04:29 1st), J. Prokop (10:59 1st), J. Smallwood (18:00 1st), J. Sexsmith (05:08 2nd)
Goal: Sask: Ross (18 shots, 14 saves); Alta: Berlin (41 shots, 38 saves)

This game was a late-starter so I saw most of it. Sounds funny to say, but the Evil Monkeys were kinda dominated. They have enough skill to cash in their chances. Overall, the split was probably an appropriate result. The Mutts tied the game at 2-2 on a 2nd period penalty shot, awarded whilst short-handed. Now, That’s a rarity. Matt Berlin definitely was the star of the game in the Monkey goal.

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 7
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UBC: UBC responds with strong effort to earn weekend split with MRU (with boxscore)
➤ MRU: MHKY: Cougars suffer defeat against Thunderbirds (with boxscore)

Quick Summary
UBC: S. Atkinson (05:07 1st), S. Huo (05:46 1st), J. Lee (08:34 1st), L. Kindree (13:46 1st), J. Lee (18:41 1st), L. Kindree (13:13 2nd), T. Thorpe (19:59 3rd)
MRU: C. Bouchard (07:48 1st), D. Milliken (09:11 2nd), S. Moe (02:54 3rd), C. Hanus (07:22 3rd)
Goal: UBC: Lane (22 shots, 18 saves); MRU: Farkas (42 shots, 39 saves)

I was able to see the 1st period of this one. The T-irds built a 5-1 lead and had the Bluegars reeling throughout. MRU put up a bit of a fight thereafter to make the final score reasonable. I’m thinking that the five Tier 1 teams are all capable of beating one another, and expect that most series they play will be splits.


NEXT UP
Fri Nov 10 Alberta at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 Calgary at Saskatchewan 7:00 CST
Fri Nov 10 MacEwan at Trinity Western 7:15 PST
Fri Nov 10 Manitoba at Regina 7:00 CST


OUT EAST

Sat Nov 4 McGill 4 Queen's 3
Sat Nov 4 Nipissing 9 R.M.C. 4
Sat Nov 4 Ontario Tech 3 Brock 7
Sat Nov 4 Ottawa 7 Carleton 1
Sat Nov 4 Toronto 5 Waterloo 4
Sat Nov 4 Western Ontario 4 Lakehead 1
Sat Nov 4 Windsor 2 Guelph 4
Sat Nov 4 York 2 Toronto Metro 5
Sun Nov 5 U.Q.T.R. at Concordia 2:00 EST
Wed Nov 8 McGill at U.Q.T.R. 7:00 EST
Thu Nov 9 Guelph at Laurier 7:00 EST
Thu Nov 9 Lakehead at Nipissing 7:00 EST
Thu Nov 9 Toronto at York 11:15 AM EST

Sat Nov 4 Dalhousie 3 Acadia 6
Sat Nov 4 New Brunswick 8 U.P.E.I. 0
Sat Nov 4 Saint Mary's 3 St. F.X. 4
Wed Nov 8 U.P.E.I. at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST
Fri Nov 10 Moncton at St. F.X. 7:00 AST
Fri Nov 10 New Brunswick at Dalhousie 7:00 AST
Fri Nov 10 U.P.E.I. at Acadia 7:00 AST

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Sat Nov 4 S.A.I.T. 7 Portage College 1
Sat Nov 4 N.A.I.T. 3 Red Deer Poly 2
Sat Nov 4 UA-Augustana 3 Concordia-Edmonton 1
Fri Nov 10 Concordia-Edmonton at Briercrest College 6:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 Portage College at N.A.I.T. 7:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 S.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly 7:00 MST

Sat Nov 4 Victoria 3 Okanagan 1
Sat Nov 4 Simon Fraser 1 Robert Morris 3 (NCAA EX)
Fri Nov 10 Vancouver Island at Victoria 7:00 PST
Fri Nov 10 Simon Fraser at Logan Lake 7:00 PST

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

Manitoba getting swept by both Macewan and Trinity Western raises the question…are they currently the worst team in the country?

I'll have to run the numbers. On October 22nd the Bisons were #35. They fell, but others fell even more, so that the Bisons were #33 on October 29th. I could have the poll done Sunday, but likely Monday.

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD TOP 35 ~ 2023-24

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD TOP 35 ~ 2023-24 ~ POLL 1 ~ SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 NOTE: This is NOT a ranking. The results have just been entered onto the tables I intend to use this year. * indicates total includes a tie game Conf. indicates overall conference record Conf-x indicates exhibition record...

forums.hfboards.com

 

[Rob]

Manitoba getting swept by both Macewan and Trinity Western raises the question…are they currently the worst team in the country?

Well they are the only team in the country without a win.

 

[jetsmooseice]

Well they are the only team in the country without a win.

This is shocking. What the hell?

I missed Friday's game due to a kid minor hockey commitment but I still want to get out to a game ASAP to see what's going on.

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: November 10-11, 2023: MANITOBA at REGINA

MANITOBA BISONS (0-9-1, 1-15-1, OHT35 #34)
REGINA COUGARS (2-6-2, 5-9-2, OHT35 #23)

Friday, November 10 at 7:00 CT at Co-operators Centre, Regina
Saturday, November 11 at 5:00 CT at Co-operators Centre, Regina

Live Links:
➤ Video: CanadaWest TV
➤ Friday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech
➤ Saturday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech

Manitoba Links:
➤ UofM: Team Website
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Regina Links:
➤ UofR: Team Website
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Last series:
➤ Jan 6/23: UR 8 UM 0: LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)
➤ Jan 7/23: UR 3 UM 2 (so): LeagueStat : Game Story (with boxscore)

Other Links:
➤ USports: Schedule/Links ∞ Standings ∞ Top Ten
➤ CW: Home Page ∞ Season Schedule
➤ CW Hockey Tech: Daily Schedule
➤ CW LeagueStat: Media Stats ∞ Daily Schedule

For the first time in a long time, these teams will play just one series against each other this season. This series is pretty much the Herd’s last chance to rally for a playoff berth. The Tier 1 teams in the CW are 28-0 against the Tier 2 teams (four of those in extra time). I don’t see that changing a whole lot. So ground must be made up against the Tier 2 teams. Both sides have been outscored rather heavily, Regina 42-27, and Manitoba 44-19.

Last year, the Bisons swept the games in Banjoland, and Regina swept the games in Winnipeg. The games in Winnipeg opened the second semester and started the Bisons on a 1-10-1 run.

I’ll be looking to see if any defencemen are returning to the Bison lineup. Recent series have seen them play with just five, which is not good.


ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

CALGARY DINOSAURS (7-2-1, 13-2-1, OHT35 #4)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (9-1-0, 10-5-1, OHT35 #7)

Links:
➤ UofC: Team Website
➤ UofS: Team Website
➤ Huskie Fan: Audio Link
➤ Huskie Fan: Off The Leash Luncheon weekend

The Banjo-Mutts were 8-0-0 to start the season, with two wins over each Tier 2 team. However, they split against the Evil Monkeys last weekend and, in my opinion, had the edge in play. IMO, the five Tier 1 teams are hard to handicap right now. The Dinos were receiving a lot of positive attention to start, based on last year’s record and a 6-0-0 pre-season, but they have been 1-1-0 against MRU and 0-1-1 against Alberta. I expect this series to be well worth a good look.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (6-3-1, 10-7-1, OHT35 #6)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (7-3-0, 9-6-0, OHT35 #5)

Links:
➤ MRU: Team Website
➤ UofA: Team Website

If any series can challenge the one in Saskatown for eager anticipation, it is this home-and-home series for the rivals in Saudi Alberta. These teams thus far have the fewest Tier 1 vs Tier 2 games, the Bluegars having just four and the Evil Monkeys only two. Against Tier 1 teams, MRU is 3-3-0 and Alberta is 4-3-1.

MACEWAN GRIFFINS (2-7-1, 4-10-1, OHT35 #21)
TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS (2-8-0, 6-10-0, OHT35 #31)

Links:
➤ MacU: Griffins embracing 'Next Shift' mindset as they aim for complete-game performances at TWU
➤ TWU: Women's Soccer at U Sports Nationals, Basketball Home Openers, and Men's Volleyball, Hockey Conference Action


COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Fri Nov 10 Calgary at Saskatchewan 7:00 CST
Fri Nov 10 Manitoba at Regina 7:00 CST
Fri Nov 10 Alberta at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 MacEwan at Trinity Western 7:15 PST
Sat Nov 11 MacEwan at Trinity Western 1:00 PST
Sat Nov 11 Calgary at Saskatchewan 5:00 CST
Sat Nov 11 Manitoba at Regina 5:00 CST
Sat Nov 11 Mount Royal at Alberta 7:00 MST


OUT EAST

Sun Nov 5 U.Q.T.R. 5 Concordia 2
Wed Nov 8 McGill 5 U.Q.T.R. 11
Thu Nov 9 Guelph 4 Laurier 3
Thu Nov 9 Lakehead 4 Nipissing 3 (so)
Thu Nov 9 Toronto 4 York 2
Fri Nov 10 Brock at Waterloo 7:00 EST
Fri Nov 10 Concordia at Western Ontario 7:00 EST
Fri Nov 10 Lakehead at Nipissing 7:00 EST
Fri Nov 10 Ontario Tech at Windsor 7:30 EST
Fri Nov 10 Queen's at Ottawa 7:00 EST
Fri Nov 10 R.M.C. at Carleton 7:00 EST
Fri Nov 10 Toronto Metro at Guelph 7:30 EST
Sat Nov 11 Concordia at Windsor 4:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 Ontario Tech at Western Ontario 7:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 Queen's at Carleton 7:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 R.M.C. at Ottawa 3:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 Toronto at U.Q.T.R. 4:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 Waterloo at Toronto Metro 6:00 EST
Sat Nov 11 York at McGill 3:00 EST
Sun Nov 12 Laurier at Brock 2:00 EST

Wed Nov 8 U.P.E.I. 1 Saint Mary's 3
Fri Nov 10 Moncton at St. F.X. 7:00 AST
Fri Nov 10 New Brunswick at Dalhousie 7:00 AST
Fri Nov 10 U.P.E.I. at Acadia 7:00 AST
Sat Nov 11 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 AST
Sat Nov 11 Moncton at Dalhousie 7:00 AST
Sat Nov 11 New Brunswick at St. F.X. 7:00 AST

Links:
➤ USports: Men’s Hockey Page
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


OUT WEST

Fri Nov 10 Concordia-Edmonton at Briercrest College 6:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 Portage College at N.A.I.T. 7:00 MST
Fri Nov 10 S.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly 7:00 MST
Sat Nov 11 Concordia-Edmonton at Briercrest College 1:00 MST
Sat Nov 11 N.A.I.T. at Portage College 3:30 MST
Sat Nov 11 Red Deer Poly at S.A.I.T. 6:15 MST

Fri Nov 10 Vancouver Island at Victoria 7:30 PST
Fri Nov 10 Simon Fraser at Logan Lake 7:00 PST

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results