2014-15 Manitoba Bisons/CIS Thread

[Hollywood3]

Feb 19-21: Bisons at Birds: Quarter-final Preview

CANADA WEST RETURNS! - WITH QUARTER-FINAL ACTION

MANITOBA BISONS (15-13-0, 20-15-0, OHT36 #15)
UBC THUNDERBIRDS (13-10-5, 16-11-5, OHT36 #14)

Thursday, February 19th, 7:00 PST/ 9:00 CST
Friday, February 20th, 7:00 PST/ 9:00 CST
Saturday, February 21st, 7:00 PST/ 9:00 CST (if necessary)

Live Links:
:. [Live Stats Thursday] : [Live Stats Friday]
:. [Live Stats Saturday] (if necessary)
:. [Video: CanadaWest.tv]

Manitoba Links:
:. [U of M Team Site]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

UBC Links:
:. [UBC Preview Story]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Other Links:
:. [CIS Site] : [Playoff Schedule/Results/Links]
:. [CW Site] : [Playoff Schedule/Results/Links]
:. [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]
:. [CIS Top Ten] : [at CW]

Prior games:
Nov 21: Man 2 UBC 1:
:. [Game Story] : [LS Summary] : [CW Story/Boxscore]
Nov 22: Man 3 UBC 1:
:. [Game Story] : [LS Summary] : [CW Story/Boxscore]
Jan 3: Man 3 UBC 1:
:. [Game Story] : [LS Summary] : [CW Story/Boxscore]
Jan 4: UBC 8 Man 6:
:. [Game Story] : [LS Summary] : [CW Story/Boxscore]

The 4-5 playoff series is usually considered to be a toss-up, and this series likely fits the mould. The Bisons have a slight edge in overall numbers, but it is close.

UBC finished a point ahead of Manitoba, however had two fewer wins. UBC collected 5 “loser points” for overtime losses. Oddly, they were 0-5 in overtime while the Bisons won their only overtime game of the season. Using the 3-2-1 point system used by the IIHF and the CWUAA women's league, the Bisons would have been 4th, and UBC 5th, by virtue of having won the head-to-head series 3-1.

This season the Bisons were able to shut down UBC effectively for three straight wins, giving up only one goal per game. Then everything ran amok in the fourth game, won 8-6 by UBC. I would tend to think that game 4 was an aberration and unlikely to be repeated. The Bisons were also 3-1 against UBC last season as well.

Both teams have done well in the new year. The Bisons are 7-3-0, UBC is 6-2-2. The Bisons are coming off a split with Mount Royal, and UBC is coming off a split with Lethbridge.

Overall, Manitoba has outscored their opponents 85-76, and UBC is 79-75. IMO Manitoba has more offensive threats with two solid scoring lines, compared to one for UBC. Manitoba has four top-20 scorers (Depape, Lewadniuk, Dickin, and Merasty) and UBC has two (Bardaro and Wilson).

I give the Bisons an edge in goal. UBC ended up using their goaltenders almost evenly. However at the end of the season they were leaning more on Mark Hewitt (GAA 2.95, SV% .894) over Eric Williams (GAA 2.27, SV% .922). I thought Hewitt looked weak. The Bisons relied on Deven Dubyk (GAA 2.52, SV% .919) all season (he started 17 of the first 19 games). However Byron Spriggs (GAA 2.51, SV% .915) got the most starts at the end. Spriggs' stats were plagued by his first two starts. But his last 5 starts have ranged from good to excellent, thus rounding out to above average numbers overall. Dubyk started the last game, a 4-3 win over MRU where he stopped 39 of 42 shots. I don't know how Coach Sirant will handle the goaltenders, but both have good numbers.

This year the CWUAA has the same quarter-finalists as a year ago. However, the winners from last year (UBC and Manitoba) are paired in one series whilst the losers (MRU and Sask) meet in the other. Therefore, one of last year's semi-finalists will not make it back.

The games are on CanadaWest.tv and would make a good nightcap for fans watching other leagues/games earlier in the evening.

ELSEWHERE:

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (10-15-3, 12-16-5, OHT36 #18)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (17-10-1, 22-10-1, OHT36 #10)

Links:
:. [Video: CanadaWest.tv]
:. [MRU Preview Story] : [repost at CW[/u]]
:. [Sask Preview Story]
:. [MRU Ticket Offer]

A Calgary brewery is offering a nice option for ticket-buyers. For $25 you get a ticket to each game plus a $10 gift card to WildRose Brewery. Pretty good deal if you are the type who likes breweries.

These teams both lost in the quarter-finals last year. It has also been a long time since Sask was this lowly in the rankings. On the other hand, they did get all the way to the University Cup final a year ago, and MRU have only played (and lost) one CIS level playoff series, ever.

Therefore, there is a side of me that says Sask has a bona fide chance for what would be an upset (on paper). I saw Sask live in the Bisons' last homestand. In one game they looked like a solid, hard-hitting hockey team, just like MRU. In the second game they did not belong on the same ice as the Bisons. So which version of Sask will MRU see?

This series goes the traditional Friday-Saturday-Sunday route, with all games on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:

The eastern conferences started their second round of playoffs on Wednesday night. Here's the results, schedule, and links.

AUS

SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 3
ACADIA AXEMEN 2
(in double overtime)
(SMU leads best-of-five series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [Acadia] : [SMU] : [AUS]

This should be the best series in the CIS so far. Both teams have a great pedigree and have had top-5 seasons. Neither would be out of place at the nationals.

OUA

QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS 1
MCGILL REDMEN 2
(McGill leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

Queen's closed strong and so they could not be counted out. McGill wobbled their way past Concordia, so there was the prospect of an upset here.

WINDSOR LANCERS 4
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 3
(Windsor leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

This game was at Lakehead and games 2 and 3 will be at Windsor. Lakehead needed the home win. They scored with 31 seconds left to make the score look close. There were lots of shots for a playoff game (37-34 for Windsor).

GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 8
(Toronto leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

Not many were calling for this scoreline. Goof closed well after starting out like garbage. Have they turned into pumpkins? Or is Toronto turning into a City of Winners in hockey?

NEXT UP

Thu Feb 19 St. F-X at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST
Thu Feb 19 Saint Mary's at Acadia 7:00 PM AST
Thu Feb 19 UQTR at Carleton 7:00 PM EST
Thu Feb 19 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST

Fri Feb 20 St. F-X at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST
Fri Feb 20 McGill at Queen's 7:30 PM EST
Fri Feb 20 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Fri Feb 20 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST

Sat Feb 21 Toronto at Guelph 2:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Carleton at UQTR 7:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Sat Feb 21 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST (if necessary)

Sun Feb 22 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 New Brunswick at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 UQTR at Carleton 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Queen's at McGill 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Guelph at Toronto 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST (if necessary)

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 19: Bisons On the Brink

MANITOBA BISONS 1
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 5
(UBC leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [UBC] : [U of M]
Game stories: [UBC] : [repost at CW] : [U of M]
Other: [U of M Preview]

The CIS has no nightly round-up and have posted no playoff stories since last Friday. In fact, they have no link from the playoff schedule/results page back to the hockey page where stories are normally posted.

This was certainly not the start the Bisons wanted. Deven Dubyk git the start in goal and gave up 5 goals on 19 shots. The Bisons had 34 shots themselves, which is a fairly wide margin in play.

Kyle Rous, in for Darren Bestland, scored the only goal for the Herd.

Game 2 goes Friday at 7:00 PST/9:00 CST and is available on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

AUS

ST. F-X X-MEN 2
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 5
(UNB leads best-of-five series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [UNB] : [SFX]

The Squirrels put their foot down on the Jeremies in this one. Of course, with a host berth tucked away SFX is not going to be as desperate for a victory in this one. SMU and Acadia will be cheering loudly for SFX.

SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 3
ACADIA AXEMEN 4
(best-of-five series tied 1-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [Acadia] : [SMU]

It figured that this series would end up tied. I expect each game to be decided by one goal and to go 5 games.

UQTR PATRIOTES 2
CARLETON RAVENS 1
(in overtime)
(UQTR leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

This series also figures to be a tight battle. UQTR led the division most of the way befire tailing off. Both sides cruised past the first round.

NEXT UP

Fri Feb 20 St. F-X at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST
Fri Feb 20 McGill at Queen's 7:30 PM EST
Fri Feb 20 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Fri Feb 20 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST

Sat Feb 21 Toronto at Guelph 2:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Carleton at UQTR 7:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Sat Feb 21 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST (if necessary)

Sun Feb 22 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 New Brunswick at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 UQTR at Carleton 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Queen's at McGill 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Guelph at Toronto 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST (if necessary)

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 20: Bisons Square Series

MANITOBA BISONS 4
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
(in overtime)
(best-of-three series tied 1-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW]
Game stories: [UBC Site has yet to upload]

The Bisons staved off elimination with a come-from-behind overtime win. After 120 minutes of play, the Bisons never played with the lead. But after only 44 seconds of overtime the Herd tied the series.

The teams traded goals throughout the night, and after 3 periods the shots were dead even at 32-32. The 33rd shot, by Darren Bestland, broke the tie and provided the Bisons with the win.

All seven goals were scored by different players, all recording their first of the series. Bison scorers were Shaq Merasty, Brett Dudar, Josh Elmes, and as stated Darren Bestland. Byron Spriggs took over in goal and stopped 29 of 32 shots. Bestland did not dress on Thursday, and drew in for Lee Christensen on defence. Up front, Jory Coates was in for Dustin Bruyere.

The Tweety-Birds got their goals from Luke Lockhart, Cole Wilson, and Manraj Hayer.

The game was tied 2-2 heading into the 3rd period. The Bisons outshot the 'Birds 16-7 in the 3rd and the play was very much one-sided. In last year's series with MRU the Bisons were in a similar situation and took game 3 after wearing down the Cats.

Game 3 goes Saturday at 7:00 PST/9:00 CST and can be seen on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
(in overtime)
(MRU leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW]
Game stories: [MRU] : [repost at CW] : [U of S]
Other: [Calgary Herald Preview

The Kittens led the Mutts 1-0 entering the 3rd period. Sask tied it up in a one-sided period. The shots were an incredible 14-3 for Sask in the 3rd period, but they just scored the once to force overtime. MacKenzie Johnston scored for MRU and Sean Aschim scored for Sask. The overtime in this one lasted just 36 seconds, with Matthew Brown playing the role of saviour.

Ryan Holfeld was in goal for the Mutts, and Cam Lanigan for the Cats.

Game 2 goes Saturday at 8:00 MST/9:00 CST and can be seen on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

AUS

ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 1
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2
(UNB leads best-of-five series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [UNB] : [SFX]

The Squirrels seem to be in fine form and enjoy a stranglehold on the series. This is bad news for the SMUskies and Cajuns. Anybody betting on the Jeremies to make a comeback?

OUA

MCGILL REDMEN 3
QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS 1
(McGill wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

After starting with a loss to lowly Concordia, the McGilligutties are on a 4 game winning streak and are the first team through to the OUA's final 4, three of whom will qualify for the University Cup. The shots were 58-31. That's right, in a playoff game. Queen's clearly has some serious issues. McGill will next have to play UQTR or Carleton. What will it be like when they have to face a REAL hockey team?

NEXT UP

Sat Feb 21 Toronto at Guelph 2:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Carleton at UQTR 7:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST
Sat Feb 21 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST
Sat Feb 21 Manitoba at UBC 7:00 PST (if necessary)

Sun Feb 22 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 New Brunswick at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 UQTR at Carleton 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Lakehead at Windsor 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Guelph at Toronto 7:30 PM EST (if necessary)
Sun Feb 22 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST (if necessary)

 

[RED ARMY EAST]

CanadaWest playoffs

I caught parts of both these games, very entertaining. Mont Royal with what looked like a wrap around goal to win it. coach "Dave Adolf" had a beef with the refs on the goal, was the net off??
Watched part of the second and third of the UBC/Manitoba game, Manitoba struck quick into period 4 to stave off elimination. This series goes 3.
It's hard to believe that this was the first home game for UBC since 1971,wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a diehard CIS hockey fan, you can't help to feel good about this program, as it was close to being scrapped until last minute efforts by Canuck faithful and many others saved it.
My beef with CanadaWest is the fact that visiting teams are put at a very tall task of winning a best 2 out of 3, all in the other teams rink.
I realize travel cost plays in as the factor behind this, but from a fan perspective, fan support and interest from the bottom half teams in the league must suffer from this.
Example: UBC has not been a strong program over the last 30 years, but has made the playoffs, enough times since 1971 to host a playoff game, you would think??
No wonder the top program in the West has basically been to all but a few University Cups Championships in the past 20-30 years.
If you started game 1 on the road and held game 2-3 in the home arena, you would have had some years were Alberta would have been knocked off, I would think??

 

[Hollywood3]

Saturday Morning Update

Due to the lateness of games played on the coast, there are always more links available the morning after. Here is the updated link package, along with pictures from The Ubyssey and Thunderbirds.ca.

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [UBC] : [U of M]
Game stories: [UBC] : [CW repost] : [U of M repost]
Other: [Ubyssey Game 1] : [Ubyssey Game 2] : [Vancouver Sun Preview]


The 'Birds would score ...

Then the Bisons would score ..

And at all times players would pray to the puck to dissuade Muslim terrorists!

 

[Hollywood3]

I caught parts of both these games, very entertaining. Mont Royal with what looked like a wrap around goal to win it. coach "Dave Adolf" had a beef with the refs on the goal, was the net off??
Watched part of the second and third of the UBC/Manitoba game, Manitoba struck quick into period 4 to stave off elimination. This series goes 3.
It's hard to believe that this was the first home game for UBC since 1971,wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a diehard CIS hockey fan, you can't help to feel good about this program, as it was close to being scrapped until last minute efforts by Canuck faithful and many others saved it.
My beef with CanadaWest is the fact that visiting teams are put at a very tall task of winning a best 2 out of 3, all in the other teams rink.
I realize travel cost plays in as the factor behind this, but from a fan perspective, fan support and interest from the bottom half teams in the league must suffer from this.
Example: UBC has not been a strong program over the last 30 years, but has made the playoffs, enough times since 1971 to host a playoff game, you would think??
No wonder the top program in the West has basically been to all but a few University Cups Championships in the past 20-30 years.
If you started game 1 on the road and held game 2-3 in the home arena, you would have had some years were Alberta would have been knocked off, I would think??

When GPAC was around they rotated home games like the OUA does with Lakehead, Windsor, and some other long-distance matchups. But the CW distances do not allow this. Winnipeg to Vancouver flights cost about the same as Winnipeg to Toronto. IMO if any change comes to hockey it would be to have just one round of playoffs followed a "final four", which is what they do with volleyball and basketball.

The format does favour the higher seed. However in recent years ther have been quite a few upsets. Manitoba have lost at home to Regina and Calgary, and won away at Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, Sask lost at home to UBC and have twice won in Alberta.

The one aspect of the format which has hurt is that some fan bases never see playoff games, like UBC going 44 years. For most of that time they have not been terrible, probably mid-pack for the CIS as a whole. This greatly affects media coverage. When the Bisons have a home series it is on local news and papers. When they play away there is almost nothing until game day.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 21: Bisons Eliminated

MANITOBA BISONS 1
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
(UBC wins best-of-three series 2-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [UBC] : [U of M]
Game stories: [UBC] : [CW repost] : [U of M repost]

The Bisons went with the same line-up that won game 2, but this time they just weren't able to score. The Bisons started out dominating the game but UBC counter-attacked with two goals in the 1st period. After those the Bisons seemed to become more defensive.

In fact, despite trailing the game the Bisons were outshot 20-17 over the final two periods. There was no scoring until UBC's empty-netter and Jory Coates' shut-out spoiler in the dying minutes. Coates' goal was only the 3rd by a Bison forward in the series.

In retrospect, while goaltending was weak in game 1, and decent thereafter, the failure of the top two lines to deliver is what hurt them. Sometimes a 3-week break can damage chemistry, and maybe losing their coach for that period also hurt. Anyhow, now comes the time to wait for news of off-season recruits.

UBC now waits to find out if they will play the Monkeys or Bedrock next weekend.

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3
(best-of-three series tied 1-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW]
Game stories: [MRU] : [repost at CW] : [U of S]

Sask scored 3 goals on 5 shots in the 1st period and then needed a goal with less than 30 seconds left to snatch the victory. Once again, Ryan Holfeld was in goal for the Mutts, and Cam Lanigan for the Cats.

Game 3 goes Saturday at 8:00 MST/9:00 CST and can be seen on-line at CanadaWest.tv. If Sask wins they will play Alberta, and if MRU wins they will play Bedrock U.

OUA

TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 1
GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
(best-of-three series tied 1-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

Goof was facing elimination and won despite being outshot 42-28. The OUA playoffs have been very strange with these high shot totals. How would Goof plan on beating good CW or AUS teams if they can allow 42 shots by the Blahs?

CARLETON RAVENS 3
UQTR PATRIOTES 4
(in overtime)
(UQTR wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

Cartoon U got swept out, but both losses were in overtime. While that may seem like a tough break, they gave up 48 shots. Therefore, it is probably a good thing that they won't be at the nationals.

LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 3
WINDSOR LANCERS 6
(Windsor wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

The scoreline may deceive in this one. The last 2 goals by Windsor were empty-netters. So all=in=all this was a decent playoff performance for Lakehead. But what about Windsor? They are the OUA West's "Great White Hope". They could qualify for the U-Cup without beating anything more than a mediocre team. It would be nice to see them play a best-of-three against a quality team.

NEXT UP

Sun Feb 22 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 New Brunswick at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST
Sun Feb 22 Guelph at Toronto 7:30 PM EST
Sun Feb 22 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal 7:00 MST

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 22: CW and OUA Wrap Up

CWUAA

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 0
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3
(MRU wins best-of-three series 2-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW]
Game stories: [MRU] : [repost at CW] : [U of S]

MRU came out and won game 3 decisively. It appears that things fell apart for the Mutts in the 2nd period. Trailing just 1-0 after the 1st period, the Kittens outshot the Mutts 26-6 in the 2nd period, and left the period with a 3-0 lead. Sask surrendered meekly in the 3rd period with just 5 shots on goal.

This means that Cowtown will see a derby between MRU and Bedrock U next weekend. Their games have been tight, and in fact MRU won the season series. Meanwhile UBC will travel to Saudi Alberta. Of note, UBC have twice beaten the Monkeys this season, once in pre-season and once in the regular season.

How will the top two seeds do once they have been idle for a month? IMO this presents an opportunity for some surprise results.

AUS

ACADIA AXEMEN 0
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 4
(SMU leads best-of-five series 2-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [Acadia] : [SMU] : [AUS]

The SMUskies picked up a decisive win, even though outshot 37-23. Are the Cajuns headed for yet another disappointment? One thing about the SMUskies, they have a track record of pulling out wins from these tough series.

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 1
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 3
(UNB leads best-of-five series 2-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [UNB] : [SFX] : [AUS]

The Jeremies staved off elimination with this win. It goes to show that they could very well beat anybody in one game, especially at home. This will be convenient when they host this year's University Cup. As for the Squirrels, they need to either win this series or be the lucky losers getting a second chance in a 3rd place series for a spot in the nationals.

OUA

GUELPH GRYPHONS 5
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 2
(Guelph wins best-of-three series 2-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]

After being blitzed in game 1, Goof improved each game to come back to win the series with an emphatic win. This was a golden opportunity for The Blahs to return to their former glory as the dominant team in the CIS (back then it was actually the CIAU, to be accurate). Goof will now face Windsor for the OUA West title.

NEXT UP

Mon Feb 23 New Brunswick at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST

Tue Feb 24 Acadia at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST

Wed Feb 25 UQTR at McGill 7:00 PM EST
Wed Feb 25 Guelph at Windsor 7:30 PM EST

Thu Feb 26 Saint Mary’s at Acadia 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)
Thu Feb 26 St. F-X at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)

Fri Feb 27 Mount Royal at Calgary 7:00 PM MST
Fri Feb 27 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Sat Feb 28 Mount Royal at Calgary 7:00 PM MST
Sat Feb 28 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST
Sat Feb 28 Windsor at Guelph 7:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 28 McGill at UQTR 7:00 PM EST

Sun Mar 1 Mount Royal at Calgary 6:00 PM MST (if necessary)
Sun Mar 1 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)
Sun Mar 1 Guelph at Windsor 7:00 PM EST
Sun Mar 1 UQTR at McGill 7:00 PM EST

 

[Rob]

Got to admit that I would like to see Mount Royal beat out Calgary. They would be a fresh face to the tournament.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 23: Goaltender Stymies Squirrels

AUS

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 4
(Best-of-five series tied 2-2)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [UNB] : [SFX] : [AUS]

Well, this turn-about must have the rest of the AUS smiling. The Jeremies are one win away from making life a whole lot happier for the SMUskies and Cajuns, but definitely not the Squirrels. UNB bomarded the SFX net with 41 shots, whilst surrendering just 14. So do we credit Drew Owsley for 39 saves on 41 shots? Or do we criticize David Shantz for stopping only 10 of 14 shots he faced? I would say both. (Unless SFX were awarded 14 penalty shots, in which case Shantz was pretty much average.)

The 5th and deciding game will go Thursday at UNB.

Since there is no playoff schedule/results link from the box score pages, here it is:
http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

 

[WilcoxHound]

The only reason that Drew Owsley isn't playing pro is because of the pros prejudice against shorter goalies. His play in major junior was phenomenal and he is capable of stealing this series.

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 24: Another Game 5 Is Looming

AUS

ACADIA AXEMEN 2
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 1
(best-of-five series tied 2-2)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Stories: [Acadia] : [SMU]

The Cajuns took a 2-1 lead 9 seconds into the 2nd period. And that was it for scoring on the night. So the best match-up in the CIS playoffs so far this year will be going to game 5, which is only appropriate. Game 5 goes Thursday.

NEXT UP

Note that there has been a schedule change in the OUA West.

Wed Feb 25 UQTR at McGill 7:00 PM EST
Wed Feb 25 Guelph at Windsor 7:30 PM EST

Thu Feb 26 Saint Mary’s at Acadia 7:00 PM AST
Thu Feb 26 St. F-X at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST

Fri Feb 27 Mount Royal at Calgary 7:00 PM MST
Fri Feb 27 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST
Fri Feb 27 Windsor at Guelph 7:00 PM EST

Sat Feb 28 Mount Royal at Calgary 7:00 PM MST
Sat Feb 28 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST
Sat Feb 28 McGill at UQTR 7:00 PM EST
Sat Feb 28 Guelph at Windsor 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)

Sun Mar 1 Mount Royal at Calgary 6:00 PM MST (if necessary)
Sun Mar 1 UBC at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)
Sun Mar 1 UQTR at McGill 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)

 

[Hockey999]

I would take you a lot more seriously if you would use the proper names of the teams...

 

[Hollywood3]

Feb 25: OUA Starts Division Finals

OUA

UQTR PATRIOTES 3
MCGILL REDMEN 0
(UQTR leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

UQTR scored three 2nd period goals to put this one away. One was on a penalty shot, one at even strength, and one on the powerplay. Also of note, the McGilligutties had two misconducts, one for a hit from behind and one for a hit to the head. To stay alive, McGill must win at the other River City on Saturday. UQTR finished with a bit of a tailspin which cost them 1st place, winning just 3 of their last 6 games (against UOIT, Nipissing, and RMC).

GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
WINDSOR LANCERS 1
(Guelph leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

Goof could well be on their way to the University Cup for the first time since they hosted in 2002. (They lost 8-0 to Alberta and 5-2 to Western Ontario.) The last time they won their way was in 1997. They defeated York 4-2 and New Brunswick 4-2 to win the title. 1997 was the end of four U-Cup appearances in five seasons for Goof U. So there was a time when they were a hockey power. After Goof's win, Windsor represented the OUA in 1998 and 1999, going 0-4 over the two tournaments (losing 3-2 to UNB, 6-3 to Alberta, 4-3 to Moncton, and 4-1 to Sask). They are the reigning OUA champions and went to last year's U-Cup, where they stunned Acadia with a 4-2 upset before being mauled by Sask 9-0.

So what would be better? Getting a new "regular" into the U-Cup picture (i.e. Windsor), who are having their 3rd straight good season? Or getting an unheralded underdog (i.e. Goof) who were 3-10-3 at Christmas time? Goof also went 0-5 against the OUA's strong teams (losing 4-2 and 3-2 to Windsor, 5-2 to McGill, 6-2 to UQTR, and 5-2 to Carleton).

 

[Hollywood3]

I would take you a lot more seriously if you would use the proper names of the teams...

When proper names are boring, the nicknames come out. These have evolved over many years and have come from many sources. I still don't have a true handle for "Squirrels". And had nothing at all to do with one of the best, the STU "Pids". Allan Fotheringham gave the world "Saudi Alberta", "British California", and "The Big Lemon" (for Toronto).

 

[RED ARMY EAST]

Guelph beat UNB in 97, despite being outshot 40+ to 20 some. They had a rock solid goaltender, who I believe also backstopped CIS all-stars vs NCAA stars in that same year?

 

[Hockey999]

When proper names are boring, the nicknames come out. These have evolved over many years and have come from many sources. I still don't have a true handle for "Squirrels". And had nothing at all to do with one of the best, the STU "Pids". Allan Fotheringham gave the world "Saudi Alberta", "British California", and "The Big Lemon" (for Toronto).

Well, ok then...its like this for me, the names identify the team, when you insert your own name I have no idea what team you are talking about...and, if you think you are being funny, you have shot wide.

 

[AdamMcg83]

OUA
So what would be better? Getting a new "regular" into the U-Cup picture (i.e. Windsor), who are having their 3rd straight good season? Or getting an unheralded underdog (i.e. Goof) who were 3-10-3 at Christmas time? Goof also went 0-5 against the OUA's strong teams (losing 4-2 and 3-2 to Windsor, 5-2 to McGill, 6-2 to UQTR, and 5-2 to Carleton).

This is tough to say. Guelph's season was wildly different before and after Christmas (3-10-3 in 2014, 13-5-0 in 2015), and four of those 5 losses to power teams were before the break. But it's a chicken and an egg thing - does their strong record in the new year nullify that 0-5 mark a bit? Or is their strong second half due, in part, to not having to play those top teams in 2015?

I'd lean more towards the former, and the idea that Guelph's real identity is more 2015 than 2014. Excluding ENG, 9 of Guelph's 13 losses in the first half were by one goal, and they were 4-10 in one-goal games overall. Even if they were .500 in 1-goal games, they'd have been the 4th seed in the OUA West.

They'd be an underdog for sure. But should they make nationals, I don't think their performance would be *that* much different than Windsor's. That's not to say they'll win the thing, or even win a game (especially if they draw the AUS runner-up in round 1). But could they try and weather the storm, stay close, and score a couple goals on the PP? Absolutely. And D'Agostini can absolutely follow the Keaton Hartigan-Parker Van Buskirk model and steal a game against a higher-ranked opponent, too.

If Guelph wins the west, the bigger wrinkle becomes the AUS final. Nobody would ever throw a conference championship series, but it's entirely possible that the much more favorable matchup for the AUS team will be for it's runner-up - opening against Guelph in rd 1, while the AUS champ will likely have to meet the Canada West runner up or the OUA bronze medalist - one of Calgary, Mount Royal, Windsor, McGill, or UQTR.

 

[RED ARMY EAST]

Not one of the 4 AUS schools would lay down in an AUS championship to get a more favourable opponent at Nationals.

 

[AdamMcg83]

Not one of the 4 AUS schools would lay down in an AUS championship to get a more favourable opponent at Nationals.

Looks like I need to restate my original quote:

"Nobody would ever throw a conference championship series, but it's entirely possible that the much more favorable matchup for the AUS team will be for it's runner-up."

 

[AUS Fan]

Well, ok then...its like this for me, the names identify the team, when you insert your own name I have no idea what team you are talking about...and, if you think you are being funny, you have shot wide.

Easy, rook. Holley has been around here for a while and I for one, find his posts informative and amusing at the same time. Just take it for what it is and no more. I hope you'll get to recognize some of the quaint names.

And, welcome to the Board......

 

[AUS Fan]

Looks like I need to restate my original quote:

"Nobody would ever throw a conference championship series, but it's entirely possible that the much more favorable matchup for the AUS team will be for it's runner-up."

Much more understandable 2nd time around. Those UNB guys are a bit 'tick'.....

 

[Hollywood3]

Not one of the 4 AUS schools would lay down in an AUS championship to get a more favourable opponent at Nationals.

You also do not know which team will slide into which slot until all playoffs are over. What if UNB is AUS#3? Or Alberta CW#2? And even then they will gerry-mander the rankings to avoid intra-conference quarter-final matchups.

Based on the official Top Ten, I would surmise the rankings would presently look like this (for surviving teams):
1. Alberta
2. New Brunswick
3. Saint Mary’s
4. Calgary
5. Acadia
6. McGill
7. Windsor
8. UQTR
9. Mount Royal
10. St. F-X
11. UBC
12. Guelph

Based on conference playoff results, four teams will be auto-seeded 1-4, four more will be auto-seeded 5-8, and four more will not qualify.

So, if Alberta beats Calgary in the CW final, UNB beats Acadia in the AUS final, and UQTR beats Guelph in the OUA final, then we'd get this:

1 Alberta v 8 St. F-X
4 Guelph v 5 Calgary
2 UNB v 7 Windsor/McGill
3 UQTR v 6 Acadia

If we throw in a title for the SMUskies, a wild-card for UNB, a comeback from Windsor, and a surprise from MRU, then we get a vastly different picture:

1 SMU v 8 St. F-X
4 UQTR v 5 Alberta
2 Calgary v 7 McGill
3 Windsor v 6 UNB

In this case, to avoid an all-AUS matchup, 8 and 7 would switch:

1 SMU v 7 McGill
4 UQTR v 5 Alberta
2 Calgary v 8 St. F-X
3 Windsor v 6 UNB

I don't see much chance of an advantage to be gained by throwing a series.

 

[AdamMcg83]

You also do not know which team will slide into which slot until all playoffs are over. What if UNB is AUS#3? Or Alberta CW#2? And even then they will gerry-mander the rankings to avoid intra-conference quarter-final matchups.

Based on the official Top Ten, I would surmise the rankings would presently look like this (for surviving teams):
1. Alberta
2. New Brunswick
3. Saint Mary’s
4. Calgary
5. Acadia
6. McGill
7. Windsor
8. UQTR
9. Mount Royal
10. St. F-X
11. UBC
12. Guelph

Based on conference playoff results, four teams will be auto-seeded 1-4, four more will be auto-seeded 5-8, and four more will not qualify.

So, if Alberta beats Calgary in the CW final, UNB beats Acadia in the AUS final, and UQTR beats Guelph in the OUA final, then we'd get this:

1 Alberta v 8 St. F-X
4 Guelph v 5 Calgary
2 UNB v 7 Windsor/McGill
3 UQTR v 6 Acadia

If we throw in a title for the SMUskies, a wild-card for UNB, a comeback from Windsor, and a surprise from MRU, then we get a vastly different picture:

1 SMU v 8 St. F-X
4 UQTR v 5 Alberta
2 Calgary v 7 McGill
3 Windsor v 6 UNB

In this case, to avoid an all-AUS matchup, 8 and 7 would switch:

1 SMU v 7 McGill
4 UQTR v 5 Alberta
2 Calgary v 8 St. F-X
3 Windsor v 6 UNB

I don't see much chance of an advantage to be gained by throwing a series.

As you've demonstrated, there are plenty of scenarios in which the AUS-1 team has a better matchup than the AUS-2 team. I just think it's another interesting wrinkle to the new CIS format. Based on your rankings, we could also easily see this:

1. Alberta v 8. St F-X
2. UNB v 7. McGill
3. UQTR v 6. Calgary
4. Guelph v 5. SMU

In these matchups, the AUS runner-up has an unarguably easier first-round matchup than the champion does.

Again, *nobody* is claiming that an AUS team would throw their series. In fact, the AUS final will be underway long before the Queen's Cup game or the CW final has started. I just think it's yet another storyline.

 

[UNB Bruins Fan]

Yeah, all of these different scenarios and possibilities are interesting...there are so many ways things could break down. An upset in one of the conference finals could absolutely have a huge impact on how the seedings break down.

We kind of seen a situation like AdamG is referring to in 2009. Alberta went into the UCup ranked #1 and ended up having to face UNB opening night. UNB was actually ranked #1 to end the season, but was upset in the AUS Finals by SMU so they went in to the tournament ranked #4.