2013-14 Manitoba Bisons / CIS

[Hollywood]

Nov. 9: Bisons Suffer a Sweep

 

MANITOBA BISONS 4
REGINA COUGARS 7

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of R Game Story (with video)] : [U of R Boxscore]
:. [U of M Reposted Game Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Saturday Roundup (not uploaded)]

This was beyond disappointing for the Bisons. They have dominated the Banjo-Cats (including in this pre-season) and should have expected at least 2 points on the weekend. Instead, they suffered the first sweep of one B level team by another B level team in the CW thus far in 2013.

Not that the Bisons lacked opportunities. In fact, they carried the play for much of the game. They outshot Regina by a margin of 53-34. That's right, 53 shots on the road. However, Lucas Gore scooped them up like crap in kitty litter (most of the time). On the other hand, Deven Dubyk was pulled from the Bison goal after two periods.

Will Coach Sirant now stick with the goaltender rotation? I think they should. The team has had shaky goaltending so far. If you go with one guy in back-to-back weeks and then need to switch, all you yhave is a cold guy in reserve. I would rotate them (like Regina, and basically everybody but Saskatchewan). Then if one is clearly better for the home stretch you could ride the hot hand. Two years ago, Caligiuri was a capable starter. Dubyk also looks capable. One start per weekend should be manageable for both of them.

The Kittens are now 6-4 and the Bisons 2-7-1. But Regina visit Alberta next weekend, whilst Manitoba hosts Lethbridge.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 0
CALGARY DINOSAURS 2

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story (with video)] : [U of C Boxscore]
:. [U of S Reposted Game Story]

Bedrock U is now 10-0. That is unreal. They were lucky to beat the Bisons, and the stats say that their games with Sask were the usual coin tosses. The Banjo-Mutts are now 4-6. IMO this means that the top two places (and the first round byes that go with them) are now all but decided. Sask now hosts UBC, and Bedrock U faces MRU in a home-and-home.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 8
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of L Game Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [U of A Reposted Game Story]

I guess that the H0rny Ones' brave display on Friday was all one could hope for. Lethbridge trailed 5-1 heading into the 3rd period, then managed just 2 shots in the 3rd. I always consider it a sign of dominance when tyhe trailing team would still have lost had they scored on every shot they took in the 3rd period. Can the Bisons now take advantage of the 'Horns next weekend? Those are four points they absolutely must cash.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 0

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]
:. [MRU Gmae Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

The expected result of this series was a split, and that's what happened. Since Friday went to a shoot-out, the New-Kittens-on-the-Block walked out of British California with3 points, not too shabby. At 4-5-1 MRU sits in 4th place, and UBC is 6th at 3-6-1.

OUT EAST:

 

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily] : [CIS Schedule/Results]

Nov. 9
Waterloo 5 Concordia 2     
Laurier 0 UQTR 4
Brock 3 Carleton 1
Windsor 5 Nipissing 3
W. Ontario 4 McGill 5
York 3 RMC 1
Guelph 3 Ottawa 8
Toronto 5 UOIT 1
Ryerson 0 Queen's 1 (forfeit)

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

No games in the AUS.

UP NEXT:

Nov. 15
Lethbridge at Manitoba 7:00 PM CST
UBC at Saskatchewan 7:00 PM CST
Calgary at Mount Royal 7:00 PM MST
Regina at Alberta 7:00 PM MST
UPEI at Saint Mary's
Dalhousie at Moncton
St. Thomas at St. F-X
Acadia at New Brunswick
Ottawa at York
McGill at Brock
UQTR at Windsor
Concordia at Lakehead
RMC at Ryerson
Laurentian at Waterloo
Queen's at Guelph
UOIT at W. Ontario
Carleton at Toronto
Nipissing at Laurier

[Hollywood]

Weekend Preview: The H0rny Ones Are Coming!

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (1-9-0, 1-15-0, OHT36 #34)
MANITOBA BISONS (2-7-1, 7-12-2, OHT36 #23)

Friday, November 15th, 7:00 CST @ Wayne Fleming Arena - U of M
Saturday, November 16th, 6:00 CST @ Wayne Fleming Arena - U of M

Live Links:
:. [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
:. [no live audio or video]

Manitoba Links:
:. [Bison Hockey Site]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Lethbridge Links:
:. [U of L Preview Story]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Other Links:
:. [CW Weekend Preview (on other series)]
:. [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Weekly Media Notes #7 (pdf)]
:. [CIS Top Ten Story]
:. [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

To put it bluntly, this is a series where the Bisons need a sweep. Four points, no questions asked.

I have not seen a team so dominated in the CW as this year's Lethbridge squad. The fact they stole a win from UBC two weeks ago was cause to celebrate. Every team's playoff plan includes earning 8 points against the 'Horns this year.

The Bison offence has lacked finish thus far, and the goaltending has been so-so.

On the goal-scoring front, the Bisons have carried the play more often than not, only to be foiled time and time again. If they could develop better puck luck they would dramatically improve their results. I get the sense that cashing in goals would help them at both ends of the rink. They do seem to be pressing too much at times.

In the Bison goal, Caligiuri started as #1, as he was two years ago. After 4 regular season games the job was won by Dubyk. Last weekend, they each got a start and Dubyk was yanked from his. Will Coach Sirant return to the rotation? Or will Caligiuri be the starter? My vote is for a rotation.

Bison captain Dane Crowley left last Saturday's game early with an undisclosed injury. So one big question is whether or not he will be in the lineup.

This series is the final one at home for the Bisons until the new year. They wrap up the first half next weekend with a trip to UBC. That will be followed by a trip to Saudi Alberta before the exams and Christmas break comes about.

ELSEWHERE:

REGINA COUGARS (6-4-0, 9-8-0, OHT36 #8)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (10-0-0, 21-2-0, OHT36 #1)

Links:
:. [Live Video (both nights)]
:. [U of A Preview Story] : [U of R Team Site]

The Banjo-Cats are IMO not as good as their record. But, they are 3rd in the CW after having swept the Bisons last weekend. So they may as well have their crack at denying the Evil Monkeys a couple of bananas this weekend.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (4-5-1, 5-7-1, OHT36 #10)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (10-0-0, 15-4-1, OHT36 #3)

Links:
:. [Live Video (Friday only)]
:. [U of C Preview Story] : [MRU Preview Story]

These cross-town derbies are never good for the favourite. For the underdog, these games are like the Stanley Cup and they are prone to come up with their best game of the year. Both of these sides have exceeded expectations thus far. If Calgary is truly a contender they will make their impact felt in series like this one.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS (3-6-1, 5-8-1, OHT36 #18)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (4-6-0, 7-8-0, OHT36 #12)

Links:
:. [Live Video and Audio (both nights)]
:. [U of S Preview Story] :. [UBC Team Site]

The Banjo-Mutts are on a 15-1 roll against UBC, according to the linked preview story. Can the enigmatic Tweety-Birds do anything about this? They are not off to a bad start. They just look like they will have a challenge to finish in their usual 5th place this year. Frankly, they are in the same boat as Sask, and for that matter Manitoba, Mount Royal, and Regina. All teams that (with few exceptions) have been beating Lethbridge, losing to Alberta and Calgary, and splitting series aginst one another. A sweep here would really set up the winner for a run to 3rd place.

OUT EAST:

Fri Nov 15 Dalhousie at Moncton
Fri Nov 15 Acadia at New Brunswick
Fri Nov 15 St. Thomas at St. Francis-Xavier
Fri Nov 15 UPEI at Saint Mary’s
Fri Nov 15 Ottawa at York
Fri Nov 15 UOIT at W. Ontario
Fri Nov 15 McGill at Brock
Fri Nov 15 Queen’s at Guelph
Fri Nov 15 Carleton at Toronto
Fri Nov 15 Concordia at Lakehead
Fri Nov 15 Laurentian at Waterloo
Fri Nov 15 UQTR at Windsor
Fri Nov 15 Nipissing at Laurier
Fri Nov 15 RMC at Ryerson

Sat Nov 16 Acadia at Moncton
Sat Nov 16 St. Thomas at Saint Mary’s
Sat Nov 16 Dalhousie at New Brunswick
Sat Nov 16 UPEI at St. Francis-Xavier
Sat Nov 16 Carleton at Ryerson
Sat Nov 16 Ottawa at Brock
Sat Nov 16 Nipissing at Waterloo
Sat Nov 16 McGill at York
Sat Nov 16 Queen’s at W. Ontario
Sat Nov 16 UOIT at Guelph
Sat Nov 16 Concordia at Lakehead
Sat Nov 16 UQTR at Windsor
Sat Nov 16 Laurentian at Laurier
Sat Nov 16 RMC at Toronto

[Hollywood]

Nov. 15: Bisons Claim Decisive Win


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 0
MANITOBA BISONS 3

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of M Game Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [U of L Reposted Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Friday Roundup (to be uploaded)]

This was basically a must-win game for the Bisons, and they delivered. The final score flattered the H0rny Ones. The shots were 43-17 in favour of Manitoba, and that total did not include at least 7 goalposts. By strange coincidence, it was normally the right post to stand in the way.

The Bisons were without captain Dane Crowley, injured in Banjoland last weekend. Here's how they lined up:

Manitoba

Goal:
1 Caligiuri (34 Dubyk)

Defence:
24 Bobbee - 12 Sutherland
4 Schappert - 5 Christensen
3 Landry - 6 Paulsen

Forwards:
18 Kelly - 25 Ciarelli - 29 Cain
16 Paradis - 19 Duval - 20 Lewadniuk
21 Dickin - 10 Rowinski - 27 DePape
8 Coates - 15 Scott - 17 Lauder

Scratches:
2 Crowley - 22 Bestland
28 Dalebozik - 35 Rewucki

Lethbridge

Goal:
35 Tait (33 Ketlo)

Defence:
26 Conway - 16 Aasman
13 McMullen - 15 Campbell
24 Machacek - 37 Karl

Forwards:
17 Forsyth - 11 Kalinski - 27 Henke
21 Mappin - 12 Iwanski - 8 Naud
20 Fainman - 23 Moline - 44 Hall
14 Moser - 10 Hirsche - 6 Maxwell

Scratches:
7 Letts - 22 Rintoul
25 McLachlan - 28 Sirard

In the opening period there was no scoring, which was enough to make a guy nervous. The Bisons outshot Lethbridge 17-6. The game was very choppy, with the referees calling 2 minutes for everything short of looking too good. (Lethbridge wound up going 0-for-9 on the power play on the night.) Dylan Tait held his side in the game. The Duval line was particularly dangerous throughout the period.

Lethbridge only had the Bisons penned in once in this game, and that was on a 2-man advantage. Otherwise this was likely the easiest shut-out of Joe Caligiuri's career.

The Bisons were even more dominant in the 2nd period, outshooting Lethbridge 16-3. However, there was no scoring until mid-way through when Luke Cain notched his 2nd goal of the season, converting a 3-way passing play with Scott and Kelly.

Jory Coates notched his first goal as a Bison to provide some insurance. He stretched out his 6'6" frame to collect a rebound and wrap ita round Tait. If Coates could continue improving, and maybe add 20 lbs., he could be quite a player a year from now.

The only goal of the 3rd period was from Aaron Lewadniuk on a gift-wrapped assist from Duval. After Duval pulled out all the stops he passed to Lewadniuk only a few feet away from a yawning net.

The Bisons are now 3-7-1, and the 'Horns fall to 1-10-0.

The rematch goes Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at the Wayne Fleming Arena. The linked U of M story says it is on CanadaWest.tv, though I did not see it listed.

One final note: Lethbridge really looks like UBC now. They have almost no white and lots of yellow in the uniform, and a very dark blue. No Viagra-blue at all. (That must be their problem!)

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 6

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story]
:. [UBC Game Story]

The theme of the night in the CW was a lop-sided shot clock. In this one, the Banjo-Mutts outshot the Tweety-Birds 43-28. The score was also 6-1 until UBC scored two late goals to make the scoreline respectable. UBC falls to 3-7-1 and the Sask rises to 5-6-0.Saturday's rematch is on CanadaWest.tv at 7:00 CST.

REGINA COUGARS 2
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore]
:. [U of R Reposted Story] : [U of R Boxscore]

The Evil Monkeys smashed the Kittens on the shot clock 39-17, yet they could not burry them ont he scoreboard. This one was tight all night. I do believe that Regina is flattered by their record, just as they were flattered by Friday night's scoreboard. That is just how it goes some seasons. The Banjo-Cats remain in 3rd place with a 6-5-0 record. And the Primates are 11-0-0. Saturday's rematch is on CanadaWest.tv at 7:00 CST.

CALGARY DINOSAURS 3
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 0

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [MRU Game Story] : [MRU Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story]

In the Battle of Bedrock game one goes to the Dinos. They scored once in each period and outshot the New-Kittens-on-the-Block 35-15. MRU is still a respectable 4-6-1 on the season, while Bedrock U keeps pace with the Monkeys at 11-0-0. The Dinos host Saturday's rematch.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily] : [CIS Schedule/Results]

Ottawa 2 York 0
McGill 4 Brock 3 - 2OT
UQTR 6 Windsor 1
Concordia 3 Lakehead 4 - OT
RMC 1 Ryerson 7
Laurentian 1 Waterloo 6
Queen's 4 Guelph 3 - OT
UOIT 2 W. Ontario 7
Carleton 2 Toronto 3 - OT
Nipissing 2 Laurier 6

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

UPEI 2 Saint Mary's 4
Dalhousie 0 Moncton 7
St. Thomas 5 St. F-X 6 - OT
Acadia 4 New Brunswick 3 - OT

UP NEXT:

Nov. 16
Lethbridge at Manitoba 6:00 PM CST
Mount Royal at Calgary 6:00 PM MST
Regina at Alberta 6:00 PM MST
UBC at Saskatchewan 7:00 PM MST
UPEI at St. F-X 7:00 PM AST
St. Thomas at Saint Mary's 7:00 PM AST
Dalhousie at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST
Acadia at Moncton 7:00 PM AST
Carleton at Ryerson 2:30 PM EST
Nipissing at Waterloo 6:30 PM EST
McGill at York 7:00 PM EST
Ottawa at Brock 7:15 PM EST
Queen's at W. Ontario 7:30 PM EST
Concordia at Lakehead 7:30 PM EST
UQTR at Windsor 7:30 PM EST
UOIT at Guelph 7:30 PM EST
RMC at Toronto 7:30 PM EST
Laurentian at Laurier 7:30 PM EST
 

[Hollywood]

Nov. 16: Consecutive Shutouts Lead to Sweep


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 0
MANITOBA BISONS 7

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of M Game Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [U of L Reposted Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Saturday Roundup (to be uploaded)]

Saturday's rematch in this series was more of a replay. The main difference was that the Bisons were not hitting goalposts. The teams lined up exactly as they did for Friday's game, except that Lethbridge replaced 21 Mappin with 25 McLachlan, who I never saw on the ice. And the H0rny Ones started Ketlo in place of Tait in goal.

The 1st period was Lethbridge's best of the weekend. They had 10 shots on goal and were mixing it up fairly well. But the Bisons scored twice on 16 shots. Craig Scott scored his 1st of the season and Jesse Paradis notched his 4th.

30 seconds into the 2nd period it was 3-0 Bisons when Dylan Kelly scored his 2nd. The Bisons had the momentum and dominated the period with a 17-6 shots advantage. Taylor Dickin scored his 1st of the season at 5:44, and Damien Ketlo's scary night in goal was over. Then 16 seconds later Dickin scored again. Ian Duval's 5th goal of the year made it 6-0. His deke around the defencemen was one of the best moves of the season.

The 3rd period was mostly an exercise in playing out the string. Dickin got his hat-trick goal, the shots were 13-7 for the Bisons, and the Bison 4th line got loads of playing time.

The Bisons are now 4-7-1 and conclude the 1st half of the season next weekend in British California. Lethbridge falls to 1-11-0 and will next play a home-and-home series with MRU. The Bisons will not play at home again until the new year when they host MRU on January 10th and 11th.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

UBC THUNDERBIRDS 0
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story]
:. [UBC Game Story]
:. [Saskatoon Star-Phoenix Story on John Lawrence]

This seems to have been a fairly close game, but still a tidy win for the Banjo-Mutts. Sask has now climbed back to .500 and are tied with Regina for 3rd place. Those two will play a home-and-home mid-week series Wednesday and Thursday. UBC now sinks to 3-8-1 and are in 7th place. Seems like the rumours of a breakthrough season for the Tweety-Birds were a false alarm.

REGINA COUGARS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore]
:. [U of R Reposted Story] : [U of R Boxscore]

The Kittens were dominated by the Evil Monkeys. This is not surprising. Still the Banjo-Cats have to be happy that they are 6-6-0 and tied for 3rd. Saudi Alberta is 12-0-0 now and will face the 12-0-0 Dinos next weekend.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 8
CALGARY DINOSAURS 1

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story (with video)]
:. [MRU Reposted Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

The Battle of Bedrock resulted in the 4th sweep of the weekend in the CW. The score is a bit misleading. The shots were 31-27 for the Dinos. The Dinos are 12-0-0 and tied for first. The New-Kittens-on-the-Block are 4-7-1 and tied with Manitoba for 5th.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily] : [CIS Schedule/Results]

Carleton 5 Ryerson 9
Nipissing 2 Waterloo 1
McGill 1 York 3
Ottawa 7 Brock 3
Queen's 1 W. Ontario 2 - OT
Concordia 1 Lakehead 3
UQTR 3 Windsor 5
UOIT 2 Guelph 8
RMC 1 Toronto 4
Laurentian 0 Laurier 6

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

UPEI 1 St. F-X 4
St. Thomas 1 Saint Mary's 9
Dalhousie 3 New Brunswick 4
Acadia 5 Moncton 4

UP NEXT:

Nov. 20
Saskatchewan at Regina - 7:00 PM CST
Saint Mary's at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
Moncton at UPEI - 7:00 PM AST
St. Thomas at New Brunswick - 7:00 PM AST
St. F-X at Acadia - 7:00 PM AST

Nov. 21
Regina at Saskatchewan - 7:00 PM CST

Nov. 22
Mount Royal at Lethbridge - 7:00 PM MST
Alberta at Calgary - 7:00 PM MST
Manitoba at UBC - 7:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM CST
Acadia at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
New Brunswick at Moncton - 7:00 PM AST
UPEI at St. Thomas - 7:00 PM AST
Waterloo at Ottawa - 7:00 PM EST
York at UQTR - 7:00 PM EST
Toronto at Nipissing - 7:00 PM EST
Guelph at Carleton - 7:00 PM EST
Laurier at McGill - 7:00 PM EST
W. Ontario at RMC - 7:00 PM EST
Lakehead at UOIT - 7:30 PM EST
Windsor at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST
Brock at Concordia - 7:30 PM EST
Ryerson at Laurentian - 7:30 PM EST

[Hollywood]

Weekend Preview: Bisons Off to British California

 

MANITOBA BISONS (4-7-1, 9-12-2, OHT36 #23)
UBC THUNDERBIRDS (3-8-1, 5-10-1, OHT36 #24)

Friday, November 22nd, 7:00 PST/9:00 CST @ UBC
Saturday, November 23rd, 7:00 PST/9:00 CST @ UBC

Live Links:
:. [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
:. [CITR.ca - live audio Friday]

Manitoba Links:
:. [Barry Trotz Coming to Fundraiser] : [Caligiuri CW First Star]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

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

Other Links:
:. [CW Weekend Preview]
:. [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Weekly Media Notes #8 (pdf)]
:. [CIS Top Ten Story] : [reposted at CW]
:. [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

This is a funny week in the CW. Regina and Sask are playing a Wednesday-Thursday home-and-home series, so this post is in the style of both a preview and an out-of-town scoreboard.

This week also marks the end of the first half of the season. Since the CW is a perfectly balanced 8-team league, each team will have played one two-game series against each other opponent.

The Bisons have been hit by a goal-scoring drought never before seen in these parts. However, they now have found three line combos that work and a traditional 4th line. The goaltending has been spotty but in the end rank 17th of the 36 teams in the CIS in save percentage (.906). The defence, even with injuries to Darren Bestland and Dane Crowley, has been pretty good. They have often prevented teams from having high quality scoring chances. But those dreaded long shots have beaten both Bison goaltenders just a bit too often.

UBC was supposed to be on the way up. The last two seasons they have been edged out by Calgary in the race for 4th and then lost to them in the playoffs. Instead of closing the gap, Bedrock U has gone 12-0 and are challenging the Evil Monkeys for 1st, and UBC sits alone in 7th.

Thus far the formula for the mid-5 in the CW has been: sweep Lethbridge, be swept by Bedrock U and the Monkeys, and split against everybody else. The only deviations from "the formula" have been:
- Manitoba's OTL v Bedrock U;
- UBC's OTL v the H0rny Ones;
- Manitoba's sweep by the Banjo-Cats;
- UBC's sweep by the Banjo-Mutts.

While there are pretty good odds of a split in this series, both sides could use 3 or even 4 points. With 2nd half home series coming up against Regina, Mount Royal, and UBC one has to like their chances of a charge to 3rd place.

ELSEWHERE:

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (12-0-0, 23-2-0, OHT36 #1)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (12-0-0, 17-4-1, OHT36 #3)

Links:
:. [Live Video (both nights)]
:. [U of A Preview Story] : [U of C Preview Story]

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. This is your Main Event! Friday night in Bedrock, Saturday night in the City of the Apes.

It is extremely rare that a team in the CW goes 12-0 to start the season. Rarer still is it to see two teams do it in the same year. Yet here we are.

These teams split four pre-season games, so they are not unfamiliar with one another. I have seen both of these teams live. IMO the Evil Monkeys are vastly superior. Bedrock U was frankly likely to get 4 points against the Bisons. And if there was any way to award the Primates more than 4 points in a series, they would have earned them. There are way too many floppers in the Bedrock line-up. Sooner or later, it will catch up to them. That said, it seems that the league is gradually rising to the level of Alberta as the season progresses.

Both sides have two good goaltenders who have split the duties thus far. In fact, Calgary's tandem has the best save percentage in the CIS.

I hope to get a chance to watch as much as possible of these games on-line.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (4-7-1, 5-9-1, OHT36 #12)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (1-11-0, 1-17-0, OHT36 #34)

Links:
:. [Live Video (Saturday only)]
:. [U of L Site] : [MRU Preview Story]

This is another home-and-home Battle of Alberta. Only with much less hype than the other. Since everybody but UBC has swept the H0rny Ones so far, MRU needs to keep pace. However, I get the feeling that Lethbridge could pull off a win this weekend. The New-Kittens-on-the-Block have made good use of their goals thus far. They have been outscored 40-24 yet are tied for 5th and are well within the race for 3rd place.(Lethbridge has been outscored 33-18.)

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (6-6-0, 9-8-0, OHT36 #9)
REGINA COUGARS (6-6-0, 9-10-0, OHT36 #8)

Links:
:. [Live Video and Audio (Thursday)]:. [U of R Preview Story]

How do you preview a series that has already started? Yes, the Battle of Bumpkinville is going Wednesday-Thursday, so scroll down for the Out-of-Town Scoreboard.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
REGINA COUGARS 3

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of R Game Story (with video)] : [U of R Boxscore]
:. [U of S Reposted Story]

Even though these two teams entered the series with 6-6-0 records and had played each other team twice, the Banjo-Mutts had to be the favourites. Now, at best they will enter the second half of the season tied with the Banjo-Cats. Thursday night's rematch in Saskatown is therefore a really big game for the Mutts. After the weekend games are done, they could be sitting alone in 6th place with a loss. And this from a team set to host Nationals!

OUT EAST:

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]: [CIS Schedule/Results]

Nov. 20
Saint Mary's 1 Dalhousie 3
Moncton at UPEI - Postponed
St. Thomas 3 New Brunswick 2
St. F-X 2 Acadia 3 - OT

UP NEXT:

Nov. 21
Regina at Saskatchewan - 7:00 PM CST

Nov. 22
Mount Royal at Lethbridge - 7:00 PM MST
Alberta at Calgary - 7:00 PM MST
Manitoba at UBC - 7:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM CST
Acadia at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
New Brunswick at Moncton - 7:00 PM AST
UPEI at St. Thomas - 7:00 PM AST
Waterloo at Ottawa - 7:00 PM EST
York at UQTR - 7:00 PM EST
Toronto at Nipissing - 7:00 PM EST
Guelph at Carleton - 7:00 PM EST
Laurier at McGill - 7:00 PM EST
W. Ontario at RMC - 7:00 PM EST
Lakehead at UOIT - 7:30 PM EST
Windsor at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST
Brock at Concordia - 7:30 PM EST
Ryerson at Laurentian - 7:30 PM EST

[Hollywood]

Nov. 21: Felines Sweep Canines in Banjoland Series

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:

 
REGINA COUGARS 4
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
(in overtime)

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story] : [CW Reposted Story]

This was a big win for the Banjo-Cats. The win makes them 8-6-0, and the Banjo-Mutts fall to 6-7-1. Regina led this game 3-1 at one point. Is it too early to call into question the Mutts entire program for laying an egg in a year when they host the nationals?

[Hollywood]

Nov. 22: Bisons Beat Birds


MANITOBA BISONS 6
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]
:. [U of M Game Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Friday Roundup (to be uploaded)]

The Bisons picked up a very decisive victory on the wet coast to keep pace in the race for 3rd place. I was listening to the on-line radio broadcast from UBC and the announcers seemed to think that the play was all one way for the first two periods en route to a 3-1 lead.

They also mentioned that Jeremy Schappert was shaken up on a hit. Since Crowley and Bestland are still out of action, the blue line is looking thin right now. The LeagueStat summary has a +/- icon so you can see who was on the ice for each goal. In the 3rd period the Bisons had 5 forwards on for one goal, and 4 forwards for two more.

The Herd got single markers from 6 different players - Dylan Kelly, Jory Coates, Jeremy Schappert, Aaron Lewadniuk, Tyler Dickin, and Luke Paulsen. Joe Caligiuri was in goal.

The teams meet again Saturday at 9:00 CST at UBC's old Father David Bauer Arena.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 0
CALGARY DINOSAURS 2

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story]
:. [U of A Reposted Story] : [U of A Boxscore]

Somebody had to taste their first defeat in this one and in the end Mr. Slate got his way. This one was scoreless through two periods until Bedrock U scored twice within  a minute. Jacob DeSerres had the shut-out for the Dinos. The series switches to Edmontown Saturday at 7:00 CST and is available on-line in HD at CanadaWest.tv.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of L Game Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [MRU Reposted Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

The New-Kittens=on-the-Block got off to a quick start, taking a 2-0 lead in the 1st period. I saw bits of the last two periods and the play was fairly even, however the H0rny Ones were well behind by then and not able to throw a scare into MRU. The series shifts to Cow Town for Saturday's remtach.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Waterloo 2 Ottawa 4
York 1 UQTR 4
Toronto 5 Nipissing 3
Guelph 3 Carleton 4 - OT
Laurier 4 McGill 3
W. Ontario 6 RMC 1
Lakehead 0 UOIT 1
Windsor 0 Queen's 3
Brock 2 Concordia 9
Ryerson 6 Laurentian 4

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

Acadia 4 Dalhousie 2
New Brunswick 9 Moncton 2
UPEI 2 St. Thomas 1

UP NEXT:

Nov. 23
Calgary at Alberta - 6:00 PM MST
Lethbridge at Mount Royal - 7:00 PM MST
Manitoba at UBC - 7:00 PM PST
Brock at UQTR - 2:00 PM EST
York at Concordia - 2:00 PM EST
W. Ontario at Carleton - 3:00 PM EST
St. F-X at Saint Mary's - 7:00 PM AST
UPEI at New Brunswick - 7:00 PM AST
St. Thomas at Moncton - 7:00 PM AST
Laurier at Ottawa - 7:00 PM EST
Ryerson at Nipissing - 7:00 PM EST
Waterloo at McGill - 7:00 PM EST
Guelph at RMC - 7:00 PM EST
Lakehead at UOIT - 7:30 PM EST
Toronto at Laurentian - 7:30 PM EST
Windsor at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST

[CIS Schedule/Results]

Edited November 23, 2013 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Nov. 23: Bison Sweep Leads to 4th Place


MANITOBA BISONS 6
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 4

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]
:. [U of M Reposted Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Saturday Roundup (to be uploaded)]

A road sweep, with both in regulation time, is never easy. And for the Bisons to achieve this in Beatiful British California has not been easy in recent years. Therefore this achievement should be celebrated, especially when it causes the first half of the season to end with the Bisons tied for 4th place. After a slow start, this very much represents a high-water mark for the team.

The Bisons used the same line-up as they had on Friday night. However, UBC got off to a better start and had the 1st goal, from Neil Manning on a powerplay. However, it took the Bisons a mere 17 seconds to equalize, when Jordan DePape scored his 1st as a Bison. (He has had lots of chances so I was surprised to see this was his 1st.) Jesse Paradis (really finding his form with his 5th) gave the Bisons a 2-1 lead. This time it was UBC's turn to tie the score within a few seconds, as Nate Fleming made it 2-2 at the 1st intermission.

A strong 2nd period was the key to the Bisons' victory. Aaron Lewadniuk needed only 30 seconds to notch his 6th of the season, and then Brendan Rowinski claimed his 3rd. So, 4-2 for the Bisons.

The 'Birds had every incentive to throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Bisons heading into the 3rd. They trailed by two and faced falling 6 points out of a playoff spot. They did rack up a load of shots, and goals from Luke Lockhart and Greg Fraser levelled the score at 4-4. As is often the case, once the trailing team ties the score they soon fall behind again. That's what happened in this game. Luke Cain racked up his 3rd and Ian Duval his 6th, and there you have it. The 2nd night in a row the Bisons got 6 goals from 6 different players.

The Bisons are 6-7-1 and in a 3-way tie with Sask. and MRU for 4th place. UBC is 3-10-1 and alone in 7th. The 2nd half starts next weekend, which is also the last one before the Christmas break. Both sides are off to Saudi Alberta next weekend, the Bisons to face the Evil Monkeys and the 'Birds to face the Pronghorns.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3
(in overtime)

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story] : [U of C Boxscore]

The Evil Monkeys could ill-afford another loss to Bedrock U but came very close to it. I was out and unable to catch this one on CanadaWest.tv. So all I can go by is the stats page. This one certainly drew a lot of interest in Edmontown. There was a crowd of 2,927 on hand.

The Monkeys kept their goaltender rotation going (i.e. Mucha on Friday, Siemens on Saturday). The Dinos had to depart from that since Lazaruk did not dress for either game, making DeSerres the starter both nights.

The Dinos did have a 2-0 lead after the 1st period, but the Monkeys were able to rack up the shots on goal needed to force OT. The game-tying goal came with just 20 seconds left.

Thus ends the 1st half of the season with Bedrock in 1st at 13-0-1 and the Monkeys in hot pursuit at 13-1-0. Next weekend both sides are at home, with the Monkeys facing Manitoba and the Dinos facing Regina.

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 5
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 6
(in a shoot-out)

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [MRU Game Story] : [MRU Boxscore]
:. [U of L Reposted Story] : [U of L Boxscore]

It figured that the H0rny Ones would at least throw a scare into the New-Kittens-on-the-Block. Early in the 3rd period MRU enjoyed a 5-2 lead and held a wide margin in the shots on goal. Cody Chartier's natural hat-trick spilling over from the 2nd to 3rd periods broke open a 2-2 tie. But a quick shot of Viagra and the H0rny Ones were all over them. But, alas, there was no scoring in the OT.

MRU has done well to manufature a 6-7-1 record despite being out-scored 48-34. They visit Saskatown next weekend to start the 2nd half and that should tell us whether they pose a serious threat to finish 3rd or 4th.

FIRST HALF STANDINGS:

School```````` W``L OL Pts
Calgary`````` 13``0``1  27
Alberta`````` 13``1``0  26
Regina```````` 8``6``0  16
Manitoba`````` 6``7``1  13
Mount Royal````6``7``1  13
Saskatchewan`` 6``7``1  13
UBC````````````3 10``1` `7
Lethbridge```` 1 12``1`` 3

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Brock 3 UQTR 5
York 3 Concordia 0
W. Ontario 2 Carleton 3
Laurier 2 Ottawa 4
Ryerson 9 Nipissing 7
Waterloo 1 McGill 4
Guelph 5 RMC 4 - OT
Lakehead 1 UOIT 3
Toronto 3 Laurentian 4 - 2OT
Windsor 1 Queen's 4

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

St. F-X 4 Saint Mary's 6
UPEI 3 New Brunswick 5
St. Thomas 2 Moncton 9

UP NEXT:

Nov. 26
Concordia at McGill - 10:30 AM EST

Nov. 27
Acadia at St. F-X - 7:00 PM AST
Dalhousie at Saint Mary's - 7:00 PM AST

Nov. 28
Brock at Guelph - 7:30 PM EST

Nov. 29
Mount Royal at Saskatchewan - 7:00 PM CST
Regina at Calgary - 7:00 PM MST/8:00 PM CST
Manitoba at Alberta - 7:00 PM MST/8:00 PM CST
UBC at Lethbridge - 7:00 PM MST/8:00 PM CST
New Brunswick at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
Saint Mary's at St. Thomas - 7:00 PM AST
Moncton at Acadia - 7:00 PM AST
St. F-X at UPEI - 7:30 PM AST
Lakehead at York - 7:00 PM EST
UOIT at Ottawa - 7:00 PM EST
Carleton at Laurier - 7:00 PM EST
Windsor at W. Ontario - 7:00 PM EST
UQTR at Ryerson - 7:30 PM EST
RMC at Waterloo - 7:30 PM EST
Concordia at Toronto - 7:30 PM EST
Laurentian at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST

[CIS Schedule/Results]

Edited November 24, 2013 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Weekend Preview: Herd Head to the Zoo


MANITOBA BISONS (6-7-1, 11-12-2, OHT36 #12)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (13-1-0, 24-3-0, OHT36 #2)

Friday, November 29th, 7:00 MST/8:00 CST @ U of A
Saturday, November 30th, 6:00 MST/7:00 CST @ U of A

Live Links:
:. [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
:. [Live Video (both nights)]

Manitoba Links:
:. [Preview Story] : [Jesse Paradis Athlete of the Week]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Alberta Links:
:. [U of A Preview Story]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Other Links:
:. [CW Weekend Preview]
:. [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Weekly Media Notes #9 (pdf)]
:. [CIS Top Ten Story]
:. [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

Prior games:
Oct. 4: Alberta 5 Manitoba 0: [U of M Story] : [LS Summary]
Oct. 5: Alberta 4 Manitoba 0: [U of M Story] : [LS Summary]

The second half of the CW regular season begins Friday night. The Bisons are off to face the feces-throwing Primates in their home cage. The games are scheduled for on-line viewing at CanadaWest.tv, in HD no less.

The Evil Monkeys are 13-1-0. Sounds good, but they are only in 2nd place. A 4-game winning streak has the Bisons in a 3-way tie for 4th place at 6-7-1.

The two sides started the season at the then newly named Wayne Fleming Arena. The Bisons were having a terrible time scoring goals. They had finished the pre-season with two games against the Toronto Blahs and throughly dominated them but could not put a the puck in the net. The two shut-outs against the Monkeys were followed by another shutout in a 3-0 loss at North Dakota and another shutout loss in a split with Saskatchewan.

The Bisons have shuffled their line-up a bit and it has generated some chemistry. The first 3 lines are all capable of scoring, or at least generating more scoring chances than they surrender. Every now and then they do have outbursts where they cannot score despite several shots, for example a loss in Regina where they had 53 shots on goal. On the optimistic side, any team that can generate the territorial dominance and shots on goal that the Bisons have should be able to eventually turn those into goals.

Can they do it against the Monkeys? Well, it seems that teams have been catching up to them. Still, a 24-3-0 overall record tells us they won't be easy.

Expect the Bisons to stick with Joe Caligiuri in goal, and expect the Apes to switch between Mu-u-ucha and Siemens yet again.

ELSEWHERE:

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (6-7-1, 7-9-1, OHT36 #14)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (6-7-1, 9-9-1, OHT36 #10)

Links:
:. [Live Video (both nights)]
:. [U of S Preview Story] : [MRU Preview Story]

The Mangy Mutts and the New-Kittens-on-the-Block are both level with the Bisons at 6-7-1. And all three teams are 1-1-0 against one another so far. Yet I cannot help but to think that the Mutts will be disappointed if they don't sweep this series in convincing fashion. MRU has done very well to rack up the record they have. They have been outscored 48-34. Meanwhile, the Doggies have outscored their opponents 42-35. This series could well be a harbinger of what the second half will be for these teams.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS (3-10-1, 5-12-1, OHT36 #26)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (1-12-1, 1-18-1, OHT36 #35)

Links:
:. [No Live Video Scheduled]
:. [U of L Site] : [UBC Site]

If UBC is to have any chance at all of a 2nd half rally they have to sweep the H0rny Ones. Then again, a sweep by the H0rny Ones would vault them into a tie for 7th place. For them any place other than 8th would be truly remarkable.

REGINA COUGARS (8-6-0, 11-10-0, OHT36 #6)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (13-0-1, 18-4-2, OHT36 #1)

Links:
:. [No Live Video]
:. [U of C Preview Story] :. [U of R Site]

This is the Battle-of-Teams-Who-Are-Not-As-Good-As-Their-Record. At least in my opinion. Will they be able to repeat what they did in the 1st half again in the 2nd half? Time will tell.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Nov. 26
Concordia 3 McGill 9

Nov. 28
Brock at Guelph

Nov. 29
Lakehead at York
UOIT at Ottawa
Carleton at Laurier
Windsor at W. Ontario
UQTR at Ryerson
RMC at Waterloo
Concordia at Toronto
Laurentian at Queen's

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

Nov. 27
Acadia 3 St. F-X 4 - OT
Dalhousie 3 Saint Mary's 9
UPEI at Moncton - Postponed

Nov. 29
New Brunswick at Dalhousie
Saint Mary's at St. Thomas
Moncton at Acadia
St. F-X at UPEI

[CIS Schedule/Results]

[Hollywood]

Nov. 29: Short-Staffed Bisons Crushed On Night of the Blowout


MANITOBA BISONS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore]
:. [U of M Reposted Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Friday Roundup]

Friday night was not a good night for the Bisons, nor for anybody looking for a close hockey game to follow. Never before have I seen a night in the CW where every game included a massive 1st or 2nd period goal total for one side.

For the Bisons, they had only 19 healthy bodies available, and only 5 were defencemen. Darren Bestland has been on the IL since the 1st weekend, and Dane Crowley for 3 weeks now. As of last weekend Jeremy Schappert can join them. So there goes 3 d-men in your top two pairs.

The 1st period was 1-1. The Monkeys surrendered a Steve Smith-style own-goal so it looked like the Bisons could possibly steal a point or two. However after the Monkeys scored two goals only 8 seconds apart early in the 2nd period, the Bisons waived the white flag.

The rematch is available at CanadaWest.tv Saturday at 7:00 central.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

REGINA COUGARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story (with video)] : [U of C Boxscore]
:. [U of R Game Story] : [U of R Boxscore]

This was over early. Bedrock U got 4 goals in the 1st period. The Kittens then had some warm milk and went to bed. Saturday night's rematch is not available on-line.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS 9
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of L Game Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]

The Tweety-Birds had 6 goals in the 2nd period to salt away this win. They clearly felt the pressure for a win and came through. Pity the H0rny Ones. A seven goal loss on home ice to the #7 team does not look good. If you are the type who enjoys watching car wrecks, Saturday's rematch is at CanadaWest.tv.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story]
:. [MRU Reposted Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

This game completed the ****-storm of CW games. Sask had 5 goals in the 2nd period in this whipping. Is this a sign as to what awaits the New-Kittens-on-the-Block in the 2nd half? I suspect that both sets of Cougars will sink a bit. Time will tell. The Banjo-Mutts have to start sweeping series like this if they want to make a serious run at the University Cup. You can see the rematch Saturday night on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Nov. 28
Brock 4 Guelph 1

Nov. 29
Lakehead 1 York 0
UOIT 2 Ottawa 8
Carleton 7 Laurier 0
Windsor 5 W. Ontario 1
UQTR 5 Ryerson 1
RMC 2 Waterloo 6
Concordia 3 Toronto 2 - OT
Laurentian 2 Queen's 3

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

New Brunswick 3 Dalhousie 0
Saint Mary's 2 St. Thomas 1
Moncton 4 Acadia 3 - 2OT
St. F-X 2 UPEI 1

UP NEXT:

Nov. 30
Regina at Calgary - 6:00 PM MST
Manitoba at Alberta - 6:00 PM MST
Mount Royal at Saskatchewan - 7:00 PM MST
UBC at Lethbridge - 7:00 PM MST
Concordia at Ryerson - 2:30 PM EST
UQTR at Toronto - 4:00 PM EST
Carleton at Waterloo - 6:30 PM EST
Laurentian at McGill - 7:00 PM EST
Lakehead at York - 7:00 PM EST
Windsor at Brock - 7:15 PM EST
Nipissing at UOIT - 7:30 PM EST
RMC at Laurier - 7:30 PM EST
Ottawa at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST
Saint Mary's at UPEI - 7:00 PM AST
New Brunswick at Acadia - 7:00 PM AST
Moncton at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
St. F-X at St. Thomas - 7:00 PM AST

[CIS Schedule/Results]

[Hollywood]

Nov. 29: Short-Staffed Bisons Crushed On Night of the Blowout


MANITOBA BISONS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore]
:. [U of M Reposted Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Friday Roundup]

Friday night was not a good night for the Bisons, nor for anybody looking for a close hockey game to follow. Never before have I seen a night in the CW where every game included a massive 1st or 2nd period goal total for one side.

For the Bisons, they had only 19 healthy bodies available, and only 5 were defencemen. Darren Bestland has been on the IL since the 1st weekend, and Dane Crowley for 3 weeks now. As of last weekend Jeremy Schappert can join them. So there goes 3 d-men in your top two pairs.

The 1st period was 1-1. The Monkeys surrendered a Steve Smith-style own-goal so it looked like the Bisons could possibly steal a point or two. However after the Monkeys scored two goals only 8 seconds apart early in the 2nd period, the Bisons waived the white flag.

The rematch is available at CanadaWest.tv Saturday at 7:00 central.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

REGINA COUGARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of C Game Story (with video)] : [U of C Boxscore]
:. [U of R Game Story] : [U of R Boxscore]

This was over early. Bedrock U got 4 goals in the 1st period. The Kittens then had some warm milk and went to bed. Saturday night's rematch is not available on-line.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS 9
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of L Game Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]

The Tweety-Birds had 6 goals in the 2nd period to salt away this win. They clearly felt the pressure for a win and came through. Pity the H0rny Ones. A seven goal loss on home ice to the #7 team does not look good. If you are the type who enjoys watching car wrecks, Saturday's rematch is at CanadaWest.tv.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 8

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story]
:. [MRU Reposted Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

This game completed the ****-storm of CW games. Sask had 5 goals in the 2nd period in this whipping. Is this a sign as to what awaits the New-Kittens-on-the-Block in the 2nd half? I suspect that both sets of Cougars will sink a bit. Time will tell. The Banjo-Mutts have to start sweeping series like this if they want to make a serious run at the University Cup. You can see the rematch Saturday night on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Nov. 28
Brock 4 Guelph 1

Nov. 29
Lakehead 1 York 0
UOIT 2 Ottawa 8
Carleton 7 Laurier 0
Windsor 5 W. Ontario 1
UQTR 5 Ryerson 1
RMC 2 Waterloo 6
Concordia 3 Toronto 2 - OT
Laurentian 2 Queen's 3

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

New Brunswick 3 Dalhousie 0
Saint Mary's 2 St. Thomas 1
Moncton 4 Acadia 3 - 2OT
St. F-X 2 UPEI 1

UP NEXT:

Nov. 30
Regina at Calgary - 6:00 PM MST
Manitoba at Alberta - 6:00 PM MST
Mount Royal at Saskatchewan - 7:00 PM MST
UBC at Lethbridge - 7:00 PM MST
Concordia at Ryerson - 2:30 PM EST
UQTR at Toronto - 4:00 PM EST
Carleton at Waterloo - 6:30 PM EST
Laurentian at McGill - 7:00 PM EST
Lakehead at York - 7:00 PM EST
Windsor at Brock - 7:15 PM EST
Nipissing at UOIT - 7:30 PM EST
RMC at Laurier - 7:30 PM EST
Ottawa at Queen's - 7:30 PM EST
Saint Mary's at UPEI - 7:00 PM AST
New Brunswick at Acadia - 7:00 PM AST
Moncton at Dalhousie - 7:00 PM AST
St. F-X at St. Thomas - 7:00 PM AST

[CIS Schedule/Results]

[Hollywood]

Nov. 30: Bisons Achieve Greatest Turn-About Since Lazarus


MANITOBA BISONS 5
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of A Game Story] : [U of A Boxscore and Story]
:. [U of M Reposted Story] : [U of M Boxscore]
:. [CW Story (on all games)]
:. [CIS Saturday Roundup )to be uploaded)]

Indeed, this was the best turn-about since Lazarus. Whether it was divinely inspired I cannot say. But it was certainly effective.

To beat the Evil Monkeys in their own cage is a seldom-achieved accomplishment. To do so with only 5 defencemen amongst the 19 players dressed, and three top defencemen out of the line-up, is rarer still. Yet it has now been done.

The Bisons never trailed the Monkeys all night long. They held leads of 2-0, 3-2, and 4-3.

Dylan Kelly (4th) and Jordan DePape (2nd) gave the Herd a 2-0 by mid-way through the 1st period. A pair of powerplay goals for the Monkeys levelled the scores by intermission.

Paul Ciarelli and Luke Paulsen also scored their 2nd goals of the season to give the Bisons 2nd period leads, only to see the Monkeys catch up both times.

The only goal in the 3rd period was Brock Sutherland's 1st of the season mid-way through the period. It came just seconds after a powerplay expired in which Luke Siemens made several outstanding saves in the Monkey goal.

Joe Caligiuri went the distance in goal for the Bisons, whilst Siemens continued the Monkey rotation.

The Monkeys fall to 14-2-0, and are now 3 points out of 1st place. The Bisons are 7-8-1 and are alone in 5th, just 2 points out of 3rd.

The Bisons are now on break for exams and Christmas. They resume play January 3rd-4th when they visit Bumpkinland to face the Mangy Mutts. The next home action is January 10th-11th when they will host MRU.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

REGINA COUGARS 0
CALGARY DINOSAURS 9

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore (to be uploaded)]
:. [U of C Game Story (with video)] : [U of C Boxscore (to be uploaded)]
:. [U of R Game Story] : [U of R Boxscore]

The Banjo-Cats had only 18 healthy bodies for this rematch and that was clearly not enough. Maybe even 30 would not have been enough. Bedrock U outshot them 18-1 in the 1st period and built a 3-0 lead. And things never improved for the Kittens all night long. Bedrock U is now 15-0-1 and Regina is an even 8-8-0.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of L Game Story] : [U of L Boxscore]
:. [UBC Game Story]

It was nice to see the H0rny Ones at least have a competitive game. This one was tied 1-1 entering the 3rd period and the final goal was into an empty net. So good on Lethbridge. At 1-14-1 they are done. UBC badly needed a 4 point weekend to improve to 5-10-1 and be within 2 points of the 6th and final playoff berth.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4

Links:
:. [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
:. [U of S Game Story]
:. [MRU Reposted Story] : [MRU Boxscore]

While this was certainly not a whipping like occurred on Friday night, it was nevertheless a tidy win for the Banjo-Mutts. This was the night of the powerplay in Saskatown. 4 of the 5 goals were scored with a man advantage. The New-Kittens-on-the-Block dressed only 17 players. It seems the injury bug hit all the travelling teams this weekend.

Ryan Holfield started his 16th straight game in Sask's goal. Even though Sask is hosting nationals, they seem intent on riding only one goaltender to the big event. Seems a little odd.

The win vaults Sask. into 3rd place at 8-7-1 and MRU falls to 6th at 6-9-1.

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Nov. 30
Concordia 3 Ryerson 8
UQTR 2 Toronto 1
Carleton 2 Waterloo 6
Laurentian 1 McGill 4
Lakehead 5 York 3
Windsor 3 Brock 2 - SO
Nipissing 5 UOIT 4 - SO
RMC 6 Laurier 7 - OT
Ottawa 3 Queen's 4 - SO

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

Saint Mary's 3 UPEI 5
Mew Brunswick 1 Acadia 5
Moncton 5 Dalhousie 2
St. F-X 4 St. Thomas 5

UP NEXT:

Sun Dec 01
x Queen's at Clarkson

Mon Dec 16
W. Ontario v Windsor - at Detroit

Fri Dec 27
x Laurentian at Lakehead

Sat Dec 28
x Laurentian at Lakehead

Sun Dec 29
x Toronto at Carleton
x St. Thomas at New Brunswick
x Guelph at St. Francis-Xavier

Mon Dec 30
x Guelph at Saint Mary's

Tue Dec 31
x Guelph at Acadia

Fri Jan 03
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Regina at Lethbridge
Moncton at St. F-X
Acadia at St. Thomas
New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Dalhousie at UPEI
McGill at Carleton
W. Ontario at Nipissing
Waterloo at Brock
Guelph at Laurentian
Queen's at UOIT
Toronto at Lakehead
Ryerson at Laurier
x York at Arizona
x Alberta at NAIT (ACAC)
x North Dakota (NCAA) v UBC (at Burnaby)
x Princeton (NCAA) at Simon Fraser (BCIHL)

x denotes exhibition game

[CIS Schedule/Results]

Edited December 1, 2013 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

News Update



Normally I would be posting a weekend preview at this time. Instead, exams are pending and so nothing is happening on-ice.

First, after years of facing teams from the CW, the Team Canada Juniors will face a side selected from the Big Lemon. Each of Toronto, York, and Ryerson has provided 4 forwards, 2 defencemen, and a goaltender to the cause. So, not really a "select" team. The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 14th at 1:30 CST (2:30 EST) at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto. Hopefully, Rob Ford will be there to throw a party for everyone!

TEAM BIG LEMON ROSTER

Goaltenders
Troy Passingham, Ryerson (Mississauga, Ont.)
Andrew Perugini, York (King City, Ont.)
Garrett Sheehan, Toronto (Cremona, Alta.)

Defencemen
Brian Birkhoff, Ryerson (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Dylan Heide, Toronto (Winnipeg, Man.)
Peter Hermenegildo, Ryerson (Thornhill, Ont.)
Tyler Mort, York (Keswick, Ont.)
Shayne Rover, York (Newmarket, Ont.)
Lane Werbowski, Toronto (Winnipeg, Man.)

Forwards
Domenic Alberga, Ryerson (Maple, Ont.)
Troy Barss, York (Barrie, Ont.)
Blake Boddy, Toronto (Scarborough, Ont.)
Jeff Brown, Toronto (Toronto, Ont.)
Andrew Buck, Ryerson (Newmarket, Ont.)
Andrew Doyle, Toronto (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Daniel Lombardi, Ryerson (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Mike Lombardi, York (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Michael Markovic, Toronto (Toronto, Ont.)
Tyler McGee, York (Timmins, Ont.)
Jesse Messier, York (Keswick, Ont.)
Jamie Wise, Ryerson (Stouffville, Ont.)

Coaching Staff
Darren Lowe, Toronto
Jim Wells, York
Graham Wise, Ryerson

And, the CIS released their Top Ten and, finally, Bedrock U overtook the Monkeys for #1.

Finally, it was nice to see Brock Sutherland recognized for his defensive play against the Monkeys. With only 5 defencemen available, they desperately needed one to step up.

Links:
:. [Toronto Selects to face national junior team] : [OUA Link]
:. [Brock Sutherland Bison Sports Athlete of the Week]
:. [CIS Top Ten]

[Hollywood]

NEWS AND UNIVERSIADE UPDATE

 

Bison Sports has announced that athletes from all Bison teams will be volunteering at Siloam Mission to help out the homeless. Nice touch!

Links:
:. [Bison Sports spreading holiday cheer during the school break]


CANADA 12
JAPAN 1

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site]

Team Canada is this year from the AUS. But with an otherwise empty out-of-town-scoreboard, this is all we have.

Nice logo for Japanese hockey, eh? It looks a bit like spacecraft.

Canada will play Ukraine on Friday and Kazakhstan on Sunday. The quarter-finals are on Wednesday, December 18th, the semi-finals on Friday, December 20th, and the finals on Saturday, December 21st.

[Hollywood]

Dec 13: Canada Now 2-0


CANADA 11
UKRAINE 0

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site] : [Daily Recap]

Team Canada showed Team Perogy just who's the boss. Looks like a quarter-final berth is now assured. There was a bit of a close call for the Yanks. They needed overtime to subdue the pesky Latvians. Here are the scores thus far:

Dec 10 Group A Italy 4 Latvia 2
Dec 10 Group C Canada 12 Japan 1
Dec 10 Group A USA 2 Sweden 0
Dec 12 Group B Russia 8 United Kingdom 0
Dec 12 Group C Kazakhstan 4 Ukraine 2
Dec 12 Group B Slovakia 3 Czech Republic 2 (ot)
Dec 13 Group A Sweden 4 Italy 2
Dec 13 Group C Canada 11 Ukraine 0
Dec 13 Group A Latvia 2 USA 3 (ot)

The next games are:

Dec 14 Group B Czech Republic v Russia
Dec 14 Group C Kazakhstan v Japan
Dec 14 Group B United Kingdom v Slovakia
Dec 15 Group A Italy v USA
Dec 15 Group C Canada v Kazakhstan
Dec 15 Group A Sweden v Latvia
Dec 16 Group B Russia v Slovakia
Dec 16 Group C Ukraine v Japan
Dec 16 Group B Czech Republic v United Kingdom
Dec 17 Classification games
Dec 18 Quarter-finals
Dec 19 Classification games
Dec 20 Semi-finals and classfication games
Dec 21 Gold and Bronze finals

[Hollywood]

Dec 14: Juniors beat Toronto


TEAM CANADA JUNIORS 3
CIS TORONTO BIG LEMONS 0

Links:
:. [CIS Game Story]
:. [Hockey Canada Game Story and Summary]
:. [TSN Story and Video] : [Toronto Sun Story]
:. [Canada.com Story] : [Vancouver Sun Story]
:. [Yahoo! Story] : [NHL.com Story]
:. [CP Story at CBC.ca] : [at Sportsnet.ca] : [at Hamilton Spectator]

The Selects from the Big Lemon kept the scores down but seemingly did not mount much of an offensive threat in this game. It was likely the first time that many of these players had ever met, so cohesiveness is always an issue.

The Selects were outshot but were held in by their goaltenders. It sounds like the games the Bisons had against Toronto in pre-season. Connor McDavid got rave reviews for the Juniors. Just read the abundant links!

The Juniors are off to Europe to acclimatize before the tournament.

Edited December 15, 2013 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Dec 18: Canada qualifies for semi-finals

 

UNIVERSIADE:

December 15, 2013

CANADA 2
KAZAKHSTAN 4

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site] : [Daily Recap] : [Summary]

This was Canada's wrap-up game in the round-robin. A loss to Team Borat! Well, how can a country that allows women to drive expect to go unbeaten?

There were other surprise results as well. Canada had a quarter-final berth sewn up already. Sweden never even got that much. The other concluding round-robin games were:
Dec 14 Group B Czech Republic 1 Russia 7
Dec 14 Group C Kazakhstan 3 Japan 1
Dec 14 Group B United Kingdom 0 Slovakia 11
Dec 15 Group A Italy 5 USA 1
Dec 15 Group C Canada 2 Kazakhstan 4
Dec 15 Group A Sweden 2 Latvia 5
Dec 16 Group B Russia 5 Slovakia 1
Dec 16 Group C Ukraine 4 Japan 3
Dec 16 Group B Czech Republic 12 United Kingdom 0

December 18, 2013


CANADA 6
SLOVAKIA 0

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site] : [Daily Recap] : [Summary]

Team Canada bounced back with a quarter-final win, so it is off to the semi-finals. This was a dominant performance, with a 47-17 edge in shots on goal. Canada will face Russia on Friday at 9:30 a.m. CST.

The other quarter-final scores were:
Russia 5 Czech Republic 1
USA 5 Italy 0
Kazakhstan 6 Latvia 1

Canada has been elimnated by the Russians in the last two Unoversiades, in the 2009 final and 2011 semi-final.

The semi-finals are scheduled to be streamed live at www.fisu.tv.

OUT EAST:

Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Dec. 16
W. Ontario 5 Windsor 2

This game was moved to January 1st at first to be part of the games at Comerica in Detroit to be part of the Wings-Leafs festvities. But I guess they needed a switch and so it was moved to Dec. 16, a very odd time. Windsor carried the SOG but lost convincingly.

NEWS:


The CW basketball format (to commence in 2014-15) has been getting some press. There are now 17 schools in the CW and all play basketball. They will have the 6 newest teams in one division, and the 11 old guard in the other. The new teams will play each other 4 times each, and the old teams will play each other twice, so all teams play 20 games.

They deny this is tiering, but really it is. Fraser Valley don't like it, since they have a pretty good team and would like to play the best teams.

As I mentioned in pre-season, this is something other conferences might try, including the OUA in hockey. Note that both tiers still get conference playoff berths and could qualify for nationals.

Links:
:. [UFV kicked to the curb: Canada West basketball sees age not ability in establishing two-tier conference]
:. [Notes on the schedule: Comments from Canada West directors] : [reposted at CUP]

[Hollywood]

UNIVERSIADE:



December 20, 2013

CANADA 2
RUSSIA 1

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site] : [Daily Recap] : [Summary]

Canada-Russia games are always good. They seem to be the only countries to send a consistently good team to this. Although it does proviode a chance for Kazakhstan and Italy to shine when some big countries send weaker sides, or none at all. In this one the score was tight but CAnada almost doubled the shots (38-20).

December 21, 2013

CANADA 6
KAZAKHSTAN 2

Links:
:. [CIS Game story] : [Box Score (pdf)]
:. [CIS Universiade Site]
:. [Universiade Official Site] : [Daily Recap] : [Summary]

Canada avenged their only loss of the tournament in this one. Team Borat had both coaches ejected. No doubt as a result of the inferior potassium available in Italy. I'd like to find out just what happened but a good game story and/or video is hard to find.

Semi-final results:
Kazakhstan 6 USA 1
Canada 2 Russia 1

Bronze result:
Russia 6 USA 2
 

[Hollywood]

UNIVERSIADE:


As the Universiade wraps up there are a couple of new links for highlights and stats.

Links:
:. [YouTube Video - Final Highlights]
:. [YouTube Video - Tournament Highlights]
:. [YouTube - Universiade channel]
:. [YouTube Video - 2011 Semi-finals] : [Bronze Game] : [Gold Game]
:. [CIS Box Score (pdf)]
:. [IIHF Page - links to scores, stats, and summaries]

[Hollywood]

Dec 27: Out-of-Town Scoreboard

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD


LAURENTIAN VOYAGEURS 1
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 4

Links:
:. [Game Story]

This is the last weekend of the break, and a light schedule of non-conference games has begun. At one time Lakehead hosted a 4-team tournament, and the Bisons were frequent participants. A few years back they scaled back to a two-game series against one opponent. It is now called the "Crime Stoppers Christmas Challenge". I believe their local hone company used to sponsor. I found it peculiar that Lakehead would host first-year Laurentian in this event. I thought they would have sought a better opponent. Laurentian is also already on their regular schedule.

There is not a lot of activity out west. There used to be a tournament hosted by SAIT for southern Alberta teams. And in the AUS the Pete Kelly Cup in New Brunswick is just one game.

UP NEXT:

Sat Dec 28
x Laurentian at Lakehead

Sun Dec 29
x Toronto at Carleton
x St. Thomas at New Brunswick
x Guelph at St. Francis-Xavier

Mon Dec 30
x Guelph at Saint Mary's

Tue Dec 31
x Guelph at Acadia

Fri Jan 03
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Regina at Lethbridge
Moncton at St. F-X
Acadia at St. Thomas
New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Dalhousie at UPEI
McGill at Carleton
W. Ontario at Nipissing
Waterloo at Brock
Guelph at Laurentian
Queen's at UOIT
Toronto at Lakehead
Ryerson at Laurier
x York at Arizona
x Alberta at NAIT (ACAC)
x North Dakota (NCAA) v UBC (at Burnaby)
x Princeton (NCAA) at Simon Fraser (BCIHL)

x denotes exhibition game

NEWS:

The CIS has dropped the red-shirt rule for NCAA transfers. I have linked a load of stories on this. The Bisons have had several such players in recent years and this rule would have helped them out. In some other sports there are those who speculate that those "on the fence" may choose to play one season in the NCAA to see how it goes, knowing they could then come back without penalty. IMO it will gain more players than it will cost.

Links:
:. [Saskatoon Star-Phoenix] : [2nd link] : [Canada.com]
:. [Victoria News] : [Repost at BC LOcal News]
:. [CANOE - David Larkins Blog]
:. [Montreal Gazette] : [Hamilton Scores]

[Hollywood]

Dec 28: Thunderwolves Sweep

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD


LAURENTIAN VOYAGEURS 2
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 6

Links:
:. [Game Story]

Our former GPAC confreres have gotten themselves a sweep of this non-conference event. Frankly, anything less against the expansion Voyageurs would have been a disappointment. The 'Wolves are #20 and the Voyageurs #32 in the OHT36. These games will not affect those rankings much, if at all. There are three games on Sunday as business picks up in the festive season.

[Hollywood]

Dec 29: Three Games Out East

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD


ST. THOMAS TOMMIES 1
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 9

Links:
:. [Game Story]

The STU Pids have been whipped every 3rd game this season since the regular season started. And this was game 15 ...


GUELPH GRYPHONS 1
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 4

Links:
:. [AUS Boxscore] : [SFX Boxscore]

Goof U is on a 3-game trip through the AUS. They were well-beaten on the shot clock as the Jeremies racked up a tidy victory. With the SMUskies and Cajuns coming up in the next two days, things won't be getting any easier for the Goofies.


TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 1
CARLETON RAVENS 6

Links:
:. [Game Story]

This was a surprisingly one-sided affair. Toronto was 9-5-2 in league and 11-8-2 overall, for #16 in the OHT36, heading into the game. Cartoon U was 9-5-1, 11-7-1, and #18 in the same categories. So this figured to be a very good game rather than the lop-sided affair it became. It was also a much-needed win for the OUA East over the OUA West. Let there be joy on the Rideau over the New Year!

[Hollywood]

Dec 30-31: Goof U Finishes Atlantic Tour

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD

December 30, 2013


GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 2

Links:
:. [AUS Schedule/Results]
:. [SMU Schedule/Results]
:. [Guelph Schedule/Results]

What actually transpired in this game may well remain a mystery to all but those who may have been in attendance. The links just have the score and will add a link to any story or boxscore that may one day be added.

The SMUskies also lost to Brock, making them the unofficial disgrace of the AUS in their interlocking games with the OUA!

December 31, 2013


GUELPH GRYPHONS 2
ACADIA AXEMEN 3

Links:
:. [Acadia Story]
:. [Acadia Boxscore]

Acadia pulled out a tight win without their Team Canada contingent. The shots were pretty close (36-27) and there were over 1,500 fans in attendance.

All-in-all, Goof U has to be pretty happy with a 1-2 record on their trip.

UP NEXT:

Fri Jan 03
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Regina at Lethbridge
Moncton at St. F-X
Acadia at St. Thomas
New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Dalhousie at UPEI
McGill at Carleton
W. Ontario at Nipissing
Waterloo at Brock
Guelph at Laurentian
Queen's at UOIT
Toronto at Lakehead
Ryerson at Laurier
x York at Arizona
x Alberta at NAIT (ACAC)
x North Dakota (NCAA) v UBC (at Burnaby)
x Princeton (NCAA) at Simon Fraser (BCIHL)

Sat Jan 04
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Regina at Lethbridge
Dalhousie at St. Thomas
Moncton at Saint Mary’s
Acadia at UPEI
New Brunswick at St. F-X
Guelph at Nipissing
Ottawa at Carleton
McGill at UOIT
Ryerson at Windsor
Toronto at Lakehead
W. Ontario at Laurentian
Queen’s at Laurier
x York at Arizona
x NAIT (ACAC) at Alberta
x North Dakota (NCAA) at Simon Fraser (BCIHL)
x Princeton (NCAA) v UBC (at Burnaby)

x denotes exhibition game

Edited December 31, 2013 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ... with news from around the CIS

I was scouring my CIS-related bookmarks to see if there was any news of new recruits in the CW. There was none. But I did find some news, some old news, and some links for stories previously reported. I suspect that on Thursday we will get some preview stories about the resumption of action scheduled for Friday.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD


BENTLEY GENERALS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 6

Links:
:. [U of C Game Story]

This game was not on any schedules and I never saw any stories at all about it. Anyhow, the Generals have been a recent power in Senior AAA hockey, having won the Allan Cup in 2009 (over SE Prairie Thunder in Steinbach) and in 2013 (over Clarenville in Red Deer). They currently are first in the Chinook League with a 12-1 record. There was a time when univeristy teams, or grad teams, would play for the Allan Cup. The Bisons won it in 1928 and then went on to win the world championship.

There is no game summary. But the story says each goaltender from Bedrock U got a period and the shots were 45-26 in favour of the Dinos. It was 1-1 after one period and it seems the last two periods were all Dinos.

The story also says that the Dinos and the New-Kittens-on-the-Block will play a non-conference series on January 3rd and 4th.

NEWS UPDATES

 

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS

Speaking of the Mount Royal Cougars, their site has a Season Update story. It is mostly stats and standings. But they do point out that Tyler Fiddler is eligible for the 2nd half after transferring from Bedrock U to MRU last year. He had 10 goals and 8 assists in 16 games last year before leaving the school. In 2012 he had no assists but did have 3 goals in 6 regular season games and 3 more in 8 playoff games.

Links:
:. [MRU Story]
:. [Fiddler's Elite Prospects Page]

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

The Boston Bruins were in Edmontown and needed a goaltender. So Kurtis Mucha was ever-so-briefly a Bruin. He saw no game action.

Links:
:. [U of A Story] : [Reposted at CW]



Not really news from out east, but there were some more stories about the earlier non-conference games. The STU blogger pointed out what I did in my AUS mid-term report card about them getting blown out every 3rd game. And that SFX win over Guelph was dubbed the "Keating Cup", not just game 1 of the tour.

I also saw the summary of the game between Windsor and the Urban Cowboys. They did all that messing about with the schedule so they could play outdoors in Detroit before 1,000 people. Waste of time?

In an interesting tidbit, former Acadia coach Tom Coolen is taking care of the Latvian Olympic Team until Ted Nolan is ready to resume duties during the Olympic break.

Links:
:. [CIS Boxscore: UWO v Windsor]
:. [CIS Dec 29 Round-up]
:. [CIS Dec 27 Round-up]
:. [STUTommies.com on Pete Kelly Cup]
:. [Hockeyscene.com on Pete Kelly Cup]
:. [Hockeyscene.com on Keating Cup]
:. [AcadiaAxemenHockey.com on Coolen]

[Hollywood]

Weekend Preview: Bisons at Huskies
 

MANITOBA BISONS (7-8-1, 12-13-2, OHT36 #12)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (8-7-1, 11-9-1, OHT36 #10)

Friday, January 3rd, 7:00 CST @ Credit Union Place
Saturday, January 4th, 2:00 CST @ Credit Union Place

Live Links:
:. [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
:. [Live Video (both nights)]

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

Saskatchewan Links:
:. [Team Site]
:. [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
:. [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Other Links:
:. [CW Weekend Preview (this series not yet added)]
:. [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
:. [CW Weekly Media Notes #10 (pdf)]
:. [CIS Top Ten Story]
:. [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

Prior games:
Oct. 11: Saskatchewan 1 Manitoba 4: [U of M Story] : [LS Summary]
Oct. 12: Saskatchewan 5 Manitoba 0: [U of M Story] : [LS Summary]

Happy New Year!

The 2014 segment of the season is now upon us. Two series originally slated for this weekend were shifted to the bye week to allow the Monkeys to play NAIT and UBC to play NCAA teams in non-conference matchups. I would prefer to see all teams play at the same times, but so be it.

IMO the Bisons will have the inside track on 3rd place if they could even split this series. The 2013 segment ended with the first round of the second half, and the Bisons scored a split in Alberta whilst the Banjo Mutts swept the New-Kittens-on-the-Block. Next weekend the Bisons will host the NKOTB and the Mutts will travel to Edmontown. That should enable them to be tied, or even ahead of, the Mutts should they split this weekend series.

There are currently no previews or updates at either team's site. Presumably, the Mutts will start Ryan Holfield in goal (he has played every minute for them thus far). Joe Caligiuri seemed to get his form back before the break so I assume he will start game 1, at least. There is no word on either side making any mid-season recruits.

The Mutts are a bit of a disappointment so far. Usually when a team is awarded a 2-year stint as host of the U-Cup, they use the carrot to attract high quality recruits. Not to mention using it to encourage players to play out their eligibility. Instead, by their historical standards, the Mutts were barely average last year and below average this year.

When the teams faced each other in October, Ian Duval came off the injured list to score a hat-trick. However, the offensive woes resurfaced in game 2. The Bisons have since got their lines in synch. Now the question is the injuries to the defence corps. The win in Monkeyland was amazing because they were down to 5 healthy defencemen. By now the injuries should have resolved themselves.

Both games can be viewed or heard on-line at CanadaWest.tv. Instead of playing at the Rutherdump, this series will be played at the Credit Union Place, the host building for this year's University Cup tournament.

ELSEWHERE:

REGINA COUGARS (8-8-0, 11-12-0, OHT36 #11)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (1-14-1, 1-20-1, OHT36 #35)

Links:
:. [Live Video (both nights)]
:. [U of L Preview Story] : [reposted at CW]

The Banjo Cats face a must-win situation in this series. If they want to stay in the race for 3rd place they need four points against the H0rny Ones, no questions asked. Despite their abysmal record, I suspect that Lethbridge will not be an easy mark this weekend. For one thing, both sides are playing their first games since the end of November and there is always uncertainty as to how teams will shake off the rust in such situations. For another, they are on home ice. My suspicion is that they will win a home game at some point in the home stretch. One night this weekend, they might do just that. When the teams played in Regina in week 2, Regina won 6-0 and 4-1. This series is also available on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

CALGARY DINOSAURS (15-0-1, 21-4-2, OHT36 #1)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (6-9-1, 7-11-1, OHT36 #21)

Note that this is a non-conference match-up. Normally Calgary would be facing UBC and Mount Royal would be facing Alberta this weekend. Instead the orphaned teams looked across town and found a jilted partner for themselves.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (14-2-0, 25-4-0, OHT36 #2)
NAIT OOKS (12-3-1 ACAC)

This home-and-home is the Battle of Edmontown. The Monkeys are trying to set a record for non-conference ganmes in a single season, I guess. Not sure how much of a challenge the Ooks will pose. It seems that there are fewer ACAC exhbition games this year.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS (5-10-1, 7-12-1, OHT36 #26)
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA (11-7-2 NCAA)
PRINCETON TIGERS (5-14-0 NCAA)

The Tweety-Birds are playing in the Simon Fraser Clown's holiday event, dubbed The Great Northwest Classic. They play UND and Princeton. So it is not a tournament, but rather a pair of exhibition games for each side. Still no name for UND. How about the Fighting Farmers?

OUT EAST:

OUA Links: [LeagueStat Daily]

Fri Jan 03
McGill at Carleton
Waterloo at Brock
Guelph at Laurentian
Queen's at UOIT
Toronto at Lakehead
Ryerson at Laurier
x York at Arizona

Sat Jan 04
Guelph at Nipissing
Ottawa at Carleton
McGill at UOIT
Ryerson at Windsor
Toronto at Lakehead
W. Ontario at Laurentian
Queen’s at Laurier
x York at Arizona

AUS Links: [AUS Schedule/Results]

Fri Jan 03
Moncton at St. F-X
Acadia at St. Thomas
New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Dalhousie at UPEI

Sat Jan 04
Dalhousie at St. Thomas
Moncton at Saint Mary’s
Acadia at UPEI
New Brunswick at St. F-X

[CIS Schedule/Results]