2014-15 Manitoba Bisons/CIS Thread

[Hollywood]

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)

[Hollywood]

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!

[Hollywood]

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

[Hollywood]

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

[Hollywood]

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

[Hollywood]

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)

[Hollywood]

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).

[Hollywood]

Before the quarter-finals I posted historical outlooks on the Bisons' fellow quarter-finalists. Now, we move to those who had the byes.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

As with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, UBC, and Mount Royal, the Monkeys did not start out in university leagues. There are records of them playing senior and intermediate leagues going back to 1911. The first inter-collegiate hockey competition was in 1918-19 when the Huskies beat the Monkeys in a two-game series, 7-3 on aggregate.

The University of Alberta did not enjoy the level of success as their prairie cohorts at the senior level. They made it as far as the provincial final just the once (in 1921) and the semi-finals just one other time (1924). In fact, they wound up in the 1930s playing at the intermediate level instead.

However, the 1920-21 Alberta Senior Playoffs, and other events that year, are worth a peak. The University of Alberta did not enter the WCIAU that season. (The University of Saskatchewan beat the University of Manitoba in the 1920-21 WCIAU Season and got a berth in the 1920-21 Western Canada Allan Cup Playoffs for that victory.) The University of Alberta did win the Edmonton league title to advance to the provincials. In the semi-final they beat the Vermilion Farmers 9-3 on aggregate, with each side winning once. In the final they lost to Calgary Alberta Pacific 8-6 on aggregate, after a replay of a game they lost and then protested. The Calgary team won their title too late to compete in the 1920-21 Western Canada Allan Cup Playoffs. The same thing happened to the UBC Thunderbirds. They defeated the Vancouver Towers and Victoria Senators to win the 1920-21 British Columbia Senior Playoffs but could go no further. It would have been ironic to have seen one, or possibly two all-U matchups in those Allan Cup playoffs. As it was, bad timing prevented the UBC Thunderbirds from meeting the Saskatchewan Huskies for the first time. Meanwhile, in the 1920-21 Eastern Canada Allan Cup Playoffs the University of Toronto defeated McGill University in the final.

In the 1923-24 Alberta Senior Playoffs the Alberta Golden Bears again won the Edmonton league and advanced to the provincials. They were, however, beaten 15-8 on aggregate by Canmore in the semi-finals. While the team continued at the intermediate level through 1940, this was pretty much it for success at the senior level.

However, the Monkeys have been stranger to success at the university level. If you like long lists, just look at a list of their championship seasons:

WCIAU - 1934, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1946, 1947, 1959, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962

WIAA - 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972

CWUAA - 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014

University Cup - 1964, 1968, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1986, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2014

In 1962-63 the WCIAU changed its name to the Western Intercollegiate Athletic Association (WIAA). The Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (as it then was) started the University Cup in 1963. Alberta has won more titles than any other team.

From 1949-50 to 1967-68, the Alberta Golden Bears and the UBC Thunderbirds played an annual series for the Hamber Trophy. From 1961-62 onwards, UBC was often in the WCIAU or the WIAA and in those seasons the teams' conference games counted towards this Trophy. Alberta won it 17 times, UBC won it twice.

The Primates have also been in several international competitions. At the Universiade, they won gold in 1981 and bronze in 1987. In 2011 the defeated Denmark's junior national team 5-0 and 8-3. In 2012 they defeated Canada's junior national team 4-1.

Also of note, the Apes have a winning record against the NHL's Edmonton Greasers. Most seasons they face a team of prospects early in the NHL training camp.

The last 10 years:

Year Competition``````GP`` W`` L T/OT``F`` A Pts``Placing

2005-06 CWUAA Season``28``21`` 5`` 2 120``67``44``1st of 4 div

2006 Playoffs``````````4`` 4`` 0`` 0``23`` 6`` 8``won final

2006 University Cup````3`` 3`` 0`` 0``16`` 5`` 6``won final

2006-07 CWUAA Season``28``20`` 4`` 4 113``79``44``1st of 4 div

2007 Playoffs``````````4`` 2`` 2`` 0``13``10`` 4``lost final

2007-08 CWUAA Season``28``21`` 5`` 2 126``77``44``1st of 7

2008 Playoffs``````````4`` 4`` 0`` 0``21`` 8`` 8``won final

2008 University Cup````3`` 2`` 1`` 0``11`` 5`` 4``won final

2008-09 CWUAA Season``28``22`` 4`` 2 120``63``46``1st of 7

2009 Playoffs``````````5`` 4`` 1`` 0``23`` 9`` 8``won final

2009 University Cup````2`` 1`` 1`` 0`` 5`` 7`` 2``2nd in pool

2009-10 CWUAA Season``28``23`` 4`` 1 145``84``47``1st of 7

2010 Playoffs``````````5`` 4`` 1`` 0``15``10`` 8``won final

2010 University Cup````3`` 2`` 0`` 1``11`` 8`` 4``lost final

2010-11 CWUAA Season``28``19`` 6`` 3 112``74``41``1st of 7

2011 Playoffs``````````4`` 4`` 0`` 0``17`` 2`` 8``won final

2011 University Cup````2`` 0`` 2`` 0`` 4`` 9`` 0``3rd in pool

2011-12 CWUAA Season``28``20`` 6`` 2 102``62``42``2nd of 7

2012 Playoffs``````````3`` 1`` 2`` 0``12``10`` 2``lost semi-final

2012-13 CWUAA Season``28``23`` 4`` 1 117``46``47``1st of 7

2013 Playoffs``````````5`` 4`` 1`` 0``20`` 5`` 8``won final

2013 University Cup````2`` 1`` 1`` 0`` 5`` 5`` 2``2nd in pool

2013-14 CWUAA Season``28``25`` 2`` 1 146``54``51``1st of 7

2014 Playoffs``````````4`` 4`` 0`` 0``21`` 5`` 8``won final

2014 University Cup````3`` 3`` 0`` 0`` 9`` 5`` 6``won final

2014-15 CWUAA Season``28``24`` 3`` 1 125``56``49``1st of 7

To read more:

http://icehockey.wikia.com/wiki/Alberta_Golden_Bears

[Hollywood]

Feb 26: AUS Down to Final
_____________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD


ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 3
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 6
(UNB wins best-of-five series 3-2)

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

The Squirrels won in fairly decisive fashion, which is not a total shock. They led most of the time by two goals. Shots were 40-31. The Jeremies, of course, have their host berth to rely upon. This result also means that UNB will be at the University Cup, and it also meant that the loser of Acadia-SMU would be eliminated.


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 2
ACADIA AXEMEN 3
(Acadia wins best-of-five series 3-2)

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

An empty-net goal by the SMUskies with 30 seconds left made the score look close. In fact, the Cajuns played most of the 3rd period with a 2-goal lead. In this series, a 2-goal lead was massive. Despite being a legitimate contender for the national title, the SMUskies are off to the dog house for the summer.

NEXT UP

The schedule has now been updated. The AUS teams have a free weekend.

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 (if necessary)
Sun Mar 1 UQTR at McGill 7:00 PM EST (if necessary)

Mon Mar 2 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST

Wed Mar 4 New Brunswick at Acadia 7:00 PM AST

Thu Mar 5 Semifinal Winners (at higher seed)

Fri Mar 6 Semifinal Winners (at higher seed)
Fri Mar 6 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 Semifinal Winners (at higher seed) (if necessary)
Sat Mar 7 OUA East winner at OUA West winner
Sat Mar 7 OUA West runner-up v OUA East wunner-up

Link:
http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

FEB 27: OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CWUAA


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3
(Alberta leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS*] : [CW*]
Game stories: [Alberta] : [CW repost] : [UBC]
Previews: [Alberta] : [UBC]
* indicates link not uploaded as time of posting

The Evil Monkeys came into this series as prohibitive favourites. There were two factors in favour of an upset. One, the Apes had not played for a month and could have been rusty. Two, their goaltending was only so-so this year.

Kurtis Mucha answered the goaltending question, stopping 20 of 21 shots. Eric Williams did as well as usual, stopping 33 of 35 shots. This meant that the Monkeys needed an empty-net goal to put the game away.

Was this UBC's best chance for a win? IMO an underdog in a series like this has to win the close game to push it to a game 3 and hope that they are not as battered and can pull the surprise. I suspect Alberta will be a little tougher in game 2.


MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 3
(in overtime)
(Calgary leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [Calgary]
Game stories: [Calgary] : [CW] : [MRU]
Previews: [Calgary] : [MRU]

As expected, this was a tight game. IMO, this series rivals the Acadia-SMU match-up for the Series-of-the-Season so far. Though Bedrock U finished 2nd, MRU beat them 3-out-of-4 in the season. This was a close-checking game throughout. Neither team hit double-digits in shots/period until the 1st overtime. The 2nd overtime took only 1:15 before the Dinos won. Kris Lazaruk got the win for Bedrock, stopping 30 of 32 shots. Oddly, MRU had to make a goaltending change in overtime. Starter Cam Lanigancame out after about 15 minutes of overtime. Dalyn Flette came in to finish.

OUA

WINDSOR LANCERS 4
GUELPH GRYPHONS 5
(Guelph wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]
Game stories: [OUA]

Goof becomes the 4th team to assure themselves of a place in the University Cup. By winning the OUA West they are assured of hosting the Queen's Cup (because the OUA does not allow a Quebec team to do so) and a 3rd or 4th seed in the U-Cup. Windsor had a 4-2 lead in the 2nd period before Goof mounted a comeback. Windsor could still qualify for the U-Cup if they could beat the loser of the UQTR-NcGill series.

NEXT UP

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

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)

The AUS if off all weekend.

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links: http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked
CIS playoff schedule/results/links: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

Feb 28: Two More Teams Clinch U-Cup Berths
___________________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CWUAA


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4
(Alberta wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW]
Game stories: [Alberta] : [CW repost] : [UBC]

Half-way through the 3rd period it looked like UBC was well on their way to a win over the Evil Monkeys, nursing a 3-1 lead. However, the Tweety-Birds did not have what it takes to finish the job. Kruise Reddick completed the comeback by scoring the winner with just 33 seconds left. Luke Siemens picked up he win, stopping 20 of 23 shots. Eric Williams was tagged with the loss.

The Monkeys will now host the CW final starting Thursday night and have assured themselves of a place in the U-Cup.


MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5
CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
(best-of-three series tied 1-1)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [Calgary]
Game stories: [Calgary] : [CW] : [MRU]

This game was tighter than the score would indicate. It was a 3-2 game before MRU scored two empty-netters to salt it away. No doubt Mr. Slate was quite upset. But MRU had the edge over Bedrock U during the season, so I never anticipated anything but a 3 game series. Cam Lanigan (injured on Friday) did not dress for the New-Kittens-on-the-Block. Dalyn Flette went the distance with Kris Moore dressed as backup. Bedrock continued their season-long rotation, going with Jacob DeSerres. Sunday night's decider goes at 6:00 MST/7:00 CST and is available on-line at CanadaWest.tv

OUA

MCGILL REDMEN 2
UQTR PATRIOTES 4
(UQTR wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

The McGilligutties have been up and down all year, and they have ended down. UQTR sputtered down the stretch to sink to 3rd, yet they picked up in the playoffs and have now booked themselves a spot in the Queen's Cup final, and the U-Cup. McGill will face Windsor for the bronze and the OUA's 3rd spot in the U-Cup.

NEXT UP

Sun Mar 1 Mount Royal at Calgary 6:00 PM MST

Mon Mar 2 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST

Wed Mar 4 New Brunswick at Acadia 7:00 PM AST

Thu Mar 5 TBD at Alberta TBD

Fri Mar 6 TBD at Alberta TBD
Fri Mar 6 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 TBD at Alberta TBD (if necessary)
Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST
Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor TBD

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links: http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked
CIS playoff schedule/results/links: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

Mar 1: Dinos make MRU a Page Right Out of History

______________________________________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CWUAA

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3

CALGARY DINOSAURS 6

(Calgary wins best-of-three series 2-1)

Links:

Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [Calgary] : [MRU]

Game stories w video: [Calgary] : [CW] : [MRU]

CIS: [Weekend Roundup] : [Top Ten]

Canada West: [Series Preview/Review]

It was disappointing that there was only one game on a Sunday reseved for decisive games. And that game was also a disappointment. Bedrock U had trouble with their cross-town junior partner all season and it was shocking to see them cuff around these guys. The last goal was into an empty net, but Bedrock still had 2 and 3 goal leads throughout the bulk of the 3rd period.

So what now for Bedrock? Will they pose a threat to the Evil Monkeys? Will they find their form out east in the nationals? I have not been completely sold on them, but they have beaten the Monkeys twice this year and did turn back MRU's challenge for #2 both in the regular season and in the playoffs.

NEXT UP

Sun Mar 1 Mount Royal at Calgary 6:00 PM MST

Mon Mar 2 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST

Wed Mar 4 New Brunswick at Acadia 7:00 PM AST

Thu Mar 5 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Fri Mar 6 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Fri Mar 6 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST

Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor 8:00 PM EST

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links: http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked

CIS playoff schedule/results/links: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

UNIVERSITY CUP QUALIFIERS

#1 Alberta

#2 New Brunswick

#4 Calgary

#5 Acadia

#8 UQTR

#10 St. F-X

n/r Guelph

Note: The winner of the UQTR-Guelph game will be seeded 3rd and the loser of it will be seeded 4th.

Final qualifier:

#6 McGill

#7 Windsor

Note: The winner of the OUA bronze game will qualify and likely be seeded 7th.

[Hollywood]

Mar 2: Squirrels Crush Cajuns

______________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

AUS

ACADIA AXEMEN 2

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 8

(UNB leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS]

Stories: [UNB] : [AUS] : [Acadia]

This was unexpected. The 1st place Squirrels against the defending champion Cajuns should have been a real canoe-tipper. Instead, the Pids and Tiggers could have put forward a better game. That's the way sports go. The next game (or two?) could well go into overtime.

NEXT UP

Wed Mar 4 New Brunswick at Acadia 7:00 PM AST

Thu Mar 5 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Fri Mar 6 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Fri Mar 6 Acadia at New Brunswick 7:00 PM AST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST

Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor 8:00 PM EST

[Hollywood]

Mar 4: Squirrels Sweep AUS Title

________________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

AUS

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 4

ACADIA AXEMEN 2

(UNB wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS]

Stories: [UNB] : [AUS] : [Acadia]

This series was an anti-climatic end to the AUS season. It was still a lot closer than game 1. Acadia led 2-1 after the 1st and the last goal was an empty-netter.

For the nationals, this means that UNB will be seeded at least 2nd and Acadia will be likely be 5th and face the OUA runner-uo. Here are the latest rankings:

http://english.cis-sic.ca/sports/mice/2014-15/releases/top10-19

NEXT UP

Thu Mar 5 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Fri Mar 6 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST

Sat Mar 7 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)

Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST

Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor 8:00 PM EST

Links:

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links:

http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked

CIS playoff schedule/results/links:

http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CWUAA


CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
(Alberta leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [Calgary]
Game stories: [Alberta] : [CW repost] : [Calgary]
Previews: [Alberta] : [CWUAA] : [Calgary]

The scoreline flattered Bedrock U. They managed only 9 shots on goal in the entire game. You cannot beat the Evil Monkeys without shots on goal. If the Monkeys are going to lose this year it will be in a game where their goaltending is so-so ior worse and their opponent gets a Johnny Bower-like performance. Kris Lazaruk started for Bedrock and gave up 4 goals on 26 shots through two periods. Jacob DeSerres played the third and stopped 12 of 13 shots.

In a sheer sign of dominance, with the score 4-1 entering the 3rd period, Bedrock U managed just 2 shots in the 3rd period.

Still, the Dinos and Monkeys split their games this season. So a comeback for Bedrock cannot be counted out.

All games in the series are available on CanadaWest.tv.

NEXT UP

Fri Mar 6 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST
Sat Mar 7 Calgary at Alberta 7:00 PM MST (if necessary)
Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST
Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor 8:00 PM EST

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links: http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked
CIS playoff schedule/results/links: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

Mar 6: Apes Claim Another Title

_______________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

CWUAA

CALGARY DINOSAURS 1

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2

(Alberta wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:

Boxscores: [LeagueStat] : [CIS] : [CW] : [Calgary]

Game stories: [Alberta*] : [CW*] : [Calgary]

* not yet uploaded as this is posted

This was more what one would expect. The game was scoreless after 2 periods. Bedrock took a lead in the 3rd period with less than 12 minutes left. However, the Monkeys rallied to win without overtime. Luke Siemens git the win, stopping 19 of 20 shots. Jacob DeSerres took the loss, despite making 39 saves.

NEXT UP

Sat Mar 7 UQTR at Guelph 7:30 PM EST

Sat Mar 7 McGill at Windsor 8:00 PM EST

Thu Mar 12 quarter-final 1:00 PM ADT

Thu Mar 12 quarter-final 7:00 PM ADT

Fri Mar 13 quarter-final 1:00 PM ADT

Fri Mar 13 quarter-final 7:00 PM ADT

Sat Mar 14 semi-final 12:00 PM ADT

Sat Mar 14 semi-final 4:00 PM ADT

Sun Mar 15 bronze game 2:00 PM ADT

Sun Mar 15 gold game 6:30 PM ADT

Taking into account the official CIS rankings and the mandate which states the OUA finalists must be seeded top 4, the likely rankings look like this:

#1 Alberta

#2 New Brunswick

#3 UQTR/Guelph winner

#4 UQTR/Guelph loser

#5 Acadia

#6 Calgary

#7 McGill/Windsor winner

#8 St. F-X

The matchups are to go 1-8, 4-5, 2-7, and 3-6. To win the championship, the Monkeys may have to beat three AUS teams in three days in an AUS building.

CWUAA playoff schedule/results/links:

http://www.canadawest.org/sports/mice/2014-15/postseason/POSked

CIS playoff schedule/results/links:

http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

Mar 7: Goof and Windsor Win in OUA Finale
_________________________________________________________

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

OUA


UQTR PATRIOTES 0
GUELPH GRYPHONS 4
(Guelph wins Queen's Cup]

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

Goof U really dominated the stats against UQTR. The weird thing is that the title game is a one-off, and not a best-of-three. The other is that the Quebec team cannot host this game. Seems to be an odd rule, considering that the Quebec teams have been in the OUA since Rob Ford was skinny.

So Goof U, with a record of 11-13-3, will be seeded 3rd at the nationals. In a rule which does not exist in other CIS sports, the OUA winner is assured of being a top 3 seed at the hockey nationals. And, new this year, the OUA runner-up is seeded 4th no matter what.

Goof was 3-10-3 at the close of the 1st semester. Even though they went 8-3-0 in the 2nd semester, they were 2-2-0 against the OUA's decent teams.

The 7-2 playoff run was noteworthy, but the losses were 5-0 to Waterloo and 8-3 to Toronto. And they are the OUA's champions!


MCGILL REDMEN 1
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(in overtime)
(Windsor wins OUA bronze)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [LeagueStat]

I was unable to watch this one, but it must have been some kind of hockey game. It was scoreless through two periods. McGill scored early in the 3rd to take the lead but were unable to nurse that through the game. Windsor tied it with just a minute left.

Windsor defeated McGill for the OUA title a year ago. They then shocked Acadia 4-2 to open the tournament before being throttled 9-0 by Saskatchewan.

UNIVERSITY CUP MATCH-UPS

If the CIS properly follows their rules, the quarter-finals for the U-Cup should look like this:

Thursday 1:00 ADT New Brunswick v Windsor
Thursday 7:00 ADT Guelph v Calgary
Friday 1:00 ADT UQTR v Acadia
Friday 7:00 ADT Alberta v St. F-X

CIS playoff schedule/results/links:
http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/2015/schedule

[Hollywood]

Links:
:. [Video: CIS TV]
:. [University Cup Home Page]
:. [CWUAA Preview]
:. [Schedule/Results/Links]

The University Cup is soon upon us. This is the first season of an 8 team knockout format tournament. After UNB and Alberta had relatively easy conference finals, there would be those who would prefer that those two teams just play a best-of-seven. Although they are clearly the two best teams, they are both highly susceptible to a loss. Here are the qualifiers, in order of quarter-final match-ups:

 
GUELPH GRYPHONS (11-13-3, 7-2, 22-19-3, OHT36 #25)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (20-8-0, 2-3, 26-13-1, OHT36 #5)
Thursday 11:00 am CDT/1:00 pm ADT

Links:
:. [Video: CIS TV]
:. [Calgary Preview 1] : [Calgary Preview 2]
:. [Guelph Preview]

This is the battle of teams with almost identical uniforms. Both Goof U and Bedrock U have red jerseys, black pantss, and yellow and white trimming on everything. So any fans in attendance for one side could come in team colours and turn to the opposition without being detected.

Since the OUA gets three berths (and used to get at least two berths in the six team format) and lacks a national super-power, there is always a way for the mediocre to get into the U-Cup. This year, Goof was pathetic in the 1st semester (3-10-3) before turning it around. They went 7-2 en route to a Queen's Cup championship. Now, that's a nice record. However the losses were 5-0 to Waterloo and 8-3 to Toronto. Needless to say, any performance which smacks of one of those would mean quick elimination for Goof.

Bedrock U has mostly been pretty good, without a gawdy winning streak like they had last year. A 1st semester sweep of Alberta gave them some brief hope for a 1st place challenge. However losing 3 of 4 to MRU had them fighting and scraping just to get 2nd. They might be shaken by the way they were handled in the CW final. IMO they are the main roadblock facing New Brunswick on the top half of the draw.

NEW BRUNSWICK V-REDS (22-4-2, 5-2, 32-8-2, OHT36 #2)
WINDSOR LANCERS (22-4-1, 5-3, 28-10-3, OHT36 #8)
Thursday 5:00 pm CDT/7:00 pm ADT

Links:
:. [Video: CIS TV]
:. [Windsor  Preview] : [CIS Preview]
:. [UNB Preview Story]

It is not often that teams from different conferences will have met up in the regular season. But that happened over the Christmas holidays when Windsor visited the Squirrels and lost 6-5 and 7-1. Windsor had a great regular season, tempered by a relatively soft schedule. They played 16 games against C or D level teams, the most of anybody in the entire CIS.

Windsor finished 1st in the OUA West and got to the nationals by beating Brock and Lakehead, losing to Guelph, then winning a special bronze playoff against McGill. Kinda blah, I know.

In comparison, UNB escaped a five game scare against St. F-X before an impressive sweep of Acadia. They will be prohibitive favourites in this game.

UQTR PATRIOTES (19-4-3, 6-1, 31-7-3, OHT36 #11)
ACADIA AXEMEN (20-5-3, 3-4, 27-11-3, OHT36 #3)
Friday 11:00 am CDT/1:00 pm ADT

Links:
:. [Video: CIS TV]
:. [Acadia Preview] : [CIS Preview]

The UQTR site has disappeared. Not sure what that means. Acadia is the only team at the nationals with a losing playoff record. They had a 1st round bye earned by placing 2nd in the AUS. They beat the SMUskies in an epic 5 game series before being dusted off rather harmlessly by the Squirrels.

On the other hand, UQTR swept their way through 3 series (against Nipissing, Carleton, and McGill) before taking a night off in the Queen's Cup final where they lost to Guelph. For much of the season, UQTR with the OUA East's great white hope.

IMO, UQTR's U-Cup experience gives them a shot at Acadia. Acadia have the ghosts of last year's debacle to exorcise. As with Calgary, I am not sure about the impact of their feeble effort in the conference final. Acadia should win this, but there are enough circumstances to give one some doubts.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (24-3-1, 4-0, 34-6-1, OHT36 #1)
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN (17-9-2, 4-3, 24-13-3, OHT36 #6)
Friday 5:00 pm CDT/7:00 pm ADT

Links:
:. [Video: CIS TV]
:. [CIS Preview at U of A]
:. [St FX Preview] : [CIS Preview]

The Evil Monkeys are without doubt the #1 team in Canada. However, IMO they have barely a 50/50 shot in game 1. They will outshoot the Jeremies, for sure. But it will be a very close game to the final whistle. The Apes got the goaltending they need against Calgary last weekend. But they have not had high level goaltending this year. Teams like UBC and Manitoba gave them fits, even when outshot. If the Jeremies could beat UNB twice, they could beat Alberta once. If that happens, one would have to wonder if hockey will be forced to alter its seeding process. Basketball does not require conference winners to hold the first three seeds.

[Hollywood]

Mar 12: Goof and Squirrels Advance
___________________________________________________

 
GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
CALGARY DINOSAURS 1

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [Calgary] : [Guelph]
Game Stories: [CIS] : [Calgary] : [Guelph]

This morning game started off the tournament. Bedrock U carried the play and outshot Goof U in every period. But the Dinos never had the lead. I saw the 3rd period and the score was 1-0. It looked like one of those international games where somebody like Sweden is playing Belarus. Calgary just kept the puck, and set up scoring chances. Goof goaltender Andrew D'Agostini stole the show with 42 saves. In less than a minute, Chris Collins tied the game for the Dinos. It looked like it would be a matter of time before they would take the lead. Instead, Kris Lazaruk gave up a Pavelecian long shot from just inside the blue line about 5 minutes in. Goof were able to batten down the hatches and hang on for the win.


NEW BRUNSWICK V-REDS 6
WINDSOR LANCERS 2

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [UNB] : [Windsor]
Game Stories: [CIS] : [UNB] : [Windsor]

I saw the 2nd and 3rd periods of this one and Windsor looked like a team that could never beat the Squirrels even if they 10 or 20 chances. They seldom had the puck. They applied the OUA strategy: be drastically outshot, hope your goaltender is better than theirs, and cash in on any breaks. In the end the shots were 38-12 and if it weren't for Cam Braes' 4 goals I guess this may have gone into overtime!

UNB will now face Goof U in Saturday morning's semi-final. Will Guelph be able to hang on better than Windsor? It appeared that UNB had better finish than Bedrock, but different teams on different days can gain or lose that finishing touch. I know one thing: If Vegas gave odds on the shot clock I would bet a bundle that UNB would outshoot them by 10 or more shots.

[Hollywood]

Mar 13: Monkeys Win, Cajuns Gag

__________________________________________________

UQTR PATRIOTES 6

ACADIA AXEMEN 5

(in overtime)

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS] : [Acadia]

Game Stories: [CIS] : [Acadia] : [OUA] : [UQTR]

Other: [Sportsnet U (w video)]

Those heinous Halihooligans are one loathsome lot. In plain view of thousands of people, 20 young men were choking to death and not ONE person lent a hand. A simple Heimlich maneuver surely would have saved some lives. Instead, the Cajuns blew leads of 3-0, 4-1, and 5-2. After two periods the score was 4-1, the shots were 26-16, and it looked like the demons of U-Cups past were about to be exorcised. But in the 3rd period the Patsies scored 4 goals on 12 shots and faster than you could say "Where's Hardy Astrom?", this game was headed into OT. And you just knew who was likeliest to win. I guess there is also something to be said about pedigree in tournaments like this. UQTR have been here before, mostly doing so-so in recent years. Acadia knows how to get here, and that's about it. They are now 0-5 in the 2000s.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5

ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 1

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS]

Game Stories: [CIS] : [UA] : [SFX] : [CW]

The Evil Monkeys came through with flying colours in what was anticipated to be a tough opening test. Instead they looked more like King Kong and the Jeremies were definitely short of viagra. St. F-X scored the first goal, and then they should have told the fans to leave and joined them for a pizza. The Monkeys tied the game to go into the locker room with a 1-1 tie. In the 2nd period the Monkeys outshot the Jeremies 15-1, clearly the most one-sided period in the tournament. The Apes added two goals to go ahead 3-1 after two periods. Then in the 3rd, all St. F-X could do is muster 5 measly shots. Two more Monkey goals made it 5-1 and a really easy victory. The shots were 34-13 on the night.

NEXT UP

Semi-Final Saturday - SportsNet 360

10:00 am CDT / 12:00 noon ADT : New Brunswick v Guelph

2:00 pm CDT / 4:00 pm ADT : Alberta v UQTR

[Hollywood]

Mar 14: One-sided Semis Produce Dream Final

____________________________________________________________

GUELPH GRYPHONS 2

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 5

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS] : [UNB] : [Guelph]

Game Stories: [CIS] : [UNB] : [Guelph]

The Goof strategy seems to have run its course. Despite being outshot 33-11 after two periods, they were only down by 3-2. UNB scored twice in the final 2 minutes to make the scoreline more reflective of the game.

UQTR PATRIOTES 1

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5

Links:

Boxscores: [CIS]

Game Stories: [CIS] : [U of A] : [CW]

This game also fell within the unfortunate pattern in this tournament. Two mismatched teams facing each other with one trying to keep the numbers down and hoping for a break and an edge in the goaltending. At times this made me think of those games between the Harlem Gloibetrotters and Washington Generals. Next year maybe Coach Herbers could try the water-bucket-filled-with-confetti gag, Now, UQTR scored when down 3-0 so maybe they had another comeback in them. Well, no. Needing goals to salvage the season they managed only 5 shots in the 3rd period. One overlooked aspect of the Evil MOnkeys is their ability to hold their opponent to single-digit shots in the 3rd period.

Here is some food for thought: Alberta had more trouble with UBC than any other team so far.

NEXT UP

Sunday finals:

Bronze - http://portal.stretchinternet.com/cis/

12:00 noon CDT / 2:00 pm ADT : Guelph v UQTR

Gold - SportsNet 360

4:30 pm CDT / 6:30 pm ADT : Alberta v UNB

[Hollywood]

Mar 15: Monkeys win!
_____________________________________


GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
UQTR PATRIOTES 2
(in overtime)

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS]
Game Stories: [CIS] : [OUA]

The return of the bronze medal match in U-Cup hockey! Can't say I watched. But I suppose this validates Guelph's Queen's Cup win over UQTR. I cannot imagine that UQTR had much left after their Saturday night massacre at the hands of the Monkeys.


NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

Links:
Boxscores: [CIS] : [UNB]
Game Stories: [CIS] : [UNB] : [U of A] : [CW]

In what could have been an epic battle between #1 and #2, the Evil Monkeys showed the Squirrels that there really was no debate. The shots were 24-9. The fact that UNB was able to score on every 3rd shot shows just what the potential achilles heel was for the Monkeys.

While I did enjoy the coverage that the tournament had, there was a lack of a really good game. The closest was Acadia's choke job against UQTR. Guelph rode the hot goaltender to a win, on the afternoon of the opening day. It would have been nice for more evenly matched games to have been televised. I would guess that many casual fans would have tuned out early. As usual, sports is always a crap-shoot.

[Hollywood]

Former Bisons Win Allan Cup

 

Another Allan Cup for Manitoba! The South East Prairie Thunder beat the Bentley Generals 2-0 in the Allan Cup final on April 18th in Jolly Newfoundland.

Three Manitoba Bisons assistant coaches (Riley Dudar, Steve Christie, and Tyler Dittmer) played and one more (Brad Purdie) coached the SEPT.

The line-up also featured many other ‪Bison grads, namely: Mark Friesen, Brandon Lockerby, Greg Beller, Blair MacAulay, Dustin Hughes, Nick Cowan, Del Cowan, and Rob Smith.

The game was quite good. All the teams were full of guys from university and/or professional teams. It was shown live on TSN and will likely be re-run.

Links:

Team Stats: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostatstext/AC/teamstats_534761_12605.txt?hc_location=ufi

Pre-game notes: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/pregamenotes.html?gameid=2655897&hc_location=ufi

Tournament scoreboard (with links to all scores, summaries, stats, etc.): http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/scoreboard.html?leagueid=442&seasonid=12605&hc_location=ufi