2019-20 Manitoba Bisons/USports Thread

[Hollywood]

Oct 19: Out-of-Town Scoreboard

I posted after the Bison matinee was over, now it's time for the rest of the story ....

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 8

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary 
Boxscores: CWHT : USP/CIS
Stories: UofS : rp @CW : rp @UofL

The Banjo Mutts picked apart the Horny Ones as best they could this weekend. This does not make up for the 0-3-1 start, but it sure goes a long way. A 28-game season vanishes quickly. Carson Stadnyk and Carter Folk each had two goals for Sask, and Taran Kozun stopped 19 of 22 shots for the win. At the other end, Nikolas Amundrud started but was yanked mid-way with 11 saves on 15 shots. Taz Burman mopped up with 20 saves on 24 shots. Despite the sweep, the Mutts remain 1 point (!) behind the Horny Ones, who are now 3-3-0.

 
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3 
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 0

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary 
Boxscores: CWHT : USP/CIS 
Stories: MRU : rp @CW : rp @UofA

My guess is the Evil Monkeys were feeling the pressure after losing their Friday night home game in this series. They are now 5-1-0 (2nd place) and the Bluegars fall to 4-2-0 (3rd place). Tyler Soy Boy scored twice for the Apes. Brendan Burke made 21 saves for the shutout victory. Wyatt Hoflin started again for MRU, and stopped 29 of 32.

REGINA COUGARS 1
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary 
Boxscores: CWHT : USP/CIS
Stories: UBC : rp @CW : UofR 
Late Friday: UofR : USp/CIS Boxscore

The T-irds needed a big 3rd period to put this one away. It was 1-1 after two, and a goal in the 1st minute of the 3rd set the stage. Rylan Toth stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win, and Brandon Holtby stopped 31 of 35 in taking the loss. UBC had 16 shots in the 3rd period. The wekend split gave each side their first win of the season. Every team in the CW has at least one win and one loss now. 

Next weekend the Birds come to town to face the Bisons in a Saturday night/Sunday afternoon double-header.

OUT EAST

AUS

Sat Oct 19 Dalhousie 3 New Brunswick 4 (ot)
Sat Oct 19 St. F.X. 3 Moncton 6
Sat Oct 19 UPEI 3 Acadia 4

OUA

Sat Oct 19 Ontario Tech 5 RMC 2
Sat Oct 19 Brock 4 UQTR 7
Sat Oct 19 Guelph 4 Ottawa 5 (ot)
Sat Oct 19 W. Ontario 2 Carleton 3 (ot)
Sat Oct 19 Windsor 3 Lakehead 2 (ot)
Sat Oct 19 Ryerson 5 Toronto 6 (ot)
Sat Oct 19 Laurier 5 McGill 2
Sat Oct 19 Queen's 0 York 3
Sat Oct 19 Waterloo 3 Concordia 2 (ot)

Links:
• [USP/CIS S&R]
• [OUA LS Daily]
• [AUS S&R]

* indicates link not active as i post

NEXT UP

Canada West
Fri Oct 25 Mount Royal at Regina
Fri Oct 25 Calgary at Saskatchewan
Fri Oct 25 Alberta at Lethbridge

Note: UBC at Manitoba on Sat and Sun

Atlantic
Wed Oct 23 UPEI at Saint Mary's 

Ontario
Sun Oct 20 Nipissing at Cornell (NCAA) 
Wed Oct 23 Waterloo at Guelph  
Thu Oct 24 Laurier at Brock

[Hollywood]

Preview: Oct 26-27: UBC at MANITOBA

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (1-3-2, 3-5-3, OHT35 #25) 
MANITOBA BISONS (3-3-0, 4-6-2, OHT35 #12)

Saturday, Oct 26th 7:00 p.m. at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg
Sunday, Oct 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

Live Links:
➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]
➤ Audio Saturday: [UMFM 101.5]
➤ Audio Sunday: [UMFM Second Stream]
➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
➤ Sunday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

 

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: [Henry's extensive experience helping Bisons hockey in all areas] 
➤ GoBisons: [WEEKEND PREVIEW: Women’s soccer playoffs, volleyball openers, football, and more] 
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook] 
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

UBC Links:
➤ UBC: [Hockey ‘Birds off to Winnipeg to face Bisons]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook] 
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Other Links:
➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings] ∞ [Top 10] 
➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]
➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

 

The T-irds, being located out in British California, do not face much 0of their CW rivals in pre-season. Last year, they played none of their co-CWs and this year faced only the Evil Monkeys. Then they started the regular season where their first two opponents were those same Primates and the Bedrock Dinos. All three series saw them lose once in regulation and once in OT. Not great, but nevertheless respectable for a middle-of-the-road team. All-in-all, it made them difficult to rate.

So then we got to last weekend and it was Tweety-Birds against Puddy-Tats. On home ice, a convincing sweep would have cast UBC in a favourable light. However, they needed the help of an umbrella-wielding little old lady to gain a split in a hard-fought series.

 

Now the T-irds are coming to Friendly Manitoba to face the Bisons, the very embodiment of .500 hockey. The Bisons were 1-2-1 against the T-irds last year, and over the last four years both sides are 8-7-1 on the head-to-head scoreboard.

 

One issue for the T-irds is injuries. This has happened before. Hockey in BC is not as rough and tumble as it is on the prairies. Therefore, my theory is that it requires some adjustment for them. The first thing I'll be checking is how many players they dress.

 

Their second issue is between the pipes, where veteran Rylan Toth has hogged all the ice time. He is 1-2-2, 3.68 GAA, .883 S%. His CW career numbers are 12-16-4, 3.23 GAA, .898 S%. Those are mid-range CW numbers. Backup Patrick Dea lost his only start where he surrendered two goals. Last year he was 5-5-1, 3.71 GAA, .880 S%.

 

The T-irds have no scorers in the Top 20. However, Quinn Benjafield and Carter Popoff both have 4 points, and Benjafield and Austin Glover each have 3 goals in 6 games.

 

Meanwhile, the Bisons have three players inside the Top 20 and two more tied for 20th. Captain and defenceman Adam Henry (2-5-7) and Keaton Jameson (1-6-7) are in a 6-way tie for 10th, Jeremey Leipsic (2-4-6) is in a 4-way tie for 16th, and Colton Veloso and Geordie Keane (both 2-3-5) are in a massive tie for 20th. 

 

Keane is quite a story. He was on the team two years ago and dressed just four times, going pointless. After sitting out a season, he's working hard, grinding it out, and contributing decent offensive stats.

 

Without a Bison game Friday night, I can focus on the other series via CanadaWest.tv.

ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (4-2-0, 7-4-1, OHT35 #7) 
REGINA COUGARS (1-5-0, 2-8-0, OHT35 #33)

 

Links:
➤ MRU: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ Regina: [Men's Hockey Site]

 

Who doesn't like a good Cougar fight? These games will not be arguments about spilled beer and one b**** putting the moves on another's boyfriend. They will be only about 2 points in the standings. 

Now the Bluegars are on the move, and the Banjocats are desperately trying to pick up whatever scraps they can. 

 

The Bluegars opened with a sweep of the Banjomutts, followed by splits with the Bisons and Evil Monkeys. In so doing, they have turned heads from coast-to-coast.

On the other hand, Team Hillbilly has had it rough. They opened being blitzed by Bedrock U, and things looked dismal. Then came a sweep in Lethbridge, where they lost even with 41 shots on goal per game. But just when all looked lost, they posted a win at UBC last weekend en route to s hard-fought split. 

 

Players to watch? Well, Regina has no Top 20 scorers. Five players lead the team with 3 points each. Once again, they have three goaltenders trying to recover from shell-shock. Brandon Holtby has the best numbers, a respectable 1-2-0, 2.86 GAA, .912 S%. That could switch quickly. Rookie Curtis Meger is 0-1-0, 6.45, .839 S% and veteran Dawson MacAulay is 0-2-0, 9.47 GAA, and .750 S%. Yikes.

 

Meanwhile, MRU has 5 of the Top 9 scorers and 6 of the Top 20. That says it all!

CALGARY DINOSAURS (5-0-1, 11-1-2, OHT35 #2) 
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (2-3-1, 3-4-1, OHT35 #16)

 

Links:
➤ Sask: [Saskatchewan's 1980s men's hockey dynasty honoured]
➤ Calgary: [Men's Hockey Site]

 

This is the series I will likely watch first on Friday night. A lot of people might be surprised with my pre-season pick to place Bedrock U ahead of the Banjomutts. But so far it has panned out. The Dinos played 8 non-conference games, and Sask just the two. Maybe it is just a case where Sask needs to catch up to the conditioning of the other teams.

 

One note: Sask really dominated the Hørny Ønes last week. That doesn't make up for the way they were pushed around by MRU or Alberta, however. My feeling is that this series will be a TSN Turning Point for one team or the other.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (5-1-0, 11-3-0, OHT35 #3) 
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (3-3-0, 3-6-1, OHT35 #20)

 

Links:
➤ Alberta: [Record 391 WHL Scholarships awarded to graduate players for fall academic semester] : [PDF]
➤ Lethbridge: [Repost of WHL Story]

 

I have a hunch that this will be the weekend's roadkill series. The Hørny Ønes had a dismal pre-season but then managed to squeeze two points out of the Bisons, then racked up four more against Regina. Things were looking up. Was last weekend a sign they were crashing back to Earth? The Evil Monkeys generally take no pity in these situations. 

 

Both of these teams linked to WHL scholarship stories. It is always amazing to see how many players are included, and how many do not play for their school team. Lots of players also go to schools without teams. More detail is in the links. Here's the CW summary:

 

Alberta – 39
Saskatchewan – 39
UBC – 30
Calgary – 25
Manitoba – 23
Mount Royal – 21
Regina – 21
Lethbridge – 19
Trinity – 5
MacEwan – 5

OUT EAST

 
ONTARIO

Wed Oct 23 Waterloo 5 Guelph 4
Thu Oct 24 Laurier 1 Brock 2
Fri Oct 25 Ryerson at W. Ontario          
Fri Oct 25 Toronto at Lakehead            
Fri Oct 25 York at Windsor                
Fri Oct 25 UQTR at Laurentian             
Fri Oct 25 Carleton at Ontario Tech       
Fri Oct 25 Nipissing at Queen's           
Fri Oct 25 McGill at Ottawa               
Sat Oct 26 UQTR at Laurentian             
Sat Oct 26 Carleton at RMC                
Sat Oct 26 Brock at Waterloo              
Sat Oct 26 Toronto at Lakehead            
Sat Oct 26 York at W. Ontario             
Sat Oct 26 Guelph at Laurier              
Sat Oct 26 Nipissing at Queen's           
Sat Oct 26 Ottawa at Ontario Tech         
Sat Oct 26 McGill at Concordia            
Sat Oct 26 Ryerson at Windsor             
Sun Oct 27 RMC at Concordia               

 
ATLANTIC 

Wed Oct 23 UPEI at Saint Mary's – postponed
Fri Oct 25 Moncton at Dalhousie           
Fri Oct 25 New Brunswick at St. F.X.      
Fri Oct 25 Saint Mary's at Acadia         
Sat Oct 26 Acadia at UPEI                 
Sat Oct 26 New Brunswick at Dalhousie     

Links:
➤ [USp Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]

Edited October 25, 2019 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Oct 26: Bisons Beat Birds

 

Since the Bisons play Saturday/Sunday this weekend, this is a massive post to cover Friday and Saturday games.

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 2

MANITOBA BISONS 5

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores: [USp/CIS] : [Coach's View] : [UofM]

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

 

This was a tale of two games. In the first, the Bisons lambasted the T-irds and built a 4-0 lead. In the second, a steady parade of Bisons to the penalty box allowed UBC dominate the shot clock while scoring two goals. Here's how they lined up:

 

MANITOBA BISONS

 

Goal

30 Lamb (1 Link)

 

Defence

2 Henry 3 Christensen

4 Stanley 25 Skrumeda

5 Schioler 28 Pouteau

 

Forwards

14 Keane 10 Skoleski 17 Veloso

22 Leipsic 12 Jameson 29 Wasylak

16 Tripp 9 Thiessen 15 Dalke

11 Carlson 13 Labossiere 19 Halvorson

 

Scratches

6 Dyck 8 Barley 20 Apetagon

21 Harris 26 Leblanc 27 Doerksen

35 Brown

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS

 

Goal

47 Dea (34 Toth)

 

Defence

40 Smart 43 Pouliot

13 Becker 29 Smith

26 Carvalho

 

Forwards

17 Vetterl 42 Popoff 22 Benjafield

37 Clayton 20 Glover 19 Sandhu

14 Kryski 21 Greenwood 25 Kehler

18 Orban 9 Michaud 16 Stratton

 

Scratches

6 Dosanjh 7 Faith 10 Revel

39 Maquignaz 44 James

 

Quick Summary

1st 4:11 MAN Thiessen (2) ASST: Skrumeda (PP)

1st 9:27 MAN Keane (3) ASST: Wasylak Jameson

1st 13:48 MAN Henry (3) ASST: Wasylak

2nd 3:01 MAN Henry (4) ASST: Skoleski Jameson (PP)

2nd 5:41 UBC Popoff (2) Vetterl Smart (PP)

3rd 0:58 UBC Sandhu (3) ASST: Glover Popoff (4) (PP)

3rd 17:53 MAN Stanley (1) ASST: Leipsic (5) (EN)

 

W: Lamb (40 saves, 42 shots)

L: Dea (13 saves, 17 shots)

 

The lineup switch for the Bisons was that Lucas Skrumeda, who had been playing centre, was back on the blueline. Mitchell Dyck came out, and Nico Labossiere filled the gap up front.

 

The Bisons converted on two-out-of-three powerplays. UBC's attempted comeback was also based on powerplays, just that the two goals came on seven opportunities. Once the Bisons took their 4-0 lead, 7 of the 8 remaining penalties were to Bisons. The only UBC penalty came in an offsetting penalties situation. With the goaltending of Riley Lamb and a big lead, the Bisons never seemed panicked about the situation.

 

The Bisons do not have a lot of veterans this year, but their three 5th year players are all doing a great job and are leading the team. Forward Jonah Wasylak had two assists and an imposing physical presence. Adam Henry had two goals, and with Sean Christensen formed a first line defence pair.

 

The Bisons scored some nice goals on the night. Dylan Thiessen was set up by Skrumeda on a rare PP breakaway. Geordie Keane's goal was a tic-tac-toe set-up, Henry's first came from Wasylak's steal on Dea's mishandled play behind the net, and Henry's second was a traditional blast from the blueline on a powerplay. Matthew Stanley's empty-netter was about a 195-foot curling shot.

 

The win boosts the Bisons to 4-3-0, their first time over .500 since they won their opening game. UBC is now 1-4-2.

 

The rematch goes Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

 

Friday

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 6

REGINA COUGARS 1

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

Andrew Fyten scored twice and Wyatt Hoflin stopped 12 of 13 shots to pace the Bluegars to an easy win in this one. Dawson MacAuley stopped 24 of 30 in defeat.

 

Saturday

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5

REGINA COUGARS 3

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

This was also a tale of two games. In the 1st period, the Bluegars outshot the Banjocats 18-1 and built a 2-0 lead. The rest of the way, Regina was competitive in outshooting MRU 19-17 and scoring 3 goals each. The final MRU goal was an empty-netter. One note: If you were stuck in the popcorn line in the 2nd intermission you may have missed three goals. With MRU holding a 3-1 lead, Regina scored after 7 seconds of the 3rd. MRU scored 12 seconds later, and Regina scored again in 20 seconds. Riley Morris got the win (17 saves on 20 shots) and Brandon Holtby took another loss (30 saves on 34 shots).

 

The Bluegars are now 6-2-0 and the Banjocats fall to 1-7-0.

 

 

 

Friday

CALGARY DINOSAURS 2

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

The Mutts answered the call in this tight affair. Had they lost, they would have been scrambling for a playoff berth. Taran Kozun got the win with 19 saves on 21 shots, and Matthew Greenfield stopped 24 of 27 in getting the loss.

 

Saturday

CALGARY DINOSAURS 3

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2

(in overtime)

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

Matt Alfaro's 7th and 8th goals of the season (including the overtime winner) led the way for the Dinos. Both teams stuck with their starting goaltender. Greenfield stopped 31 of 33 for the win, Kozun stopped 30 of 33 for the loss. The Mutts now hit .500 for the first time, at 3-3-2, and the Dinos are 6-1-1.

 

 

 

Friday

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 9

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

This was bad. The Evil Monkeys are just way better than the Hørny Ønes. Shots were 68-19. There must be a serious Viagra shortage in Lethbridge, or perhaps an over-abundance of bananas in Edmontown. Brendan Burke stopped 18 of 19 for the win, and Taz Burman stopped 59 of 68 for the loss.

 

Saturday

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary

Boxscores: CWHT

Stories: rp @CW

 

Both sides switched goaltenders for this rematch. It seemed to do the Hørny Ønes some good. They held a 1-0 lead after one period. In the end, though, a valiant 55 save effort from Jack Burgart was not enough as he was tagged with a loss. Matt Berlin got the win for the Evil Monkeyswith 23 saves on 24 shots. The Apes now sit in first place with a 7-1-0 record. Lethbridge falls to 3-5-0 and are lone in 6th.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

AUS

 

Fri Oct 25 Moncton 5 Dalhousie 4

Fri Oct 25 New Brunswick 2 St. F.X. 3

Fri Oct 25 Saint Mary's 8 Acadia 9

Sat Oct 26 Acadia 3 UPEI 2

Sat Oct 26 New Brunswick 6 Dalhousie 0

 

 

OUA

 

Fri Oct 25 Ryerson 6 W. Ontario 2

Fri Oct 25 Toronto 7 Lakehead 4

Fri Oct 25 York 2 Windsor 3 (ot)

Fri Oct 25 UQTR 4 Laurentian 1

Fri Oct 25 Carleton 3 Ontario Tech 1

Fri Oct 25 Nipissing 0 Queen's 1

Fri Oct 25 McGill 4 Ottawa 2

Sat Oct 26 UQTR 4 Laurentian 3

Sat Oct 26 Carleton 4 RMC 1

Sat Oct 26 Brock 6 Waterloo 0

Sat Oct 26 Toronto 3 Lakehead 1

Sat Oct 26 York 2 W. Ontario 6

Sat Oct 26 Guelph 2 Laurier 4

Sat Oct 26 Nipissing 1 Queen's 8

Sat Oct 26 Ottawa 2 Ontario Tech 5

Sat Oct 26 McGill 5 Concordia 2

Sat Oct 26 Ryerson 0 Windsor 1 (so)

 

 

Links:

• [USP/CIS S&R]

• [OUA LS Daily]

• [AUS S&R]

 

* indicates link not active as i post

 

 

NEXT UP

 

Canada West

Sun Oct 27 UBC at Manitoba

 

Atlantic

Wed Oct 30 New Brunswick at Moncton

Wed Oct 30 Saint Mary's at St. F.X. - from Oct 11th

 

Ontario

Sun Oct 27 RMC at Concordia

Wed Oct 30 Ontario Tech at Brock

[Hollywood]

Oct 27: Four Series, Four Splits

 

Ooops, I thought I posted this Sunday night.

 

 
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3
MANITOBA BISONS 1

 

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

 

This was a tight game, with few penalties, and in the end it took an empty-netter to leave the Bisons with their 4th straight series split of the season. At 4-4-0 they are now two points ahead of the T-irds, who are now 2-4-2. The Bisons gave rookie Jeremy Link his first start in net, and up fronty Tony Apetagon was in for Nico Labossiere. UBC also switched goaltenders, added a 20th player (Shaun Dosanjh), and shuffled their lines a fair bit. Here's the alignment:

 

MANITOBA BISONS

 

Goal
1 Link (30 Lamb)

 

Defence
2 Henry 3 Christensen
4 Stanley 25 Skrumeda 
5 Schioler 28 Pouteau

 

Forwards
14 Keane 10 Skoleski 17 Veloso
22 Leipsic 12 Jameson 29 Wasylak
16 Tripp 9 Thiessen 15 Dalke
11 Carlson 20 Apetagon 19 Halvorson

 

Scratches
6 Dyck 8 Barley 13 Labossiere 
21 Harris 26 Leblanc 27 Doerksen
35 Brown

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS

 

Goal
34 Toth (47 Dea)

 

Defence
26 Carvalho 29 Smith
6 Dosanjh 13 Becker 
40 Smart 43 Pouliot

 

Forwards
14 Kryski 20 Glover 19 Sandhu
37 Clayton 25 Kehler 21 Greenwood 
17 Vetterl 42 Popoff 16 Stratton
18 Orban 9 Michaud 22 Benjafield

 

Scratches
7 Faith 10 Revel
39 Maquignaz 44 James

 

Quick Summary

 

2nd 3:39 UBC Glover (4) ASST: Carvalho Sandhu
2nd 16:32 MAN Apetagon (1) ASST: Halvorsen 
2nd 17:18 UBC Vetterl (1) ASST: Benjafield Smith 
3rd 19:43 UBC Vetterl (2) ASST: Sandhu (EN)

 

W: Toth (21 saves, 22 shots)
L: Link (45 saves, 47 shots)

 

Of note, each team had just one 1st period PP, and in the 2nd there were off-setting minors. It sure kept the game flowing. The 3rd period really flew by, though.

 

Following a conference bye next week, the Bisons will have back-to-back weekends in Banjoland, first against Regina and then against Sask. Their next home action is against the Evil Monkeys on November 22nd and 23rd.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

No other games in the land of #Wexit.

OUT EAST

 

OUA

Sun Oct 27 RMC 4 Concordia 6

 

Links:
• [USP/CIS S&R]
• [OUA LS Daily]
• [AUS S&R]

* indicates link not active as i post

NEXT UP

 

Canada West
Fri Nov 01 Saskatchewan at UBC    
Sat Nov 02 Saskatchewan at UBC  

 

Atlantic
Wed Oct 30 New Brunswick at Moncton        
Wed Oct 30 Saint Mary's at St. F.X. - from Oct 11th 
Fri Nov 01 St. F.X. at Acadia   
Fri Nov 01 UPEI at Moncton      

 

Ontario
Wed Oct 30 Ontario Tech at Brock
Fri Nov 01 Laurier at Waterloo  
Fri Nov 01 Queen's at Carleton  
Fri Nov 01 Windsor at W. Ontario
Fri Nov 01 RMC at Brock         
Fri Nov 01 Nipissing at York    
Fri Nov 01 Laurentian at Ryerson
Fri Nov 01 UQTR at Concordia

[Hollywood]

 Nov 1: Bison Bye Week

 

This was a CW bye week, except that Sask and UBC decided to play now, and study next weekend. Apparently the Mutts have to learn a lot of gazintas. 

 

 

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 0

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] 

Boxscores: [CWHT]

Stories: [rp @CW]

 

After a slow start the Banjo Mutts are looking more like themselves. Nowhere near as good as the 25-3-0 record last year, but way better than Regina.

 

OUT EAST

 

AUS

 

Wed Oct 30 New Brunswick 4 Moncton 2

Wed Oct 30 Saint Mary's 4 St. F.X. 0

Fri Nov 01 St. F.X. 1 Acadia 4

Fri Nov 01 UPEI 3 Moncton 2 (ot)

 

OUA

 

Wed Oct 30 Ontario Tech 1 Brock 2

Fri Nov 01 Laurier 3 Waterloo 6  

Fri Nov 01 Queen's 2 Carleton 3  

Fri Nov 01 Windsor 2 W. Ontario 1 (ot)

Fri Nov 01 RMC 2 Brock 8             

Fri Nov 01 Nipissing 4 York 5       

Fri Nov 01 Laurentian 1 Ryerson 2 

Fri Nov 01 UQTR 1 Concordia 5      

 

Links:

• [USp/CIS S&R]

• [OUA LS Daily]

• [AUS S&R]

 

* indicates link not active as i post

 

NEXT UP

 

Canada West

Sat Nov 02 Saskatchewan at UBC     

 

Atlantic

Sat Nov 02 St. F.X. at Saint Mary's 

Sat Nov 02 UPEI at New Brunswick   

 

Ontario

Sat Nov 02 Nipissing at Guelph     

Sat Nov 02 Concordia at Carleton   

Sat Nov 02 W. Ontario at Waterloo   

Sat Nov 02 Laurentian at Toronto   

Sat Nov 02 Ottawa at UQTR           

Sat Nov 02 Queen's at McGill       

Sat Nov 02 RMC at Ryerson             

Sat Nov 02 Windsor at York           

Sun Nov 03 Ontario Tech at Toronto

[Hollywood]

Nov 2: Mutts Regaining Form

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3
(in overtime)

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary]
Boxscores: [CWHT]
Stories: [rp @CW]

The Mutts did not blow away the T-irds in this one, but a sweep against a decent side is a sign that the duelling banjos are now in synch with spoons and jugs in this hillbilly symphony. UBC jumped out to a 3-2 lead after one, and that was it for scoring until the 3rd. Backup Travis Child got the win for the Mutts whilst Rylan Toth got the loss. Shots were 29 each.

OUT EAST

AUS

Sat Nov 02 St. F.X. 1 Saint Mary's 2 (ot)   
Sat Nov 02 UPEI 3 New Brunswick 6   

OUA

Sat Nov 02 Nipissing 4 Guelph 9   
Sat Nov 02 Concordia 0 Carleton 2   
Sat Nov 02 W. Ontario 3 Waterloo 2   
Sat Nov 02 Laurentian 1 Toronto 7   
Sat Nov 02 Ottawa at UQTR  ppd   
Sat Nov 02 Queen's 4 McGill 7   
Sat Nov 02 RMC 1 Ryerson 3   
Sat Nov 02 Windsor 1 York 2 (so)   

Links:
• [USp/CIS S&R]
• [OUA LS Daily]
• [AUS S&R]

* indicates link not active as i post

NEXT UP

Canada West
Fri Nov 08 Lethbridge at Mount Royal
Fri Nov 08 Alberta at Calgary   
Fri Nov 08 Manitoba at Regina   

Atlantic
Wed Nov 06 Dalhousie at St. F.X.   

Ontario
Sun Nov 03 Ontario Tech at Toronto
Wed Nov 06 Ryerson at Nipissing   
Thu Nov 07 Waterloo at Brock   
Thu Nov 07 W. Ontario at Guelph

[Hollywood]

Preview: Nov 8-9: MANITOBA at REGINA

REGINA COUGARS (1-7-0, 2-10-0, OHT35 #33)
MANITOBA BISONS (4-4-0, 5-7-2, OHT35 #12)

Friday, Nov 8th at 7:00 pm at Regina
Saturday, Nov 9th at 3:00 pm at Regina

 

Live Links:
➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]
➤ Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: [Adam Henry and Alexis Anderson are Boston Pizza Bison Sports Athletes of the Week]
➤ GoBisons: [Disciplined play defines Sean Christensen, as he plays his fifth year]
➤ GoBisons: [WEEKEND PREVIEW: Women’s hockey at home, women’s volleyball, and more]
➤ Manitoban: [University of Manitoba Bisons should take penalty killing cue from Canada West opponents]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Regina Links:
➤ UofR: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Other Links:
➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings]
➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]
➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

After a bye week, the Herd is now off to Saskatchewan back-to-back weekends. First to meet the Banjo Cats in Regina, and next to face the Banjo Mutts in Saskatoon. Hopefully, the team will not be too grossed out by bad breath permeating from the stands and the general stench of the place.

This has the makings of a trap weekend. Regina has had a bad start and have had a bye week to address what ails them. While they were overwhelmed by Calgary and MRU, they were quite respectable against Lethbridge and UBC. Meanwhile, the Bisons have split every series so far, including an exhibition series at home against these very Kittens.

Last year, Regina beat the Bisons 3-out-of-4. However, in the three previous seasons the Bisons won 11-out-of-12. Overall, the Bisons have won 7 of the last 8 games played in Regina.

A quick look at the stats pages shows Regina's problems. Their top scorer is Conner Chaulk (1-4-5), and second is Landon Peel (0-4-4). The rest of the roster has 3 points or fewer. In goal, they once again are using all three goaltenders due to the stress of playing in the Regina kitty litter.

The Bisons are led by Adam Henry (4-5-9) and Keaton Jameson (1-8-9), part of a 5-way tie for 9th in conference scoring. In goal, Riley Lamb has taken the starting role and has been both busy and effective. His numbers are 4-2-0, .923 S%, 3.13 GAA. Jeremy Link got his first start last weekend, so it looks like he has jumped past Tyler Brown in the depth chart.

ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

 
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (7-1-0, 13-3-0, OHT35 #3)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (6-1-1, 12-2-2, OHT35 #2)

Links:
➤ UofA: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofC: [First-place Battle of Alberta hits the ice]

The nation's feature match-up of the weekend comes from the heart of #Wexit Country. The Bedrock Boys got it going during the pre-season and have maintained the pace ever since. This is a home-and-home series, Friday in Calgary and Saturday in Edmontown. The Evil Monkeys and Dinos had some tight battles in pre-season, and I expect these games to be hard-fought as well.

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (3-5-0, 3-8-1, OHT35 #23)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (6-2-0, 9-4-1*, OHT35 #6)

 

Links:
➤ UofL: [Pronghorns look to rebound in home-and-home series with the Cougars]
➤ MRU: [Men's Hockey Site]

The Hørny Ønes have managed a few points here and there and are close enough to the middle of the standings to be confused with a playoff contender. I suspect they will falter a bit, and it could come in this home-and-home series. The Bluegars are a bit of surprise team thus far, moreso with others than with me. I liked their recruiting this year.

OUT EAST

ONTARIO

 

Wed Nov 06 Ryerson 3 Nipissing 2 (so)
Thu Nov 07 Waterloo 3 Brock 6    
Thu Nov 07 W. Ontario 5 Guelph 4
Fri Nov 08 Laurier at Waterloo   
Fri Nov 08 York at RMC   
Fri Nov 08 Concordia at Lakehead   
Fri Nov 08 Carleton at McGill   
Fri Nov 08 Laurentian at UQTR   
Fri Nov 08 Toronto at Queen's   
Fri Nov 08 Windsor at Ontario Tech   
Sat Nov 09 Laurentian at UQTR   
Sat Nov 09 Windsor at Ontario Tech   
Sat Nov 09 Concordia at Lakehead   
Sat Nov 09 McGill at Ottawa   
Sat Nov 09 Toronto at RMC   
Sat Nov 09 W. Ontario at Laurier   
Sat Nov 09 Brock at Guelph   
Sat Nov 09 Ryerson at Queen's   
Sat Nov 09 York at Nipissing   
Sun Nov 10 Carleton at Ottawa   

 

ATLANTIC

 

Wed Nov 06 Dalhousie 1 St. F.X. 3
Fri Nov 08 St. F.X. at UPEI
Fri Nov 08 Acadia at Moncton   
Fri Nov 08 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick   
Sat Nov 09 Acadia at New Brunswick   
Sat Nov 09 Saint Mary's at Moncton   
Sat Nov 09 UPEI at Dalhousie   

 

Links:
➤ [USp Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]

[Hollywood]

Nov 8: It Was Crazier than Moonshine

 

This was a 3-game Friday night in the CW, due to Sask and UBC having played during the bye week last week. There were two #Wexit series in Saudi Alberta, and an old GPAC rivalry revived.

 

MANITOBA BISONS 4

REGINA COUGARS 3

(in overtime)

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

CW Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores: [USp/CIS] : [Coach's View]

Stories: [UofR] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM*]

 

This one had a few twists. The Regina broadcast crew seemed to like the game – claiming it was the best of the season thus far for the Banjocats. I have to admit that they looked better than their record.

 

The Bison line-up had some twists. LeagueStat listed 10 forwards and 8 defencemen. As usual, Ryan Carlson played forward instead of defence. But Lucas Skrumeda seemed to be (like 2 weeks ago) on defence again. Making his season debut was Carter Doerksen. Not sure if this is a sign of injuries amongst the forwards. Also, Tyler Brown was the backup goalie while Jeremy Link was scratched. Other scratches were Dyck, Barley, Labossiere, Halvorson, and Leblanc.

 

Quick Summary

 

2nd 02:27 MAN Christensen (1) ASST: Carlson

2nd 04:27 REG Hilsendager (1) ASST: Frei

2nd 10:37 MAN Thiessen (3) ASST: Pouteau, Skrumeda (PP)

3rd 07:50 MAN Wasylak (2) ASST: None

3rd 17:01 REG Duperreault (3) ASST: Frei

3rd 19:59 REG Frei (3) ASST: Ripplinger, King (PP)

4th 02:09 MAN Jameson (2) ASST: Henry, Skoleski (PP) (EN)

 

W: Lamb (25 saves, 28 shots)

L: Meger (17 saves, 21 shots)

 

The Bisons held a 15-14 edge in shots and had a 2-1 lead heading into the 3rd period. Jonah Wasylak made it 3-1 as he blocked a pass and then scored on a breakaway. From that point onwards, the Bisons went into a bit of a shell. That mostly worked. But Regina poured it on something fierce in the dying minutes. When they made it 3-2 with 3 minutes left, the Kittens went catnip crazy and wreaked havoc in the Bison zone. Adam Henry took a penalty during a net-front scramble with just 28 seconds left. Just when it looked like the Bisons were about to kill it off, the Banjo-Boys got one in with 1.3 seconds left.

 

On to overtime! There, one Kitten was caught high-sticking and before you could say “powerplay”, Keaton Jamieson scored the winning goal.

 

The Bisons are now 5-4-0 and the Cougars fall to 1-8-0. The rematch goes Saturday 3:00 p.m.

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

CALGARY DINOSAURS 3

 

Links:

Summaries: LeagueStat : CWHT : USp/CIS

Stories: UofC : rp @CW : rp @UofA*

 

I tuned into this game after the Bison game was over. I gave up on it because the sound was no good and the picture periodically froze. It was 1-1 when I turned away. Within 5 minutes of play it was suddenly 4-2 for the Evil Monkeys. Brendan Burke got the win, stopping 16 of 19 shots. Matthew Greenfeld suffered the loss, with 19 saves on 23 shots. The Evil Monkeys are 8-1-0 and Bedrock U is 6-2-1, and have fallen into 3rd place.

 

 

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 6

 

Links:

Summaries: LeagueStat : CWHT : USp/CIS

Stories: MRU : rp @CW : @UofL

 

The Hørny Ønes were no match for the Bluegars. In between my stints trying to watch the Bedrock/Monkeys play, I saw the Bluegars notch a couple. Wyatt Hoflin stopped 20 of 22 for the win and Taz Burman stopped 34 of 40 for the loss. The win vaults MRU into 2nd place with a 7-2-0 record, and keeps the Hørny Ønes in 7th (one point behind UBC) at 3-6-0.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Tue Nov 05 UPEI 4 Saint Mary's 5 (ot) (from Oct 23)
Fri Nov 08 St. F.X. 3 UPEI 6          
Fri Nov 08 Acadia 2 Moncton 4         
Fri Nov 08 Saint Mary's 3 New Brunswick 1

 

Fri Nov 08 Laurier 3 Waterloo 1    
Fri Nov 08 York 3 RMC 4            
Fri Nov 08 Concordia 3 Lakehead 4  
Fri Nov 08 Carleton 6 McGill 4     
Fri Nov 08 Laurentian 2 UQTR 4     
Fri Nov 08 Toronto 3 Queen's 0     
Fri Nov 08 Windsor 3 Ontario Tech 6

Links:

• [USP/CIS S&R]

• [OUA LS Daily]

• [AUS S&R]

 

* indicates link not active as i post

 

Edited November 9, 2019 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Nov 9: Shootout Loss Extends Split Streak

 

MANITOBA BISONS 2
REGINA COUGARS 3
(in shootout)

 

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

 

This was a reasonably entertaining game. The Bison split streak stays intact for 5 weeks now. The only line-up switch from Friday was Halvorson for Apetagon.

 

Quick Summary
1st 18:44    REG    Barnstable (2) ASST: Schacher (SH)    
2nd 14:29 REG    Odelein (2) ASST: Kreklewich
2nd 15:33 MAN Henry (5) ASST: Skoleski Tripp (PP)
3rd 18:11 MAN Tripp (2) ASST: Thiessen Dalke

 

Shootout
REG Duperreault Goal
MAN Leipsic No Goal
REG Schacher Goal
MAN Henry No Goal

 

W:Holtby (29 saves, 31 shots)
L: Lamb (28 saves, 30 shots)

 

The Bisons are now 5-4-1, one point behind 4th place Saskatchewan. Regina is 2-7-1, just 3 points behind 6th place Lethbridge and a playoff berth. The Bisons are off to Saskatown to face the Mutts next weekend, and Regina is off to Edmontown to face the Apes.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

CALGARY DINOSAURS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

 

Links:
Summaries: LeagueStat : CWHT : USp/CIS
Stories: UofA : rp @CW : UofC

 

The Apes registered an emphatic win here. Suddenly, the Dinos' hopes for 1st place now seem a page right out of history. Grayson Pawlenchuk scored twice for the Evil Monkeys and Matt Berlin stopped 18 of 19 for the win. Matthew Greenfield stopped 15 of 20 shots for the loss before being yanked in the 2nd period. Brodan Salmond stopped 15 of 16 in a mop-up effort. I switched away from this game on CanadaWest.tv to see MRU v Lethbridge.

 

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 4
(in shootout)

 

Links:
Summaries: LeagueStat : CWHT : USp/CIS
Stories: UofL : rp @CW : @MRU*

 

The Hørny Ønes needed this one. It vaults them into 6th place, ahead of UBC. Michael Clark led the way with 2 goals. Jack Burgart stopped 42 of 45 for the win, and Riley Morris stopped 34 of 37 for the OTL. The Bluegars are now in 2nd place, two points up on Bedrock U.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Sat Nov 09 Acadia 3 New Brunswick 4
Sat Nov 09 Saint Mary's 1 Moncton 6
Sat Nov 09 UPEI 4 Dalhousie 1   

 

Sat Nov 09 Laurentian 2 UQTR 6   
Sat Nov 09 Windsor 4 Ontario Tech 1
Sat Nov 09 Concordia 4 Lakehead 5 (ot)
Sat Nov 09 McGill 0 Ottawa 3   
Sat Nov 09 Toronto 6 RMC 3   
Sat Nov 09 W. Ontario 6 Laurier 3
Sat Nov 09 Brock 4 Guelph 3 (ot)  
Sat Nov 09 Ryerson 6 Queen's 1   
Sat Nov 09 York at Nipissing – to Nov 12

 

Links:
• [USP/CIS S&R]
• [OUA LS Daily]
• [AUS S&R]

* indicates link not active as i post

NEXT UP

 

Canada West
Thu Nov 14 Calgary at Mount Royal
Fri Nov 15 Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Fri Nov 15 Regina at Alberta   
Fri Nov 15 Lethbridge at UBC   
Fri Nov 15 Mount Royal at Calgary

 

Atlantic
Wed Nov 13 Moncton at UPEI   
Wed Nov 13 Saint Mary's at St. F.X.

 

Ontario
Sun Nov 10 Carleton at Ottawa   
Tue Nov 12 York at Nipissing - from Nov 9
Thu Nov 14 York at Toronto   
Thu Nov 14 Brock at Laurier   
Thu Nov 14 Lakehead at Waterloo

[Hollywood]

Preview: Nov 15-16: MANITOBA at SASKATCHEWAN

 

MANITOBA BISONS (5-4-1, 6-7-3, OHT35 #16)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (5-3-2, 6-4-2, OHT35 #8)

Friday, Nov 15th at 7:00 at Saskatoon
Saturday, Nov 16th at 7:00 at Saskatoon

 

Live Links:
➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]
➤ Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

 

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: [Allison Alcock and Keaton Jameson are Boston Pizza Bison Sports Athletes of the Week]
➤ GoBisons: [WEEKEND PREVIEW: Volleyball and hockey alumni nights, rivalry matchups, and more]
➤ Manitoban: [Manitoba Bisons take three of four on the road in hockey and volleyball]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Saskatchewan Links:
➤ UofS: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Other Links:
➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings]
➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]
➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

 

The schedule-maker played a cruel trick on the Bisons this year, scheduling their Saskatchewan road-trips on back-to-back weekends. Last weekend they went south to Regina and this weekend it's up north to Saskatown. The Bisons have barely recovered from the outhouse smell which permeates the province.

The places have similarities, such as the shoeless, gap-toothed, unwashed, moonshine drinking hillbillies who abound in both locations. The differences? South is feline, north is canine. South is mediocre, north is a perennial contender.

 

In fact, the Banjo Mutts have been the Herd's nemesis in recent years. Over the last four years the Bison record is 3-12-1, and only 1-7-0 in Banjoland.

The Mutts lost their first three games, which was concerning since they finished first at 25-3-0 a year ago. However, they are now on a 5-0-2 roll. Meanwhile, the Bisons have split all five series thus far. All told, Sask sits in 4th place, one point ahead of the Bisons. The teams may well be on a collision course for a first round playoff match-up.

 

The team stats are fairly comparable. Sask has 35 goals, the Bisons have 32. Sask has given up 31 goals, the Bisons 33.

 

For “players to watch” on the Bisons, I suggest captain, defenceman, and leading scorer Adam Henry (5-6-11, tied for 9th in teh CW) and forward Keaton Jameson (2-8-10, 12th in the CW). Also, the three 5th year players have all been top-notch. Henry (+9) is paired with Sean Christensen (+10) on defence. Up front, 6' 4” Jonah Wasylak has improved his skill level over his five years to the point where he at times can dominate opponents.

 

Sask is led by 4th year forward Carson Stadnyk (6-3-9, in a 5-way tie for 13th in the conference) and a quartet of players with 8 points, in a 12-way tie for 18th in the CW (Carter Folk, Layne Young, Levi Cable, Collin Shirley).

 

Of course, good goaltending is always mandatory to be competitive. The Bisons have three first year goaltenders and Riley Lamb has won the battle to be #1. His numbers are top-notch: 5-2-1, .921 S%, 2.90 GAA. Jeremy Link and Tyler Brown have each had just one start.

 

Meanwhile, neither of Sask's goaltenders have equalled Lamb so far. Veteran Taran Kozun is 4-2-2, .891 S%, 2.86 GAA and second year Travis Child is 1-1-0, .897 S%, 3.55 GAA. Both have done better.

 

This series could end up being one of significance. If the Bisons split or sweep, they will likely be comfortably in a playoff position for a long time, and would have realistic hopes of even hosting a quarter-final series.

ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

REGINA COUGARS (2-7-1, 3-10-1, OHT35 #31)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (9-1-0, 15-3-0, OHT35 #1)

 

Links:
➤ UofA: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofR: [Men's Hockey Site]

 

Welcome to the mismatch of the week! The Banjo Cats would love to have just one recruiting class to compare to the Evil Monkeys' average one. The Kittens have not made the playoffs since 2008. Since MRU joined the league, the Kittens have been 7th or 8th every year. Before that, they had a stretch of 6th or 7th place seasons. Meanwhile, the Apes are U-Cup or bust. The last time they did not qualify for the U-Cup final tournament was 2007. The time before that was 1998.

 

Good luck, Puddy Tats!

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (4-6-0, 4-9-1, OHT35 #22)
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (2-5-3, 5-8=4, OHT35 #24)

 

Links:
➤ UBC: [Refreshed ‘Birds ready to begin critical stretch against Pronghorns]
➤ UofL: [Important points on the line for Pronghorns in Vancouver]

If you like watching teams in blue and yellow uniforms, this is the series for you. Also, this is the battle for the 6th and final playoff berth. The Hørny Ønes have 8 points, one ahead of the T-irds. Similar to the Bison series, this has the potential to define the remainder of the season for both teams. If one side could sweep, they could cast their gaze upon bigger and better things, like 5th place. Being the late game Friday, I'll likely see a good portion of that game.

CALGARY DINOSAURS (6-3-1, 12-4-2, OHT35 #7)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (7-2-1, 10-4-1-1, OHT35 #4)

 

Links:
➤ MRU: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofC: [Dinos looking to rebound in Crowchild Classic]

 

This Thursday/Friday home-and-home crosstown derby should be top-notch. I have been watching on CanadaWest.tv while drafting this post. It is 4-4 mid-way through the 3rd period.

 

Bedrock U looked like world-beaters through the pre-season and early season. Then the Evil Monkeys made them crash to Earth last weekend. Meanwhile, the Bluegars keep trucking along. This series has overtime written all over it. Through 10 games, MRU has 52 goals and the Dinos have 43. Expect lots of offence.

OUT EAST

 

Sun Nov 10 Carleton 1 Ottawa 2
Tue Nov 12 York 3 Nipissing 2 (ot) – from Nov 9
Thu Nov 14 York 2 Toronto 3
Thu Nov 14 Brock 2 Laurier 0
Thu Nov 14 Lakehead 4 Waterloo 5 (ot)
Fri Nov 15 Ontario Tech at McGill
Fri Nov 15 Ottawa at Carleton
Fri Nov 15 Nipissing at RMC
Fri Nov 15 Queen's at UQTR
Fri Nov 15 Lakehead at Ryerson
Fri Nov 15 Guelph at Brock
Fri Nov 15 Laurentian at Concordia
Fri Nov 15 Laurier at Windsor
Sat Nov 16 Guelph at York
Sat Nov 16 Queen's at UQTR
Sat Nov 16 Ontario Tech at Concordia
Sat Nov 16 RMC at Carleton
Sat Nov 16 Nipissing at Ottawa
Sat Nov 16 W. Ontario at Toronto
Sat Nov 16 Laurentian at McGill
Sat Nov 16 Lakehead at Ryerson
Sat Nov 16 Waterloo at Windsor

Wed Nov 13 Moncton 2 UPEI 1 (ot)
Wed Nov 13 Saint Mary's 3 St. F.X. 4
Fri Nov 15 Moncton at New Brunswick
Fri Nov 15 Dalhousie at Saint Mary's
Fri Nov 15 Acadia at St. F.X.
Sat Nov 16 Acadia at Dalhousie
Sat Nov 16 New Brunswick at UPEI

Links:
➤ [USp Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]

[Hollywood]

Nov 15: Banjos Stymie the Bisons

 

This could be the weekend where things return to normal in the CW. Here's what happened Thursday and Friday nights.

 

MANITOBA BISONS 1

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [CW]

Stories/boxscores/video: [UofS] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM]

Preview story: [UofS]

 

The Bisons never seemed to find their mojo in this one. However, some good goaltending by backup Tyler Brown kept them in it, down only 2-1 in the 3rd period. A dubious “throwing your stick” call on Jonah Wasylak led to the PP insurance goal which salted this one away. (He passed his stick to a teammate). Although Brown had a good performance, I would expect #1 Riley Lamb for Saturday night's rematch.

 

Quick Summary

1st 10:46 SSK Stadnyk (7) ASST: McVeigh Dmytriw (PP)

1st 19:35 SSK Neuls (2) ASST: Dmytriw (SH)

3rd 04:18 MAN Skoleski (3) ASST: Henry

3rd 10:10 SSK Cable (3) ASST: Young Ballhorn (PP)

3rd 17:47 SSK Bauml (3) ASST: Young Cable (EN)

 

W: Kozun (19 saves, 20 shots)

L: Brown (47 saves, 50 shots)

 

Of note, Sask was 2-for-8 on the powerplay, and the Bisons were 0-for-5. Once again, a key goal against was short-handed. Also, Carter Doerksen had 5-and-a-game for a head hit. I don't believe he'll suit up on Saturday.

 

Saturday's rematch starts at 7:00 CST and is on CanadaWest.tv.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

CALGARY DINOSAURS 4

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 5

(in overtime)

 

Thursday Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: MRU : rp @CW : rp @UofC

 

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3

CALGARY DINOSAURS 4

 

Friday Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: UofC : rp @CW : rp @MRU*

 

This split was to be expected. The fact that Bedrock U got 3 points to the Bluegars' 2 means that they close to within 1 point of 2nd place.

 

Thursday night was a wild-west shoot-out style of game. Wyatt Hoflin got the W with 33 saves on 37 shots, and Brodam Salmond got the loss in relief, with 15 stops on 19 shots. Starter Matthew Greenfield started and allowed 1 goal on 5 shots in the 1st period.

 

On Friday night the scene shifted to Bedrock's Quarry, and the Dinos built a 4-0 lead before hanging on to a nail-biting victory. Chris Gerrie scored his 5th and 6th goals of the scene to make it interesting. Greenfield did not dress for the Dinos, so I suspect he'll miss some time with an injury. Salmond got the start and stopped 22 of 25 for the win. Hoflin started again for the Bluegars but after 4 goals on 16 shots, he was yanked in favour of Riley Morris, who made 17 saves to give MRU a chance.

 

I suspect that these two teams will be battling with the Mutts for 2nd place and that precious bye to the semi-finals.

 

 

REGINA COUGARS 2

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: UofA : rp @CW : rp @UofR*

 

This was the 50th consecutive win for the Evil Monkeys over the Banjo Cats. This includes playoffs and non-conference/exhibition games. But give the Kittens some credit. The deciding goal was an empty-netter and they looked pretty decent. I've seen the Apes have easier games at the University Cup. Grayson Pawlenchuk led the Monkeys with 2 goals and 2 assists. Brendan Burke stopped 21 of 23 shots for the win, and Brandon Holtby stopped 42 of 45 in a tough luck loss. The MKOnkeys are now in 1st place, 3 points ahead of 2nd, and Regina is in last, 3 points out of 7th.

 

 

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 7

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: UBC* : rp @CW : rp @UofL*

 

Don't be deceived by the scoreline in this one. The T-irds had a nice comfortable win in progress, up 3-0 mid-way through the 3rd period. But then the Hørny Ønes fell apart. Tyler Sandhu scored his 4th, 5th, and 6th goals to lead the T-irds. Rylan Toth stopped 23 of 24 shots for the win. Jack Burgart stopped 22 of 29 for the loss. UBC's powerplay was an amazing 4-for-6 on the night. This result vaults UBC into 6th place, one point up on Lethbridge and 2 points behind Manitoba.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Fri Nov 15 Moncton 1 New Brunswick 4       
Fri Nov 15 Dalhousie 2 Saint Mary's 5      
Fri Nov 15 Acadia 4 St. F.X. 3             

Fri Nov 15 Ontario Tech 3 McGill 4 (ot)    
Fri Nov 15 Ottawa 2 Carleton 4             
Fri Nov 15 Nipissing 2 RMC 5               
Fri Nov 15 Queen's 2 UQTR 5                
Fri Nov 15 Lakehead 2 Ryerson 3            
Fri Nov 15 Guelph 5 Brock 1                
Fri Nov 15 Laurentian 4 Concordia 2        
Fri Nov 15 Laurier 2 Windsor 3             

Links:

➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood]

Nov 16: Bisons Swept in Saskatown

 

So it looks like the future is clear in the CW. There will be a battle between MRU, Calgary, and Sask to see which one will get a playoff bye and host a semi-final, and which two will settle for hosting a quarter-final.

 

Otherwise, Regina and Lethbridge will be out of the playoffs, Manitoba and UBC will be the away teams in the quarter-finals, and Alberta will get the first place bye and hosting rights throughout the playoffs.

 

 

MANITOBA BISONS 3

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 6

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [CW]

Stories/boxscores/video: [UofS] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM]

 

The difference between the teams this weekend comes down to two factors:

1. empty net goals;

2. short-handed goals.

 

#1 is a by-product of #2. Without two shorthanded goals here, there would have been no need to pull the goalie and give up an empty-netter.

 

In this game the Bisons were shorthanded. Carter Doerksen was automatically suspended for incurring a major penalty on Friday. Josh Tripp, after starting the season injured, was also re-injured on Friday. Fortunately, with Lucas Skrumeda playing forward (mostly) this year, all they had to do was move him back to the blueline to have 6 defencemen.

 

Riley Lamb was back in goal, with Jeremy Link backing up.

 

Quick Summary

1st 11:59 SSK Neuls (3) ASST: Dmytriw (SH)

1st 12:56 MAN Pouteau (1) ASST: Skrumeda Leipsic (PP)

1st 15:11 SSK Bauml (4) ASST: Neuls Ruopp (PP)

1st 18:43 MAN Halvorsen (2) ASST: Carlson Skrumeda

2nd 03:02 SSK Ballhorn (2) ASST: Johnson

2nd 05:56 SSK Dmytriw (3) ASST: Neuls (SH)

2nd 15:42 MAN Henry (6) ASST: Skoleski (PP)

3rd 16:25 SSK Shirley (3) ASST: Dmytriw

3rd 19:21 SSK Johnson (1) ASST: Dmytriw (EN)

 

W: Kozun (19 saves, 22 shots)

L: Lamb (26 saves, 31 shots)

 

The Bisons FINALLY return home next weekend to face the Evil Monkeys. The Mutts will play a home-and-home set with their provincial rivals, the Banjo Cats.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

REGINA COUGARS 0

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 9

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: UofA* : rp @CW : UofR*

Friday lstory: UofR

 

After a credible performance on Friday, the Kittens were badly thrashed in this one. The frustrated banjo-lovers had enough by the 2nd period and good-old western fisticuffs followed. Michael Eskra (Regina) and Dawson Davidson (Alberta) had fighting majors and the accompanying ejection. The Kittens switched goaltenders (Holtby must have been tired after Friday's game) and Dawson Macauley (stopped 22 of 27) split duties with Curtis Meger (stopped 23 of 26). Matt Berlin had a 19 save shutout for the Primates.

 

 

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 0

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 5

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS

Stories: UBC : rp @CW : rp @UofL

Friday Stories: UBC : rp @CW : UofL

 

The Hørny Ønes got off to a better-than-expected start, after a weak pre-season. That bubble looks to have burst. The T-irds were dominant in this one. Patrick Dea got the win with a 14 save shutout. He could have been studying for a majority of the game, or enjoying some popcorn. Taz Burman took the loss, with 36 saves on 41 shots.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Sat Nov 16 Acadia 3 Dalhousie 5

Sat Nov 16 New Brunswick at UPEI - postponed

 

Sat Nov 16 Guelph 6 York 3

Sat Nov 16 Queen's 4 UQTR 3 (ot)

Sat Nov 16 Ontario Tech 3 Concordia 2 (ot)

Sat Nov 16 RMC 2 Carleton 5

Sat Nov 16 Nipissing 1 Ottawa 5

Sat Nov 16 W. Ontario 3 Toronto 6

Sat Nov 16 Laurentian 2 McGill 6

Sat Nov 16 Lakehead 3 Ryerson 2

Sat Nov 16 Waterloo 2 Windsor 3

 

Links:

➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

 

 

NEXT UP

 

Canada West

Fri Nov 22 Alberta at Manitoba

Fri Nov 22 Saskatchewan at Regina

Fri Nov 22 Calgary at Lethbridge

Fri Nov 22 UBC at Mount Royal

 

Atlantic

Wed Nov 20 Saint Mary's at Acadia

 

Ontario

Wed Nov 20 Laurentian at Nipissing

Thu Nov 21 Ryerson at Guelph

[Hollywood]

Preview: Nov 22-23: ALBERTA at MANITOBA

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (11-1-0, 17-3-0, OHT35 #1)

MANITOBA BISONS (5-6-1, 6-9-3, OHT35 #21)

 

Friday, November 22, 2017 at 7:00 at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

Saturday, November 23, 2017 at 7:00 at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

 

Live Links:

➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]

➤ Audio: Friday: [UMFM 101.5]

➤ Audio: Saturday: [UMFM 2nd Stream]

➤ Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

 

Manitoba Links:

➤ GoBisons: [Hard work instilled in Keaton Jameson from home life]

➤ GoBisons: [Bisons honour three-year student-athletes and Academic All-Canadians at 2019 Block M event]

➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]

➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Alberta Links:

➤ UofA: [Men's Hockey Site]

➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]

➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Other Links:

➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings]

➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]

➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

 

After a bye week and two weekends away, it has been a long time between home games for the Bisons.

 

This weekend marks the mid-point of the CW regular season. After this weekend each team will have played one regular season series against each opponent. This is the last season where this will be possible, due to the pending expansion into MacEwan and Holy Trinity next year.

 

The Evil Monkeys are running away with the CW standings so far. The rebuilding Bisons have had a credible performance, splitting every series until being swept in Saskatown last weekend. While the Bisons have to be considered underdogs in this match-up, it is worth noting that they are 7-7-2 against the Monkeys the previous four seasons. I don't think anybody in the CIS has done better. Going back over the last 11 seasons, the Bisons have a 12-10 edge. Of those 11 series, 8 have been split. The Bisons swept them in 2017-18 and 2015-16. Alberta's only sweep was in 2014-15.

 

At the start of the season I figured that the Bisons would need to survive the 1st half and would likely improve in the 2nd half. If they could split this weekend, they will be well situated for a playoff run. The Bisons and UBC are tied for 5th and 6th with 11 points each, 3 points ahead of Lethbridge.

 

The Apes have 4 of the Top 20 scorers, and 8 of the Top 40. That's pretty good. They have 57 goals through 12 games, which is one ahead of #2 MRU. But it's their goaltending/defence which has been most impressive. They have given up just 21 goals, way ahead of #2 Sask, with 35.

 

Note that audio of Friday's game is on 101.5FM, and both games are on-line at the links.

 

 

ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

 

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (7-3-2, 8-4-2, OHT35 #6)

REGINA COUGARS (2-9-1, 3-12-1, OHT35 #35)

 

Links:

➤ UofR: [Men's Hockey Site]

➤ UofS: [Men's Hockey Site]

 

This year's Battle of Banjoland does not exactly size up to be a legendary rivalry. The Banjo-Mutts started slow (3 losses, then an OTL against Alberta) but since then they are 7-0-1. The Bisons were unfortunate to face them last weekend after they found their form. Meanwhile, the Banjo-Cats envy having a streak like that just once in their 9 lives. They faced the Monkeys last weekend. They had a nice performance on Friday but then were skunked 9-0 on Saturday. Is Friday a “trap game”? Sometimes a rivalry game is good for an underdog, or undercat in this case.

 

 

CALGARY DINOSAURS (7-3-2, 13-4-3, OHT35 #7)

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (4-8-0, 4-11-1, OHT35 #23)

 

Links:

➤ UofC: [Horns next in third straight provincial rivalry weekend]

➤ UofL: [Pronghorns look to rebound versus provincial foe]

 

This is another home-and-home series. The Hørny Ønes are coming off a sweep against UBC where they went from a playoff position to an all-too-familiar position on the outside looking in. Meanwhile, in the Town of Bedrock, the Dinos started the season looking like national contenders, going 4-0-0 after a solid pre-season. They are now treading water, going 3-3-2 the last month. This could be TSN Turning Point for one, or both, teams.

 

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (4-5-3, 7-8-4, OHT35 #20)

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (8-3-1, 11-5-2, OHT35 #5)

 

Links:

➤ UBC: [‘Birds begin challenging road schedule against Mount Royal]

➤ MRU: [Under Armour and Players Bench Athletes of the Week for Nov 14 to Nov 20]

 

This series probably will not garner much national attention, but I find it interesting. The under-rated Bluegars are a serious threat to claim 2nd place, and the quarter-final bye and semi-final hosting rights which go with that. If they have the proverbial “royal jelly”, they have to get 4 points in a series like this. Meanwhile, the T-irds have recovered from a slow early season injury avalanche. Last weekend the dominated Lethbridge. Now, that hardly ranks as grounds to book hotel rooms for the nationals. But they handled them better than most would have.

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Wed Nov 20 Laurentian 2 Nipissing 6

Thu Nov 21 Ryerson 6 Guelph 5

Fri Nov 22 W. Ontario at Windsor

Fri Nov 22 Laurier at Lakehead

Fri Nov 22 Toronto at Waterloo

Fri Nov 22 Brock at York

Fri Nov 22 UQTR at Ontario Tech

Fri Nov 22 Carleton at Nipissing

Fri Nov 22 Queen's at RMC

Sat Nov 23 UQTR at Ontario Tech

Sat Nov 23 Windsor at W. Ontario

Sat Nov 23 Laurier at Lakehead

Sat Nov 23 Concordia at RMC

Sat Nov 23 Brock at Ryerson

Sat Nov 23 Waterloo at York

Sat Nov 23 Ottawa at Nipissing

Sat Nov 23 McGill at Queen's

Sat Nov 23 Carleton at Laurentian

Sun Nov 24 Ottawa at Laurentian

 

Wed Nov 20 Saint Mary's 2 Acadia 5

Fri Nov 22 St. F.X. at Moncton

Fri Nov 22 Saint Mary's at UPEI

Fri Nov 22 Dalhousie at New Brunswick

Sat Nov 23 UPEI at Acadia

Sat Nov 23 St. F.X. at New Brunswick

Sat Nov 23 Dalhousie at Moncton

 

Links:

➤ [USp Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

[Hollywood]

Nov 22: Monkeys Edge Bisons in a Squeaker

 

In the end, the favourites all won this night in the CW. Here's the details.

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2

MANITOBA BISONS 0

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [Coach's View*] : [CW]

Stories/boxscores/video: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA*]

 

This was a tight game all the way through. The last goal was an empty-netter. The Monkeys won't be easy, but the Bisons showed they can be tough on the Apes. Here's how they lined up:

 

MANITOBA BISONS

Goal
35 Brown (30 Lamb)

Defence
2 Henry 3 Christensen
5 Schioler 6 Dyck
27 Doerksen 28 Pouteau

Forwards
22 Leipsic 10 Skoleski 17 Veloso
29 Wasylak 12 Jameson 19 Halvorson
14 Keane 9 Thiessen 15 Dalke
13 Labossiere 25 Skrumeda 20 Apetagon

Scratches
1 Link 4 Stanley 8 Barley

11 Carlson 16 Tripp 26 Leblanc

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

Goal
1 Burke (35 Berlin)

 

Defence
22 Carroll 8 Rehill
4 Kirichenko 7 Lange

23 Hamaliuk

6 Freadrich

 

Forwards
36 Cox 10 Soy 26 Sanford

11 Cooper 27 Miske 18 Baillie

16 Pawlenchuk 21 Butcher 13 Owre

20 Volcan 12 Philp 14 Jevne

Scratches
3 Lakusta 5 Davidson 24 Chizen

25 Smith 29 Paterson 30 Cardinal

37 Nickles 40 Linaker

 

Quick Summary
1st 09:06 ALB Miske (3) ASST: Baillie Hamaliuk

3rd 18:58 ALB Owre (8) ASST: Rehill (EN)

W: Burke (20 saves, 20 shots)
L: Brown (45 saves, 46 shots)

 

I listed the Primates defence as I did because the 5th and 6th defencemen never played as a pair. They occasionally spelled one of the top 4.

 

One unique feature of the game was that the Monkeys missed a lot of golden opportunities. The other unique feature was the extreme amount of sissy penalties they took. Baillie seemed to get on the wrong side of the ref. He took a cheap shot during a line change, and nobody likes that.

 

If the Bisons want to gain yet another split, they will need to find some offence. It would be interesting to see how the game would look if the Bisons were playing with the lead.

 

Saturday's rematch goes at 7:00, and it's the Movember game.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3

REGINA COUGARS 1

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW*

Stories: UofR : rp @CW

Preview: UofS

 

This came close to be being a trap game. In this battle of canines and felines, chalk one up for the puppies. Taran Kozun got the win with 15 saves on 16 shots, and Brandon Holtby had the loss with 24 saves (one on a penalty shot) on 27 shots. The teams are now Runnin' Back to Saskatown for the Saturday rematch.

 

 

CALGARY DINOSAURS 3

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

(in overtime)

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: UofL : rp @CW : rp @UofC

 

The Hørny Ønes were outclassed by UBC last weekend and have to be somewhat happy that they picked up a point in this one. They must have found a small dose of Viagra. After I got home from the Bison game I caught the overtime on CanadaWest.tv. Broden Salmond got the win for Bedrock U, with 23 saves on 25 shots. Lethbridge had a two-goal performance from Luke Coleman and Taz Burman took the loss with an incredible 54 saves on 57 shots.

 

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 1

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW*

Stories: MRU* : rp @CW : rp @UBC*

 

The T-irds held on to a 1-0 lead until mid-way through the 2nd period. From that point on it was all Bluegars. Ryley Lindgren paced the attack with his 7th, 8th, and 9th goals of the season. Thus, the Bluegars kept pace with Sask and Bedrock and remain 2nd in the CW standings, and UBC remains tied with Manitoba.

 

OUT EAST

 

Fri Nov 22 St. F.X. 0 Moncton 3 
Fri Nov 22 Saint Mary's 3 UPEI 6
Fri Nov 22 Dalhousie 0 New Brunswick 10

Fri Nov 22 W. Ontario 2 Windsor 6
Fri Nov 22 Laurier 2 Lakehead 3  
Fri Nov 22 Toronto 6 Waterloo 2  
Fri Nov 22 Brock 2 York 1        
Fri Nov 22 UQTR 2 Ontario Tech 1 (ot)
Fri Nov 22 Carleton 5 Nipissing 4
Fri Nov 22 Queen's 4 RMC 3

Links:

➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood]

Nov 23: Bison Season-of-the-Split Continues

 

One split and three sweeps this weekend. Guess which series had the split?

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3

MANITOBA BISONS 5

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [Coach's View] : [CW*]

Stories/boxscores/video: [UofM] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofA]

Friday late Usp/CIS: [Boxscore] : [Coach's View]

Friday late Game Story: [rp @UofA]

 

This result will raise eyebrows across the country! However, the Bisons have shown they can expect a split with anybody now that they have split 6-out-of-7 series. Overall, the Bisons are 8-8-2 against the Apes over the last 5 years, and in the last 12 years at home they are 13-11.

 

Here's how they lined up:

 

MANITOBA BISONS

 

Goal

35 Brown (30 Lamb)

 

Defence

2 Henry 3 Christensen

5 Schioler 6 Dyck

27 Doerksen 28 Pouteau

 

Forwards

22 Leipsic 10 Skoleski 17 Veloso

11 Carlson 12 Jameson 29 Wasylak

14 Keane 9 Thiessen 15 Dalke

20 Apetagon 25 Skrumeda 19 Halvorson

 

Scratches

1 Link 4 Stanley 8 Barley

13 Labossiere 16 Tripp 26 Leblanc

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

 

Goal

35 Berlin 1 Burke (from 14:33 of the 2nd)

 

Defence

5 Davidson 4 Kirichenko

22 Carroll 8 Rehill

7 Lange 23 Hamaliuk

 

Forwards

16 Pawlenchuk 21 Butcher 13 Owre

36 Cox 10 Soy 26 Sanford

20 Volcan 12 Philp 14 Jevne

37 Nickles 27 Miske 11 Cooper

 

Scratches

3 Lakusta 6 Freadrich 18 Baillie

24 Chizen 25 Smith 29 Paterson

30 Cardinal 40 Linaker

 

Quick Summary

1st 07:11 MAN Leipsic (3) ASST: Dalke Wasylak (PP)

2nd 05:26 MAN Apetagon (2) ASST: Henry Halvorsen

2nd 06:18 ALB Volcan (3) ASST: Jevne Kirichenko

2nd 10:58 ALB Soy (7) ASST: Cox Sanford (PP)

2nd 13:25 MAN Skrumeda (1) ASST: Keane Dalke

2nd 14:33 MAN Carlson (3) ASST: Skoleski Veloso

3rd 10:16 MAN Wasylak (3) ASST: Carlson (3)

3rd 11:40 ALB Sanford (1) ASST: Davidson Philp (PP)

 

W: Brown (30 saves, 33 shots)

L: Berlin (4 saves, 8 shots)

n/d: Burke (4 saves, 5 shots)

 

So the Berlin Wall came tumbling down after the 4th Bison goal. However, the shot clock was misleading in this game. The Bison goals were generally from golden opportunities. Leipsic's was a powerplay, Apetagon's was a sweet deke after some nice passes, Skrumeda and Carlson converted a nice pass, and Wasylak was a barging bull plowing through the slot. Wasylak was a force all night. The Monkeys might be concerned about how many liberties the Bisons could take in the slot, in prime scoring position.

 

To put the 5-goal outburst into perspective, the Monkeys had given up 21 goals in their previous 13 games this season.

 

I was surprised that Tyler Brown started again, instead of Riley Lamb. Brown's Friday performance was excellent, but Lamb has been one of the conference's best goaltenders all year.

 

The Monkeys still have a 3-point lead atop the table. The Bisons sit in 5th place, 2 points ahead of UBC and 4 points up on Lethbridge.

 

The Herd is off to Lethbridge next week and then it's time off for exams and Christmas holidays. The next home game is January 3rd when the Bluegars are here for a series.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

REGINA COUGARS 0

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW*

Stories: UofS : rp @CW : rp @UofR*

 

Give the Banjo-Cats some credit. They came up with two credible performances, one home and now one away. This one was scoreless into the 3rd period. Jared Dmytriw scored the games only goals (his 5th and 6th of the season) and the winning backup goaltender Travis Child had a 28 save shutout. Brandon Holtby stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced in being tagged with another loss.

 

 

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

CALGARY DINOSAURS 5

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: UofC : rp @CW : UofL

 

The scene shifted to the Town of Bedrock for this rematch. Although the Hørny Ønes forced overtime (and thereby claimed a point) on Friday, this was a solid win for the Dinos. Brodan Salmond stopped 20 of 22 shots for the win, and Jack Burgart stopped 39 of 43 in the loss. Bedrock U needed the sweep to keep pace in that race for 2nd place.

 

 

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 1

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: MRU : rp @CW : rp @UBC

Late Friday Stories: MRU : UBC

 

Second verse, same as the first. Brad Kennedy and Connor Chartier each scored twice for MRU, and Riley Morris got the win with 22 saves on 23 shots. Patrick Dea got the loss after giving up 3 goals on 6 shots in 8 minutes of hockey. Rylan Toth mopped up with 20 saves on 21 shots.

 

 

STANDINGS

 

 

 

OUT EAST

 

Sat Nov 23 UPEI 1 Acadia 3                 
Sat Nov 23 St. F.X. 1 New Brunswick 8      
Sat Nov 23 Dalhousie 2 Moncton 7           

 

Sat Nov 23 UQTR 3 Ontario Tech 2           
Sat Nov 23 Windsor 5 W. Ontario 2          
Sat Nov 23 Laurier 6 Lakehead 3            
Sat Nov 23 Concordia 8 RMC 2               
Sat Nov 23 Brock 1 Ryerson 2               
Sat Nov 23 Waterloo 3 York 2               
Sat Nov 23 Ottawa 3 Nipissing 4 (so)       
Sat Nov 23 McGill 1 Queen's 0              
Sat Nov 23 Carleton 5 Laurentian 4         

 

Links:

➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

 

 

NEXT UP

 

Canada West

Fri Nov 29 Manitoba at Lethbridge

Fri Nov 29 Regina at Calgary

Fri Nov 29 Saskatchewan at Mount Royal

Fri Nov 29 UBC at Alberta

Atlantic

Wed Nov 27 St. F.X. at Dalhousie           

Ontario

Sun Nov 24 Ottawa at Laurentian            
Wed Nov 27 Queen's at Ottawa               
Thu Nov 28 York at Laurier                 
Thu Nov 28 Brock at Ryerson                

 

[Hollywood]

Preview: Nov 29-30: MANITOBA at LETHBRIDGE


MANITOBA BISONS (6-7-1, 7-10-3, OHT35 #17)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (4-9-1, 4-12-2, OHT35 #22)

Friday, November 29, 2019 at 7:00 MT/8:00 CT at Lethbridge
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1:00 MT/2:00 CT at Lethbridge

Live Links:
➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]
➤ Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ The Manitoban: [Manitoba Bisons ride strong goaltending to split with Alberta Golden Bears]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Lethbridge Links:
➤ GoHorns: [Pronghorns close out first semester with an important series versus Bisons]
➤ GoHorns: [Pronghorns Athletes tie all-time high for Academic All-Canadians with 74]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook]
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

Other Links:
➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings]
➤ USports: [Top Ten]
➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]
➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

Prior games:
Sept 28: UM 2 UL 0: [Leaguestat] : [Game Story]
Sept 29: UL 5 UM 4: [Leaguestat] : [Game Story]

Time for the second lap around the CW schedule.

Coming off good results against the Evil Monkeys, one might be excused for thinking that the Bisons are tuned up for a sweep of the Hørny Ønes. Such a result would likely guarantee the Bisons a playoff berth heading into the exam/Christmas break.

However, the Bisons already have one split with Lethbridge this year, and heading into the season their record against both the Hørny Ønes and the Evil Monkeys was 7-7-2. That is peculiar. Also, the Bisons have split 6 of 7 regular season series thus far. It must be noted that the Bison difficulties with Lethbridge are of recent vintage. In years gone by, a 3-1 season edge was the norm.

The Bisons are resting comfortably in 5th place, a long way away from 4th. My pre-season wish was to have a respectable 1st half and cash in on the inevitable 2nd half improvement. Well, I hope it's inevitable.

Adam Henry continues to lead the Bisons. The captain is 6-8-14, giving him an even point-per-game average from the blueline. He is one of 4 players tied for 7th in conference scoring. Landon Gross leads the Horns at 4-7-11. They have had a few 1st year players with reasonable stats.

The big difference between these teams is at the back end. The Horns have surrendered 65 goals, to just 48 by the Bisons. Taz Burman has been the Lethbridge starter and is 3-5-1, 4.72 GAA, .896 S%. Riley Lamb was the Bison starter until last weekend, his numbers were 5-3-1, 3.14 GAA, .914S%. I have confidence in all three of their 1st year golatenders. Tyler Brown is 1-3-0, 3.01 GAA, .929 S% and Jeremey Link is 0-1-0, 2.03 GAA, .957 S%.


ELSEWHERE IN THE CW


REGINA COUGARS (2-11-1, 3-14-1, OHT35 #35)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (9-3-2, 15-4-3, OHT35 #7)

Links:
➤ UofC: [First-half finale sees Dinos host green Cougars]
➤ UofR: [Men's Hockey Site]

In the Town of Bedrock the Dinos host the Banjo Cats. In the the battle for 2nd place, this is a must-sweep series on home ice for the Dinos. Simple as that. The Banjo Cats have made a habit of having at least one tough battle every weekend, and they are due to profit from those efforts.



SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (9-3-2, 10-4-2, OHT35 #6)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (10-3-1, 13-5-1-1, OHT35 #4)

Links:
➤ MRU: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofS: [Men's Hockey Site]

This is the feature match-up of the weekend. The season started with the Bluegars sweeping the Banjo Mutts in Saskatown. Since then the Mutts have rebounded and now are just oine point removed from 2nd place, occupied by MRU. Although the sweep was impressive, in the four years prior the Mutts held a 14-2 advantage over the Bluegars. SO I don't think MRU will be cocky or overconfident in this series.



U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (4-7-3, 7-10-4, OHT35 #21)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (12-2-0, 18-4-0, OHT35 #1)

Links:
➤ UofA: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UBC: [‘Birds close out 2019 against CW leading Golden Bears in Edmonton]

This series is of interest to the Bisons, since the T-irds are only two points behind. The Evil Monkeys should be reeling after last weekend, so I expect them to turn in a better performance on home ice.


OUT EAST


ONTARIO

Wed Nov 27 Queen's 2 Ottawa 3 (so)
Thu Nov 28 York 2 Laurier 5
Thu Nov 28 Brock 5 Ryerson 2
Fri Nov 29 Nipissing at UQTR
Fri Nov 29 Guelph at W. Ontario
Fri Nov 29 Carleton at McGill
Fri Nov 29 Laurentian at RMC
Fri Nov 29 York at Waterloo
Fri Nov 29 Toronto at Brock
Fri Nov 29 Laurier at Windsor
Sat Nov 30 Nipissing at UQTR
Sat Nov 30 Concordia at Ottawa
Sat Nov 30 Guelph at Windsor
Sat Nov 30 McGill at RMC
Sat Nov 30 Ontario Tech at Carleton
Sat Nov 30 Waterloo at Toronto
Sat Nov 30 W. Ontario at Ryerson
Sat Nov 30 Laurentian at Queen's
Sun Dec 01 Ontario Tech at Ottawa


ATLANTIC

Wed Nov 27 St. F.X. 8 Dalhousie 5
Fri Nov 29 UPEI at St. F.X.
Fri Nov 29 Moncton at Saint Mary's
Fri Nov 29 New Brunswick at Acadia
Sat Nov 30 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's
Sat Nov 30 Dalhousie at UPEI
Sat Nov 30 Moncton at Acadia

Links:
➤ [USp Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]

 

 

 

[Hollywood]

Nov 29: Bisons Register Convincing Win

 

On Friday night, it was a home game for everybody in Alberta. And two games went all the way to a shoot-out.

 

MANITOBA BISONS 3

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

 

Links:

LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]

Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]

Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [CW]

Stories/boxscores/video: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM]

 

The Bisons registered a sound victory to put themselves 6 points clear of 7th place Lethbridge and 4 points up on UBC. The Hørny Ønes took 7 consecutive penalties in the 2nd period, where they were outshot 15-3. It was somewhat of a miracle that they stayed within shouting distance.

 

Quick Summary

1st 03:53 MAN Pouteau (2) ASST: Dalke Thiessen

2nd 14:09 MAN Skoleski (4) ASST: Jameson (PP)

3rd 02:20 MAN Leipsic (4) ASST: Thiessen Henry (PP)

3rd 10:12 LET Sward (1) ASST: Grant (SH)

 

W: Brown (24 saves, 25 shots)

L: Burman (35 saves, 38 shots)

 

The rematch is Saturday at 1:00 MT/2:00 CT.

 

 

 

OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD

 

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 3

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: UofA : rp @CW : rp @UBC

 

The Evil Monkeys dominated the shot clock throughout. But it was a 3+ minute deluge of 3 goals in the 2nd period which spelled the difference here. Brendan Burke stopped 13 of 16 shots for the win, and Rylan Toth stopped 27 of 31 for the loss, in two periods. Patrick Dea stopped 8 of 9 in the 3rd.

 

 

REGINA COUGARS 4

CALGARY DINOSAURS 5

(in a shootout)

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: UofC : rp @CW* : rp @UofR*

 

The Banjo-Cats always seem to have at least one decent game on the weekend, and they did play well on Friday night in the Town Of Bedrock. Before ths hootout, the Bedrock zamboni driver made a mess of the ice and ultimately finished with a small patch of unfinished ice to the right of the Dinos' goaltender. It drew the checkles of the announcers. It must be tough to operate on ice when in bare feet. The Dinos had a 4-2 lead in the 3rd period, but Ben Duppereault scored twice to fore overtime. Brodan Salmond stopped 27 of 31 for the win, and Brandon Holtby stopped 33 of 37 for the loss.

 

 

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 1

(in a shootout)

 

Links:

LeagueStat: Summary & tabs

Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs

Boxscores & tabs: USp/CIS : CW

Stories: MRU : rp @CW : rp @UofS

 

After the Bison game, I watched a bit of the Alberta game, then a lot of this one. It looked like a playoff game, and in could well be a prevfiew of the semi-final round. After two losses to the Bluegars in Saskatown, the Banjo-Mutts absolutely needed this one. The 3-pointer means that both of these teams, plus Calgary, are 10-3-2 and tied for 2nd place. Taran Kozun stopped 28 of 29 for the win and Wyatt Hoflin stopped 34 of 35 in the loss. MRU had a military-themed alternate jersey for this one.

 

 

 

OUT EAST

 

 

Fri Nov 29 UPEI 6 St. F.X. 5
Fri Nov 29 Moncton 2 Saint Mary's 5
Fri Nov 29 New Brunswick 2 Acadia 3

 

Fri Nov 29 Nipissing 1 UQTR 2      
Fri Nov 29 Guelph 4 W. Ontario 2   
Fri Nov 29 Carleton 3 McGill 4 (ot)
Fri Nov 29 Laurentian 4 RMC 6      
Fri Nov 29 York 3 Waterloo 4       
Fri Nov 29 Toronto 6 Brock 2       
Fri Nov 29 Laurier 6 Windsor 2     

 

Links:

➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]

➤ [OUA LS Daily]

➤ [AUS S&R]

 

[Hollywood]

Nov 30: Bisons End Semester with a Split

Once again, there was one split in the CW as the first semester wraps up.


MANITOBA BISONS 3
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 6

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
Hockey Tech: [Summary] : [Report] : [Text]
Boxscores and tabs: [USp/CIS] : [CW]
Stories/boxscores/video: [UofL] : [rp @CW] : [rp @UofM]

This was in many ways a dopey Saturday afternoon game following a Friday night encounter. After suffering ahead shot on Friday, Colton Veloso was scratched from the Bison line-up, leaving the roster one man short.

Quick Summary
2nd 04:32 MAN Thiessen (4) ASST: Dalke, Pouteau
2nd 06:26 LET Borynec (1) ASST: Clarke, Coleman
2nd 12:14 LET Chynoweth (3) ASST: Coleman (PP)
2nd 16:12 MAN Wasylak (4) ASST: Dyck, Carlson
2nd 18:16 LET B Maxwell (4) ASST: Valentine, Trott
3rd 03:54 LET Coleman ASST: Clarke, Jensen
3rd 05:02 MAN Leipsic (5) ASST: Wasylak, Pouteau
3rd 05:23 LET R Maxwell (2) ASST: Fisher, B Maxwell
3rd 18:33 LET Borynec (2) ASST: Clarke, Sward (PP)

W: Burman (53 saves, 56 shots)
L: Lamb (32 saves, 38 shots)

The opening period was very loose, with the Bisons holding an edge in shots by a 16-11 margin. The second was similar, with the shots being 21-15 for the Bisons. However, 5 goals were scored. It appeared that the Bisons were content to throw all caution to the wind in order to pad the stats. While they controlled the play, they opened themselves up for uncontrolled counter-attacks.

Once the Hørny Ønes opened scoring in the 3rd, to get a 2-goal lead, the Bisons had to play to catch-up mode. On the night the PP turned the game around. Lethbridge was 2-for-5 and the Bisons were 0-for-5.

This marks the end of the semester, and the Bisons sit a respectable 5th with a 7-8-1 record. The Hørny Ønes are 4 points behind, at 5-10-1 and tied with UBC for 6th place. The next Bison action is January 3rd and 4th when they will host the MRU Bluegars. All-in-all, Bison management must be satisfied with the 1st semester. My thoughts were that their 2nd half was destined to be better than their 1st, due to the large amount of youthful turnover on the roster. We'll see if that materializes. Or maybe they'll just keep on splitting almost every series all season.


A good look at Lethbridge's vintage logo.


OUT-OF-TOWN SCOREBOARD


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS 1

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary & tabs
Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs
USp/CIS: Boxscores & tabs
Stories: UofA : rp @CW : rp @UBC

After experiencing their 2nd loss at the hands of the Bisons last weekend, the Evil Monkeys were firing on all cylinders on home ice against the T-irds. The shots were 41-23, and 13 of those UBC shots came in the 3rd period when they were trailing by 2 goals most of the time. (It was still just a 3-1 socre until the last 2 minutes.) Curtis Miske led the Monkeys with his 4th and 5th goals of the season and Matt Berlin claimed the W in goal. Rylan Toth stopped 36-of-40 shots he faced.

Alberta has a commanding lead atop the standings, at 14-2-0. UBC is now 4-9-3 and tied with Lethbridge for 6th place. During the break, the Apes will face the MRU Bluegars on Dec 28th and the NAIT Ooks of the ACAC on Dec 29th.



REGINA COUGARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 4

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary & tabs
Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs
USp/CIS: Boxscores & tabs
Stories: UofC : rp @CW : rp @UofR*
Friday late stories: UofC : rp @UofR

Although the Banjo-Cats had a decent effort, they again came up short. It was 2-1 heading into the 3rd period, at which time Bedrock U slammed the door on the Kittens, outshooting them 15-3. Tyler Gutenberg got the win in his first start of the season (he also had just one game last year), with 14 saves on 16 shots. Brandon Holtby stopped 30 of 34 in taking another loss. At 11-3-2, the Dinos are tied for 2nd, and the Kittens are dead last at 2-12-2. My guess is they be playing spoiler in the 2nd semester.



SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 2

Links:
LeagueStat: Summary & tabs
Hockey Tech: Summary & tabs
USp/CIS: Boxscores & tabs
Stories: MRU : rp @CW : rp @UofS

The Banjo-Mutts redeemed their season opening sweep at the hands of the Bluegars by achieving their own sweep this weekend. Despite a slow start, the Mutts are now 11-3-2 and tied for 2nd with Calgary. MRU falls to 10-4-2, two points behind. It all sets up a contest for 2nd place in the 2nd semester. Taran Kozun got the win with 26 saves on 28 shots, and Wyatt Hoflin got the loss with 34 save son 37 shots. This series had a playoff feel to it, and could well have been a playoff preview,


OUT EAST



Sat Nov 30 New Brunswick 8 Saint Mary's 1
Sat Nov 30 Dalhousie 3 UPEI 2
Sat Nov 30 Moncton 3 Acadia 4 (ot)



Sat Nov 30 Nipissing 0 UQTR 6
Sat Nov 30 Concordia 3 Ottawa 5
Sat Nov 30 Guelph 3 Windsor 2
Sat Nov 30 RMC 3 McGill 2
Sat Nov 30 Ontario Tech 3 Carleton 4 (ot)
Sat Nov 30 Waterloo 0 Toronto 4
Sat Nov 30 W. Ontario 5 Ryerson 6 (ot)
Sat Nov 30 Laurentian 0 Queen's 4

Links:
➤ [USp/CIS Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]


NEXT UP

CANADA WEST
Sat Dec 28 Mount Royal at Alberta (non-conference)
Sun Dec 29 NAIT at Alberta (ACAC non-conference)
Sun Dec 29 SAIT at Calgary (ACAC non-conference)
Fri Jan 03 Mount Royal at Manitoba
Fri Jan 03 Lethbridge at Regina
Fri Jan 03 Alberta at Saskatchewan
Fri Jan 03 Calgary at UBC

ONTARIO
Sun Dec 01 Ontario Tech at Ottawa
Tue Dec 03 Ottawa at UQTR (ppd from Nov 2)
Sun Dec 29 Nipissing at Lakehead (non-conference)
Mon Dec 30 Nipissing at Lakehead (non-conference)
Thu Jan 02 Ryerson at Brock

ATLANTIC
Sat Dec 28 Windsor at Moncton (OUA non-conference)
Sun Dec 29 Windsor at New Brunswick (OUA non-conference)
Thu Jan 02 UPEI at Saint Mary's

ALL-STAR GAMES
Wed Dec 11 USports All-Stars v Team Canada Juniors
Thu Dec 12 USports All-Stars v Team Canada Juniors

Links:
➤ [Team Canada Site]
➤ [Oakville to host Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek selection camp]
➤ [Tickets | 2019-20 National Junior Team Camp Series vs. U SPORTS]
➤ [U Sports History]

[Hollywood]

Dec 11-12: Team Canada Juniors v USports All-Stars

This will be the 5th season of an exhibition series between the Team Canada Juniors and USports/CIS All-Stars. In previous years, they warmed up with games against either individual teams, conference all-stars, or combinations of 2 or 3 teams. The [USports site] has compiled a list of past results, which I added to the [Wikia] page:

Canada West Games

■ Dec 16, 1988 at Calgary: Calgary Dinosaurs 6, Team Canada 4
■ Dec 17, 1990 at Kindersley: Team Canada 4, Saskatchewan Huskies 2
■ Dec 16, 1994 at Edmonton: Team Canada 6, CW Selects 0
■ Dec 16, 1998 at Winnipeg: Team Canada 3, Manitoba Bisons 2
■ Dec 17, 1998 at Winnipeg: Team Canada 7, Brandon Bobcats 1
■ Dec 14, 2004 at Winnipeg: Manitoba Bisons 4, Team Canada 2
■ Dec 15, 2004 at Winnipeg: Team Canada 6, Manitoba Bisons 3
■ Dec 15, 2005 at Vancouver: Team Canada 8, UBC Thunderbirds 1
■ Dec 15, 2006 at Calgary: Calgary/Lethbridge 5, Team Canada 4
■ Dec 13, 2007 at Calgary: Team Canada v Calgary Dinosaurs (cancelled, mumps)
■ Dec 15, 2009 at Saskatoon: Sask/Regina 4, Team Canada 2
■ Dec 17, 2011 at Calgary: Team Canada 7, Calgary/Lethbridge 4 : [UofC]
■ Dec 12, 2012 at Edmonton: Alberta Golden Bears 4, Team Canada 1 : [Sportsnet]
■ Dec 13, 2012 at Calgary: Team Canada 2, Calgary/Lethbridge/MRU 0

Team Canada held an 8-5 edge overall against the CW. Lots of links I had are now 404!

USports/CIS Games

■ Dec 12, 2015 at Toronto: CIS 5, Team Canada 4 (so)
■ Dec 13, 2015 at Toronto: Team Canada 5, CIS 0
■ Dec 12, 2016 at Boisbriand: Team Canada 5, USports 3
■ Dec 13, 2016 at Boisbriand: Team Canada 3, USports 0
■ Dec 13, 2017 at St. Catharines: USports 3, Team Canada 0
■ Dec 14, 2017 at St. Catharines: USports 4, Team Canada 3
■ Dec 12, 2018 at Victoria: Team Canada 3, USports 2 (so): [Story]/[Summary]
■ Dec 13, 2018 at Victoria: USports 5, Team Canada 3: [Story]/[Summary]
■ Dec 14, 2018 at Victoria: USports 5, Team Canada 1: [Story]/[Summary]

USports/CIS teams have a 5-4 edge under this format.

AUS Games

■ Dec 14, 2002 at Halifax: Team Canada 5, AUS Selects 2
■ Dec 15, 2002 at Halifax: Team Canada 3, AUS Selects 2

OUA Games

■ Dec 15, 1997 at Kitchener: Team Canada 3, OUA West 3 (tie)
■ Dec 16, 1997 at Kitchener: Team Canada 6, OUA East 4
■ Dec 15, 1999 at Kitchener: Team Canada v OUA All-Stars
■ Dec 16, 1999 at Kitchener: Team Canada v OUA All-Stars
■ Dec 16, 2000 at Toronto: Team Canada 5, OUA All-Stars 3
■ Dec 17, 2000 at Toronto: Team Canada 6, OUA All-Stars 5 (so)
■ Dec 13, 2001 at Toronto: Team Canada 4, OUA All-Stars 3
■ Dec 14, 2001 at Toronto: Team Canada v OUA All-Stars
■ Dec 14, 2003 at Kitchener: Team Canada 2 OUA All-Stars 0
■ Dec 15, 2003 at Kitchener: Team Canada 9 OUA All-Stars 1
■ Dec 14, 2010 at Toronto: Team Canada 6, OUA Selects 2
■ Dec 14, 2013 at Toronto: Team Canada 3, Toronto Selects 0
■ Dec 13, 2014 at Toronto: Team Canada 10, Toronto Selects 3
■ Dec 14, 2014 at Toronto: Team Canada 3, Toronto Selects 0

The Toronto Selects were a combination of the Toronto Varsity Blues, York Lions, and Ryerson Rams.

[Hollywood]

There have been a lot of stories about the series, and I include the "master links" as well. As usual, there are loads of stories from the junior leagues and local media about every player selected to the TC camp.

Links:
➤ [USports: Guelph’s Aagaard headlines roster for 2019 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey All-Star Series]
➤ [Hockey Canada: Team Canada Site]
➤ [CHL.ca: 21 CHL Grads Named to U SPORTS Men’s Hockey All-Stars]
➤ [TSN: Team Canada Site]
➤ [Sportsnet: Junior Hockey Site]
➤ [Sportsnet: USports Site]

Here's the USports Team:

Goaltenders
31 Jonathan Reinhart - Windsor
33 Sébastien Auger - UQTR

Defencemen
4 Clayton Kirichenko - Alberta
8 Ryan Rehill - Alberta
15 Tristan Pomerleau - UNB
16 Nikolas Brouillard - McGill
22 Matt Murphy - UNB
51 Josh Burnside - Carleton
77 Nick Welsh - Saint Mary's

Forwards
9 Mikkel Aagaard - Guelph
10 Tyler Boland - UNB
11 Collin Shirley - Saskatchewan
12 Stephen Johnson - Saint Mary's
13 Steven Owre - Alberta
19 Bryson Cianfrone - StFX
21 Kris Bennett - UNB
24 Mark Simpson - UNB
26 Cole Sanford - Alberta
36 Trevor Cox - Alberta
61 Grayson Pawlenchuk - Alberta
74 Ryley Lindgren - Mount Royal
91 Mathew Santos - Ryerson

TEAM STAFF

Head Coach
Gardiner MacDougall - UNB

Assistant Coaches
Clarke Singer - Western Ontario
Brett Gibson - Queen’s
Todd Johnson - Regina

General Manager
Peter Hellstrom - Laurentian

Other Staff
Team Leader - Robert Godfrey - Mount Royal
Equipment Manager - Trevor Black - Waterloo
Therapist - Jason Kaszycki - Western Ontario
Video Coach - Brendan Riggin - Western Ontario

From a Bison perspective, it would have been nice to see captain, defenceman, and leading scorer Adam Henry selected. In 16 games he is 6-9-15, the CW's leading goal-scorer amongst defencemen and second only to MRU's Connor Blake (4-13-17), who was also not selected, in points.

[Hollywood]

Dec 11: Juniors Win Opener

 

TEAM CANADA JUNIORS 4
USPORTS ALL-STARS 3

 

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
TSN: [Highlights]
Hockey Canada: [Summary & Links] 
USports: [Bennett’s two-point performance not enough as Canada edges U SPORTS 4-3]

 

This was a tight game throughout, neither side ever leading by more than a goal. I am waiting for game stories to be uploaded, along with the TSN highlights.

Game 2 goes Thursday afternoon at 2:00 ET/1:00 CT.

[Hollywood]

Dec 12-29: Recap Time!

 

 

TEAM CANADA JUNIORS 1
USPORTS ALL-STARS 2

 

Links:
LeagueStat: [Summary] : [Report]
Hockey Canada: [Summary & Links]

On Dec 12th, the USports All-Stars smothered the Junior TC hopefuls in game two, resulting in a split of the two-game series. The Juniors' shot total went down from 5 to 4 to 3 on a period-by-period basis.
The All-Stars now hold a 6-5 edge in this series.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

 

Links:
Linescore: [UofA]  

 

In an unusual move, two CW teams played a non-conference mid-season game. This one was played Saturday night. No word yet on Sunday's game between the Evil Monkeys and the NAIT Ooks of the ACAC.
In a roster note, the Apes' goaltender Brendan Burke is the 3rd goalie on the Team Canada entry at the Spengler Cup. Jordon Cooke from Sask played that role in the past.

WINDSOR LANCERS 0
NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 4 

Links:
Boxscore: [UNB w tabs] 
Game Story: [UNB]

 

After the Lancers traveled all the way from Windsor to New Brunswick, they had to cancel the FRiday night game because weather prevented them from getting to Moncton. So, they traveled a long way for just this one game. Seems like a respectable loss, but a very convincing one. UNB were able to blend in two new players:  Connor Hall and Ben Hawerchuk.

CALGARY DINOSAURS 8
S.A.I.T. TROJANS 1

 

Links:
Boxscore: [SAIT w tabs]  

 

This was a 1-1 game when the Bedrock Dinos scored 3 shorthanded goals in a 5 minute stretch. SO the Dinos rack up an impressive win over an ACAC team. The Condoms are 6-6-2 in ACAC play so far.

THUNDER BAY NORTHSTARS 1
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 5

 

Links:
LU Story: [Nipissing cancels; North Stars step in to save Christmas Challenge] 
LU Story: [Wolves to loan North Stars some players to aid competitive balance] 
LU Story: [Thunderwolves defeat the Northstars in the first of two games] 
TB Newswatch rp @SIJHL: [THUNDERWOLVES DOWN NORTH STARS IN CHRISTMAS CLASH]

 

So Nipissing bailed, were replaced by a local Junior A team (1st place and 20-7-3 on the season), who were loaned a handful of players so as to balance the sides, and here we go with a Thunder Bay Derby. Back in the day, they had senior, junior, university, and intermediate teams all in one league. Remoteness leads to resourcefulness. They still drew 1,402 to see this! Rematch goes Dec 30th.

 

The AUS and OUA reconvene on Jan 2nd, whilst the CW waits until Jan 3rd with a full slate of games. The Bisons start new new year hosting the MRU Bluegars for a double-header (Friday at 7:00 and Saturday at 2:00).

Edited December 30, 2019 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Dec 30: So long 2019!

 

N.A.I.T. OOKS 2
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

 

Links:
Linescore: [UofA] 

 

This was a late score from Dec 29th. All we have is the linescore for this Edmontown Derby between the Evil Monkeys and Ooks.

THUNDER BAY NORTHSTARS 3
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 2
(in a shootout)

 

Links:
LU Story: [Thunderwolves split final games of 2019 with North Stars]  
TB Newswatch rp @TBNS: [North Stars edge Thunderwolves in shootout]

 

This was a canoe-tipper, a ring-a-ding-dong-dandy, an exhibition game going into a shootout. Call it what you will, it brings the curtain down on USports games for 2019.

 

The Lakehead players loaned to the TBNS in this game were: Daniel Del Paggio, Tomas Soustal, Jordan King, Joseph Leonidas, Patrick Murphy and Aaron Wesley-Chisel. Those loaned on Dec 29th were Cooper Leitch, Daniel McKitrick, Caleb Boman, Brett Wolframe and Brock Aiken.

[Hollywood]

Dec 31: 2019 was the year of cancelled games

This was certainly the year of the cancelled game. While in the past there has been the odd game affected by weather, the Calgary mumps outbreak, and Lethbridge's leaky Zamboni, this year has been crazy. Here's my list:

 

Sat Sep 14 Simon Fraser (BCIHL) at UBC - This non-conference game was announced by SFU but never by UBC. So whether it was cancelled or never actually confirmed is the question.

 

Mon Sep 16 Acadia v New Brunswick - They were supposed to have a pre-season game in Truro.

 

Fri Sep 20 and Sat Sep 21 Laurentian at Lakehead - This was cancelled due to a problem with the ice in Thunder Bay.

 

Fri Sep 20 New Brunswick at York - This was cancelled after the 1st period, again due to a problem with the ice, with the score tied 0-0.

 

Three regular season games were postponed due to weather problems, two of which have been played and one of which is scheduled. These are:
Tue Nov 05 UPEI 4 Saint Mary's 5 (ot) - from Oct 23
Tue Dec 03 Ottawa 4 UQTR 2 - from Nov 2
Tue Jan 14 New Brunswick at UPEI - from Nov 16

 

Sat Dec 28 Windsor at Moncton - Windsor flew into Fredericton but cancelled this one because they couldn't travel to Moncton.

 

Sun Dec 29 and Mon Dec 30 Nipissing at Lakehead series was cancelled due to Nipissing's air charter becoming unavailable. Instead Lakehead played the Junior A Thunder Bay Northstars.

That's 11 games!

Edited December 31, 2019 by Hollywood

[Hollywood]

Preview: Jan 3-4: MOUNT ROYAL at MANITOBA

 

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (10-4-2, 13-7-3, OHT35 #4) 
MANITOBA BISONS (7-8-1, 8-11-3, OHT35 #15)

 

Friday, January 3rd at 7:00 pm at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg
Saturday, January 4th at 2:00 pm at Wayne Fleming Arena, Winnipeg

 

Live Links:
➤ Video: [CanadaWest.tv]
➤ Audio: [UMFM 2nd stream]
➤ Friday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]
➤ Saturday: [Live Stats] ∞ [Hockey Tech]

 

Manitoba Links:
➤ GoBisons: [Bisons hockey programs hold annual scholarship fundraiser event at Journey to Churchill on January 20 with special guest Matt Cockell] 
➤ GoBisons: [Hockey stands as centrepiece in Keane's life]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook] ∞ [Instagram] 
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞ [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

MRU Links:
➤ MRU: [Crowchild Classic set for January 30th]
➤ Social: [Twitter] ∞ [Facebook] 
➤ CW: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]
➤ LeagueStat: [Stats] ∞  [Schedule/Results/Links]

 

Other Links:
➤ USports: [Schedule/Links] ∞ [Standings]
➤ CW: [Home Page] ∞ [Schedule]
➤ LeagueStat: [Media Stats]

 

Previous games:
➤ Oct 11: MRU 5 UofM 3: [Story] ∞ [LeagueStat]
➤ Oct 12: UofM 5 MRU 4: [Story] ∞ [Summary]

 

It's been a long time since the Bisons have graced the ice of the Wayne Fleming Arena, and the wait ends Friday night. Bisons/Bluegars games are usually more physical than other university hockey match-ups, although that has waned a bit in recent years. 

 

The two sides split their October series in Calgary, not unusual since the Bisons have split every series except the one in Saskatown. MRU has also been one of the most difficult opponents for the Bisons, sweeping all four games in each of 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2018-19.

 

Neither side has announced any Christmas additions to their roster.

The Bluegars had a non-conference game last week (6-4 loss to Alberta), so they will be less afflicted by cobwebs. They also opened the season by sweeping Saskatchewan and fighting Alberta for first. They have tumbled a bit but it is still a very tight 3-way battle for 2nd between them Sask and Bedrock U.

 

For the Bisons, their first semester was probably better than expected. They are a comfortable 5th at 15 points. Not likely to move into 4th, not likely to miss the playoffs. At the start of the season my hope was that the inexperienced crew of forwards would do enough to stay close before their 2nd semester improvement clicks in. 

 

Will the Bisons be better in the 2nd half? We'll find out soon.

ELSEWHERE IN THE CW

 

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (5-10-1, 5-13-2, OHT35 #23) 
REGINA COUGARS (2-12-2, 3-15-2, OHT35 #34)

 

Links:
➤ UofL: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofR: [Cougars add former Swift Current captain Tanner Nagel to roster] 
➤ Elite Prospects: [Tanner Nagel Stats Page]

 

This is usually the battle for the basement. Although Regina sits last and the Hørny Ønes are tied for 2nd last, this isn't really a battle. Lethbridge  and UBC are tied for 6th at 11 points, Regina has only 6. So the Banjo Cats are relegated to playing spoiler and visions of playoff spots are the focus for UBC and Lethbridge. 

 

But don't overlook Regina. The links show us that they have a WHL recruit (Tanner Nagel) coming on board (he'd been in senior hockey). He peaked at 13 goals in the Dub and was a team captain. And the vast majority of their games have been hard fought affairs. On October 25th they were whipped 6-1 by MRU and on November 16th Alberta hammered them 9-0. Other than that, they have no losses by more than 2 goals in their last 10 games.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (14-2-0, 22-4-0, OHT35 #1) 
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (11-3-2, 12-4-2, OHT35 #5)

 

Links:
➤ UofA: [Men's Hockey Site]
➤ UofS: [Huskie Happenings: Jan. 1-5] 
➤ CW: [Dmytriw earns November WHL honour] 
➤ CW: [CW Stars: Gilbreath, Masikewich cap off first half in style]

 

This is the feature match of the weekend. After a dismal start, the Banjo Mutts have returned to last year's 25-3-0 form. And the Evil Monkeys have looked as strong as ever. Sask are within 4 points and would need a sweep if they harbour hopes of a 1st place finish. The linked stories tell us about conference honours being bestowed upon both sides. This will be worth watching on CanadaWest.TV.

CALGARY DINOSAURS (11-3-2, 18-4-3, OHT35 #6) 
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS (4-9-3, 7-12-4, OHT35 #21)

 

Links:
➤ UofC: [10 for 10: No. 6 - The Crowchild Classic]
➤ UBC: [Men's Hockey Site] 
➤ CW: [CW leading scorer Alfaro earns First Half Top Performer]

 

These are the two enigmatic teams in the CW. The Bedrock Dinos were as good as any team in the country through the pre-season and early season. In the 3rd week, they brought their unbeaten record into the U of M and played as well on the Friday night as any university team could play. Then the Bisons burst their bubble on Saturday, albeit in overtime. They have followed that with splits against Sask and MRU and a sweep at the hands of Alberta. Far from a disaster, but perhaps not the awe-inspiring record they would have wanted. They were my pre-season pick for #2.

 

Meanwhile, UBC is tied with Lethrbidge for the 6th and final playoff berth. This after the handily swept the Horns in their head-to-head matchup (7-1 and 5-0). Although they have had some highly regarded recruits, they seem to get a lot of injuries. Maybe they need some prairie boy toughness in their next recruiting class!

OUT EAST

 

 
Thu Jan 02 Ryerson at Brock                 
Fri Jan 03 Lakehead at Guelph               
Fri Jan 03 Waterloo at W. Ontario           
Fri Jan 03 UQTR at Carleton                 
Fri Jan 03 Windsor at Laurier               
Fri Jan 03 Toronto at York                  
Fri Jan 03 RMC at Nipissing                 
Sat Jan 04 Brock at Toronto                 
Sat Jan 04 McGill at Carleton               
Sat Jan 04 Windsor at Waterloo              
Sat Jan 04 Ryerson at Laurier               
Sat Jan 04 W. Ontario at York               
Sat Jan 04 Lakehead at Guelph               
Sat Jan 04 RMC at Nipissing                 
Sat Jan 04 Ottawa at Concordia              
Sun Jan 05 Concordia at UQTR                

 

 
Thu Jan 02 UPEI at Saint Mary's             
Fri Jan 03 New Brunswick at Dalhousie        
Fri Jan 03 Saint Mary's at Acadia           
Fri Jan 03 Moncton at St. F.X.              
Sat Jan 04 New Brunswick at St. F.X.        
Sat Jan 04 Moncton at Dalhousie             
Sat Jan 04 Acadia at UPEI                   

 

Links:
➤ [USports Presto S&R]
➤ [OUA LS Daily]
➤ [AUS S&R]