[Hollywood2]

HERD HUMBLES 'HORNS


MANITOBA BISONS 6
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3

Links:
|> [CIS Friday Round-Up] : [CW Friday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of L Game Story] : [U of M Game Story - with stats]

They say a 5-0 lead is the worst lead to have in hockey. Well, actually they don't because that would be stupid. When one has a 5-0 lead, one can fritter most of it away and still have a comfy lead. And that's what the Bisons did on Friday night.

Since I was at the Phone Booth watching the Winnipeg Jets defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2, I did not catch this one on CanadaWest.tv. (BTW, the Jets were awesome. Sidney Crosby scored the first two goals of the game and then the Jets took over. The chant of the night was "Mario's Pool Boy, clap, clap, clap-clap-clap ....") Anyhoo, I am basing this on the stats.

The first thing the stats tell us is that the Bisons have apparently kept Cowan-Henry-Lowry as their second line. They were out there as a unit for three of the first four Bison goals, and for the H0rny Ones' nightcap marker. Dittmer-Duval-Macaulay were out there for one Bison goal, and the old 4th line of Paradis-Ciarelli-Kelly was out there for one of their own. The other forwards were Feaks-Rowinski-Lauder and they had no goals for or against so whether they played as a unit I cannot say. The defence was the same as against Calgary last weekend and Jesse Deckert was in goal.

The second thing is that Lethbridge was able to dress 17 players. Not a full deck but better than last weekend.

The two sides combined for 52 minutes in penalties. I suspected that the H0rny Ones would be scrappy on home ice, and that appears to have been the case. Three 'Horns had unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and Bison Darren Bestland took a 10 minute misconduct, all in separate incidents.

The Bisons' 5-goal lead came on 1st period tallies by Del Cowan (2nd), Dylan Kelly (6th), and Matthew Lowry (11th), and 2nd period markers by Jeremy Schappert (6th) and Ian Duval (8th).

One has to give Lethbridge credit for not folding the tent at that point. A pair of powerplay goals with 90 seconds gave them some hope for the 3rd. But all it did was delay the inevitable. Yes, the 'Horns scored once more, but Del Cowan's shorthanded empty-netter put it away.

Saturday's rematch starts at 7:00 MST and 8:00 CST and is available on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
REGINA COUGARS 5
(in a shootout)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of R Game Story] : [reposted at U of S Site]

In the Battle of Banjoland the Felines defeated the Canines. Since the game featured a big comeback for the Banjocats to force a shootout, there must have been many a brown jug of moonshine gulped down in celebration. The result also allowed the Bisons to claim sole possession of 2nd place heading into the Saturday night rematches.

The Mangy Hounds held a 4-2 lead after two periods, one coming from Brennan Bosch who kept pace with Bisons Ian Duval and Blair Macaulay at the top of the scoring race. The two gioals that forced the shoot-out came only 1:01 apart in the 3rd period. David Reekie played only the 1st period for Sask, stopping 10 of 11 shots. Ryan Holfield then came on in relief.

The Kittens deserve credit for notching a victory whilst playing one man down. We'll have to keep an eye on their injury situation heading into the playoffs. One note: Regina is now within 2 points of 4th place, which would mean hosting a quarter-final series.

Saturday's rematch goes in Saskatown at 7:00 CST as the sides switch venues.


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 1

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of C Story] : [U of A Linescore]

This one appears to have been a playoff-style game. The loss is significant for the Bedrock Boys. They are now closer to 6th than 3rd. So it looks like they will be waiting the weeds for a chance at a surprise playoff run. The Evil Monkeys maintain their 6 point lead over the Bisons and appear to be a shoe-in to take 1st place now.

Saturday's rematch in Edmontown goes at 6:00 MST and 7:00 CST, and will be available on CanadaWest.tv.


MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [UBC Game Story - with video] : [MRU News Page]

Holy crap! This was the upset of the night. The result costs the Tweety-Birds a chance to jump ahead of the Dinos in the race for 4th place.

Not that one could say UBC didn't do enough. They outshot the New Kittens on the Block 29-13 after two periods, yet trailed 4-2. The 'Birds then threw the kitchen sink at MRU in the 3rd period, outshooting them 14-1. Oddly, MRU's only shot of the 3rd period was a penalty shot. More oddly, UBC earlier had their penalty shot. Both missed.

After a 3-point weekend against Sask, UBC needed to follow with 4 points against MRU to show what they're made of. Then again, maybe they did just that.

Saturday's rematch is at 2:30 PST or 4:30 CST out in British California.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

Thursday, January 24
York 0 Guelph 4

Friday, January 25
Moncton 3 Acadia 2
St. Thomas 2 Dalhousie 5
Saint Mary’s 2 New Brunswick 4
St. F-X 2 UPEI 8
UOIT 3 Western Ontario 5
Concordia 3 McGill 2 (so)
Ryerson 3 Nipissing 4
Guelph 3 Brock 2
Toronto 2 Queen’s 6
Lakehead 3 Windsor 2 (so)
Waterloo 6 Laurier 4
Carleton 1 UQTR 5
Saskatchewan 4 Regina 5 (so)
Alberta 2 Calgary 1
Manitoba 6 Lethbridge 3
Mount Royal 4 UBC 3

UP NEXT:

Saturday, January 26
Mount Royal at UBC
Calgary at Alberta : CanadaWest.tv
Regina at Saskatchewan
Manitoba at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
St. Thomas at Acadia
Moncton at Dalhousie
St. F-X at New Brunswick
Saint Mary’s at UPEI
Ottawa at UQTR
York at Western Ontario
Waterloo at UOIT
Nipissing at Queen’s
Lakehead at Windsor
Brock at Laurier
RMC at US Army [non-conference]

Sunday, January 27
McGill at Carleton
Concordia at Ottawa

[Hollywood2]

SWEEP LANDS BISONS IN SECOND


MANITOBA BISONS 5
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1

Links:
|> [CIS Saturday Round-Up] : [CW Saturday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of L Game Story] : [reposted at U of M Site - with stats]

The Bisons dominated the H0rny Ones en route to a convincing sweep that has landed them in sole possession of 2nd place with only four games remaining in the schedule.

The Bison line-up was unchanged from Friday night. The Feakes-Rowinski-Lauder line (scoreless on Friday) was out there for the 1st goal, scored by Brenden Rowinski (his 3rd). Darren Bestland scored his 1st of the season to make it 2-0 at the 1st intermission. The Bisons outshot Lethbridge 20-9 in that period, which was basically a full night's work for goaltender Dylan Tait.

There was not enough Viagra in all of Lethbridge to allow the home side to rise to the occasion in the 2nd period. The Bisons scored three more on 23 shots on goal. Scorers were Blair Macaulay (11th), Tyler Dittmer (13th), and Del Cowan (4th).

Chris Mappin spoiled Jesse Deckert's shutout bid in the 3rd period. The Bisons outshot the 'Horns 16-11 in the 3rd, and 59-27 on the night.

There were fewer penalties than on Friday. Still the H0rny Ones lead the CW in PIMs. So pugnacity, testosterone, truculence and belligerence are in abundance. But without Cialis, it all seems to lead nowhere.

Next weekend the Bisons host UBC on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 CST and the games are scheduled for CanadaWest.tv according to the U of L, but not to the CW schedule page.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


REGINA COUGARS 4
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5
(in overtime)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of S Game Story] : [reposted at U of R Site]

There must have been a conspiracy in the Land of Gap-toothed Hillbillies. Each side got a 5-4 OTL on the weekend so that each side got 3 points. The Banjo-Cats had a 3-1 lead after two periods, yet needed a late goal to force OT.

Kyle Bortis scored for the Mangy Ones, which leaves him tied with Ian Duval and one point behind Blair Macaulay in the CW scoring race.

The Banjo-Mutts stay in 3rd place, one point behind Manitoba, and the Banjo-Cats stay in 6th, two points behind UBC. Andrew Hayes tended the Kitten goal (after Lucas Gore started Friday). Ryan Holfield was back in the Doggie goal after David Reekie played one period on Friday.

Next weekend, Sask hosts Calgary and Regina visits Saudi Alberta.


CALGARY DINOSAURS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
(in a shoot-out)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore] : [U of C Story]

The Evil Monkeys dominated the stats but were unable to shake the Bedrock Boys before losing in a shoot-out. The Dinos scored on one of two shots they had in the 1st period and the Monkeys were then behind or tied all night. The shots were 38-19 in favour of the Monkeys.

Of note, the Monkeys gave Kelly Mucha both starts in goal for only the 2nd time this season. However, the Flintstone Pets switched back to Dustin Butler, even after he was yanked in Manitoba.

The bonus point allows Alberta to stay in 1st place 5 points ahead of Manitoba. Meanwhile, Calgary is in 4th place only one ahead of UBC, and 3 points in back of Sask, their next opponent.


MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 1
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [UBC Game Story - with video] : [reposted at MRU News Page]

After being shocked by the New Kittens on the Block Friday night, the Tweety-Birds survived another scare in the Saturday matinee rematch. MRU even scored the 1st goal in this one. UBC continued to outshoot MRU the rest of the game and PP goals by Cole Wilson (14th) and Brad Hoban (11th) paced them to victory.

UBC are the Bisons' next opponent. They sit in 5th place, one point in arrears of Calgary.


R.M.C. PALADINS 1
ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS 4

Links:
|> [Boxscore/Summary]
|> [Army Preview Story] : [Army Game Story]
|> [RMC Team Site]

This game deserves some mention, since it is a very old rivalry. There is nothing about it at the CIS, OUA, or even RMC websites. So all links lead to Army. The RMC site has no news or stories, not even updated scores. In conference play, Army is 7-7-3 and they are 7-12-3 overall. RMC are 3-17-2 in conference play and 3-20-2 overall. In Army's record, they have tie games instead of OTLs.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

St. Thomas 2 Acadia 5
Moncton 7 Dalhousie 8 (ot)
St. F-X 1 New Brunswick 2
Saint Mary’s 5 UPEI 6
Ottawa 2 UQTR 4
York 2 Western Ontario 4
Waterloo 6 UOIT 7
Nipissing 4 Queen’s 2
Lakehead 3 Windsor 6
Brock 2 Laurier 4

UP NEXT:

Sunday, January 27
McGill at Carleton
Concordia at Ottawa

Wednesday, January 30
Brock at UOIT

Thursday, January 31
Laurier at York
Queen’s at RMC
Guelph at UOIT

Friday, February 1
UBC at Manitoba : CanadaWest.tv
Calgary at Saskatchewan : CanadaWest.tv
Regina at Alberta : CanadaWest.tv
Mount Royal at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
Dalhousie at Saint Mary’s
Acadia at St. F-X
New Brunswick at St. Thomas
UPEI at Moncton
Concordia at Nipissing
Laurier at Brock
McGill at Toronto
Western Ontario at Windsor
Waterloo at Lakehead
UQTR at Ryerson

[Hollywood2]

WEEKEND PREVIEW


UBC THUNDERBIRDS (13-8-3, 18-9-3-1, OHT35 #16)
MANITOBA BISONS (15-5-4, 18-7-4-1, OHT35 #5)

Friday, February 1st, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena, U of M
Saturday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena, U of M

Live Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [Live Audio Saturday: UMFM 101.5]

Manitoba Links:
|> [U of M Preview Story]
|> [Ridley Awards] : [Claude Noel at Banquet]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]

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

Prior Games:
|> [Nov 16: UBC 5-2] : [Nov 17: UBC 3-2 (ot)]

Other Links:
|> [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
|> [LeagueStat Daily] : [CW Weekly Media Notes #14]
|> [Wikia.com Standings Archive]
|> [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

All of a sudden, the final home series of the season is upon us. The Bisons cling to 2nd place, one point up on Sask. Meanwhile, UBC is one point behind 4th place Calgary. A simple look at the standings puts it all into perspective:

````````````````W``L OT``P Feb1 Feb8
1 Alberta``````19``4``1 39 Reg``UBC
2 Manitoba```` 15``5``4 34 UBC``Reg
3 Saskatchewan 16``7``1 33 Cal``Leth
4 Calgary``````15``9``0 30 Sask MRU
5 UBC``````````13``8``3 29 Man``Alta
6 Regina`````` 12``9``3 27 Alta Man
7 Mount Royal`` 5 18``1 11 Leth Cal
8 Lethbridge````1 21``2``4 MRU``Sask

In 2011-12, Manitoba won all four home games against UBC, and Saskatchewan lost both home games against Calgary. But in the playoffs Sask beat Calgary in three lengthy games. I doubt that only 4 points will be awarded in that series.

The Bisons have had some of their worst games out in British California. But at home it has been a different story. Therefore the Bison target for the weekend is 4 points. They did suffer a 5-2 loss to UBC back on November 16th. But since then the Bisons have gone 9-1-3, the only regulation loss being 3-2 at Sask when they outshot their hosts 40-27.

In last week's preview I went over some stats, and those haven't changed much. However, a tight battle in a scoring race always add quite a touch to the late season. Here are the CW's scoring leaders:

``````````````````````````GP``G``A``P
1``Blair Macaulay`` Man`` 24 11 21 32
2``Kyle Bortis``````Sask``24 10 21 31
3``Ian Duval````````Man`` 24``8 23 31
4``Jordan Hickmott``Alta``24 14 16 30
5``Johnny Lazo``````Alta``24 11 17 28
6``Tyler Dittmer````Man`` 22 13 12 25
7``Brock Nixon``````Calg``24``9 16 25
8``Walker Wintoneak Calg``24 12 12 24
9``Eric Galbraith`` MRU`` 22 14``9 23
10 Brennan Bosch````Sask``22 12 11 23
11 Brad Hoban`````` UBC`` 24 11 12 23
12 Sean Ringrose````Alta``24 10 13 23
13 Max Grassi`````` UBC`` 24``7 16 23
14 Cole Wilson``````UBC`` 21 14``8 22

I was going to stop at the top ten, but lots of guys are tied and I wanted to list UBC's big three scorers.

UBC is a capable side. They took 3 points off Sask two weeks ago. Yet they remain a vulnerable side, too. They dropped two points at home against MRU just last weekend. They are, in all respects, your usual mid-rank team. They are 4th in GA and 5th in GF, very mid-pack.

It has been a remarkable stretch for UBC. The top 4 in the CW get to host playoff series. UBC just failed in that goal last year. In fact, UBC has not hosted a series since the 1970s. They did finish 3rd in 1989-90. But that was during a period when only 4 teams made the playoffs, meaning they played away against Alberta (and lost 2-0). In 1974-75, 1976-77, and 1977-78 they finished 2nd, but that was in the GPAC era so the CW was only a 4 team league, and they lost to Alberta in each of those years. So the last time they hosted a series was 1970-71, when they hosted and beat Calgary in the semi-finals and then Manitoba in the final. The link to Wikia.com has links to all past CW standings.

The links include two additional stories from GoBisons.ca. First, 15 men's players got $750 awards from Mike Ridley's endowment fund. Maybe Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson will start a fund for the best fighters! Second, Jet coach Claude Noel will be the guest speaker at this year's fundraiser banquet.

This series is not listed on the CanadaWest.tv line-up. But Saturday's game is on UMFM 101.5, and on-line at the link.


Bison action from Lethbridge last weekend.

ELSEWHERE:


CALGARY DINOSAURS (15-9-0, 18-12-0, OHT35 #12)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (16-7-1, 18-8-2, OHT35 #6)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [no on-line audio or video]
|> [U of S Preview Story] : [reposted at CW Site]
|> [U of C Preview Story]

One would expect at least one game in this series to go into overtime. But, maybe they'll do the rest of the league a favour and decide things in regulation time. The last time they played the Bedrock Boys won 8-0 on Friday and the Banjo-Mutts took the rematch 5-4. Quite a turn-around.

Calgary is a tough call. They had a 7 game winning streak halted by the Bisons. Those 7 wins were against MRU, Lethbridge, UBC, and Regina. Still, OTWs against the Bisons and Monkeys gave them 4 points in their last 4 games.

Sask was flirting with a #1 national ranking at one time. IMO that was largely due to smoke and mirrors. They won early games against Manitoba and Alberta when they were badly outplayed. Now the worm has turned. They are 3-4-1 since Christmas, and their only regulation win came when they were outshot 40-27 by the Bisons but won 3-2. Their record could be much worse. They will be in the nationals as host. But they need to pick it up a notch otherwise they will be entering the nationals after about a month of inactivity.


REGINA COUGARS (12-9-3, 13-15-3, OHT35 #20)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (19-4-1, 30-4-1, OHT35 #1)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [Live Video both nights]
|> [U of A Preview Story] : [U of R Team Site]

The Evil Monkeys have a 5 point lead over the Bisons so may not be feeling a great sense of urgency in this series. The Banjo-Cats looked like crap when I saw them (twice), yet their results have been solidly mid-pack against everybody else. Also, the Kittens have guaranteed themselves a playoff spot. Will they continue to play with the edge they need to cause an upset?


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (1-21-2, 3-26-2, OHT35 #35)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (5-18-1, 6-20-2, OHT35 #30)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [Live Video both nights]
|> [MRU Team Site] : [U of L Preview Story]

MRU has a new site. So news stories are not at a separate link from the team site. But, no preview story on it for this week.

The H0rny Ones have only one win this year - and it was against the New Kittens on the Block. These teams are both out of playoff contention. So my interest here is to see whether or not these teams look intent to close strong and maybe cost a contender valuable points next weekend.

And will Lethbridge finally get some injured players back?

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily - Wednesday]
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily - Thursday]

Wednesday, January 30
Brock 4 UOIT 1

Thursday, January 31
Laurier 3 York 1
Queen’s 7 RMC 2
Guelph 3 UOIT 6

NEWS:


The Halifax Chronicle-Herald reports that a decision on the Dalhousie case is not imminent. This must be more complicated than I thought.
Link:
|> Chronicle-Herald: [Dal men’s hockey decision not imminent]


The CIS Blog has been slow for a while but business was picking up this week, with an AUS Update.
Link:
|> CIS Blog: [AUS Update]


It looks like TRU is happy being in the BCIHL and is not interested in moving to the CIS. Good idea. While I would like there to be more teams in the CW, hockey as a whole needs the BCIHL.
Link:
|> The Omega: [WolfPack Athletics introduces new CIS programs]


The CUP has a story about the off-field problems in the CIS with hazing, drugs, and eligibility issues (a big problem in football every year). IMO, too many rules exist on eligibility issues. One set of rules for all sports would help as well.

I normally couldn't give a crap about CIS front office appointments. But the Mop & Pail story had this little blurb:

[Pierre] Lafontaine outlined his priorities as building the CIS brand and raising the profile of the organization and national championships.

One of his first priorities will be to land a new national television deal for the CIS.

The Vanier Cup national football championship is always broadcast live, but national TV coverage in other sports is almost non-existent.

Richard Peddie, the former CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, is a CIS board member at large who has been working to secure the organization a new television deal.

In an interview earlier this week, Peddie said that a new TV deal is almost in place but he was not ready to divulge any details yet pertaining to it.

“It will be a great deal for college sports in Canada,” Peddie said. “It’s a huge home run for them.”

Peddie said the new deal will not only increase television coverage of a broader range of men’s sports, but women’s university sports as well.

A CIS source said that the organization is on the verge of announcing that this year they have a deal in place for live national TV coverage of the women’s basketball championship in Regina, the men’s Final 8 in Ottawa and the men’s hockey championship in Saskatoon.

It never hurts to get some heavy hitters behind the program.

And, as usual, the only press release about hockey from the CIS was the latest official top ten (which is not as good as the OHT35).

Links:
|> Canadian University Press: [CIS athletics departments slipping ...]
|> Globe and Mail: [Pierre Lafontaine named new head of CIS] : [CIS Press Release]
|> CIS Top Ten: [CIS Press Release] - reposted at [CW Site]

[Hollywood2]

BISONS BLOWN OPPORTUNITY


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 3
MANITOBA BISONS 2

Links:
|> [CIS Friday Round-Up] : [CW Friday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story] : [UBC Game Story]
|> [Macaulay WHL Grad of the Month] : [reposted at CW Site]
|> [UMFM 101.5]

The Bisons could have taken a huge step to wrapping up 2nd place on Friday night, but blew it. There were loads of raucus rez students in attendance, as well as the Engineer's Symonized Marching Band complete with a Sasquatch, to add some atmosphere. But that was not enough to boost the Bisons.

In the 1st period the Bisons held a minor edge in carrying the play. The 1st goal came when Luke Cain outmuscled the UBC defence to slam home a rebound (his 5th). The Tweety-Birds evened the score when Justin McCrae scored (his 4th) from the slot.

After two minutes of the 2nd period James Henry scored (his 8th) to restore the Bison lead. But just over a minute later Mike McGurk's point shot must have hit a skate because Jesse Deckert appeared to jump out of the way of the point shot. It was McGurk's first goal of the season. At mid-period the Birds took the lead for the first time when Scott Wasden (his 11th) took a shot from the right wing hash marks by the boards which somehow eluded Deckert in the Bison goal. That was only UBC's 13th shot of the night, but their 3rd goal.

The abundance of goals seemed to inspire UBC. They were well behind on the shot clock but suddenly carried the play for a good period of time. In the end, shots were 21-21 headed to the 3rd.

The game turned once again in the 3rd period. UBC seldom ventured out of their end with the puck and had only one legit scoring chance. The Bisons generated a few good chances, only to be stymied by Jordan White, who was minding the bird cage.

Here's how they lined up:

Manitoba

Goal:
35 Deckert (1 Caligiuri)

Defence:
22 Bestland - 2 Crowley
3 Mestery - 4 Schappert
6 Melnychuk - 24 Bobbee

Forwards:
23 Dittmer - 19 Duval - 26 Macaulay
9 Lowry - 11 Henry - 21 Cowan
27 Feakes - 10 Rowinski - 29 Cain
18 Kelly - 25 Ciarelli - 16 Paradis

Scratches:
G: 34 Dubyk
D: 5 Christensen - 12 Sutherland - 20 Lockerby
F: 15 Scott - 17 Lauder

UBC

Goal:
30 White (35 Stanford)

Defence:
4 McGurk - 13 Schmidt
7 Wall - 15 Yee
5 Saip - 18 Manning

Forwards:
26 Hoban - 17 MacDonald - 10 Grassi
9 Wilgosh - 16 Wilson - 19 Wasden
27 Antilla - 23 Pruden - 33 Hilton
20 Hamilton - 11 Fleming - 12 McCrae

Scratches:
G: 1 Barnstable
D: 2 Smith - 6 Brkich - 8 Cumberbirch
F: 14 Kimber - 21 Wray - 22 Toye - 24 Juneau - 29 Wagner

The Bisons basically rolled four lines. The new line of Feakes-Rowinski-Cain generated some good chances. The Dittmer-Duval-Macaulay combo did not play all that much. I would expect them to play more on Saturday.

Saturday night's rematch is available on radio at UMFM 101.5 and on-line at the link.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of S Story] : [U of C Game Story]

The Bedrock Boys went back to the 70s (aka Saskatown) and claimed two points. They took a 2-0 1st period lead and then hung n for dear life. Dustin Butler gave up only one goal on 35 shots.

The combination of results leaves Manitoba one point ahead of Sask, but Calgary is now 2 points behind and UBC 3 points behind. A win for the Bisons on Saturday would make it very difficult for anybody else to catch them.


REGINA COUGARS 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore] : [check for story at U of R Team Site]

The Banjo-Cats were no match for the Evil Monkeys on Friday night. The win officially gives the Monkeys 1st place, and unofficially gives the Kitties 6th. Regina played one man short.

The Saturday rematch is available for on-line viewing at CanadaWest.tv.


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 4
(in overtime)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [MRU Game Story] : [U of L Game Story]

In the series which means nothing, the New Kittens on the Block took a double OT win over the H0rny Ones. For those of you who had Lethbridge dressing 18 players in the pool, you win! Saturday's rematch is on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

Friday, February 1
Dalhousie 2 Saint Mary’s 6
Acadia 2 St. F-X 3
New Brunswick 5 St. Thomas 1
UPEI 0 Moncton 5
Concordia 1 Nipissing 0
Laurier 3 Brock 2 (ot)
McGill 2 Toronto 1 (ot)
Western Ontario 7 Windsor 3
Waterloo 3 Lakehead 4 (ot)
UQTR 1 Ryerson 3

UP NEXT:

Saturday, February 2
Regina at Alberta : CanadaWest.tv
UBC at Manitoba : UMFM 101.5
Calgary at Saskatchewan
Lethbridge at Mount Royal : CanadaWest.tv
Saint Mary’s at Acadia
St. F-X at Dalhousie
UPEI at New Brunswick
Concordia at Ryerson
York at Western Ontario
McGill at Nipissing
Carleton at RMC
Ottawa at Queen’s
Windsor at Guelph
Waterloo at Lakehead
UQTR at Toronto

Sunday, February 3
Moncton at St. Thomas
Ottawa at RMC

[Hollywood2]

HERD DOMINATES TO MAINTAIN GRIP ON 2ND PLACE


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 1
MANITOBA BISONS 5

Links:
|> [CIS Saturday Round-Up] : [CW Saturday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story - with stats] : [UBC Game Story]

On Senior Night the Bisons bounced back from a lacklustre performance on Friday night to give the Tweety-Birds a sound thrashing on Saturday night. Combined with the results on the out-of-town scoreboard, the Bisons stay one point up on the Banjo-Mutts in the race for second and the Tweety-Birds stay one point in arrears of the Bedrock Boys in the race for 4th.

The opening frame was fairly evenly contested, with shots being 10-a-piece. However, the only goal was scored by UBC when Cole Wilson scored his league-leading 15th after the Bisons missed several chances to clear a loose puck.

At the intermission I was wondering about the Bisons. They were not really being out-played over the weekend but they were not putting their foot down on their visitors, the way they have done with every opponent thus far.

All of that changed in period #2. The Bisons started on a powerplay which carried over from the 1st period. Matthew Lowry notched his 12th. Before the crowd could settle, the Bisons took a lead they would never surrender. Del Cowan used Lowry as a decoy and scored on a 2-on-1 break. Inside two minutes, and the game had turned.

Though there was no more scoring until the 17 minute mark, the Bisons were carrying the play, including on many of the abundant UBC powerplays. (BTW, each team had 7 powerplays. The Bisons went 3-for-7 and the `Birds were 0-fer.) Anyhow, Blair Macaulay deflected a Jeremy Shappert point shot for goal #3 (his 12th). Then 30 seconds later Dane Crowley's point blast needed no help finding the back of net for goal #4 (his 5th). The shots were 19-6 for the Bisons, and those accurately portrayed the flow of play. If there was a hitting stat it, too, would have been lop-sided. There were Tweety-Birds constantly getting tossed from their nests.

The 3rd period was a let-the-clock-run kind of period for the Bisons. There was occasional post-whistle shoving but mostly the Herd wanted the game over ASAP. The only goal was Tyler Dittmer's team-leading 14th when he deflected another Schappert point blast on a powerplay.

So, that's it for the Bison regular season home schedule. Gosh, that went by fast. Next weekend the Bisons will be forced to return to Banjoland's southern outpost to play the Banjo-Cats. The `Birds will be flying to Saudi Alberta to confront the Evil Monkeys.

Line-up-wise, Manitoba made no changes from Friday night. UBC added a 7th defenceman (#2 Kevin Smith) and dropped a forward (#9 Mike Wilgosh). Their forward lines looked like this:

17 MacDonald - 10 Grassi - 26 Hoban
16 Wilson - 19 Wasden - 33 Hilton
11 Fleming - 20 Hamilton - 12 McCrae
27 Antilla - 23 Pruden

Incidentally, Macaulay also had an assist and leads CW scorers with 34 points, one ahead of Primate Jordan Hickmott and three up on line-mate Ian Duval and the Mangy Kyle Bortis.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


CALGARY DINOSAURS 0
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of S Story] : [U of C Game Story]

With 3rd place squarely on the line, the Mangy-Mutts from Banjoland's northern outpost responded with what must have been a tremendous defensive effort. They outshot the Bedrock Boys 37-17 on the night. In fact, they held the Extinct Ones to only 4 shots in a 3rd period. This shows dominance because Calgary was down 3-0 entering the period and should have been throwing everything they had at the Banjo-Mutts.

Jimmy Bubnick scored his 9th and 10th goals, and Brandon Herrod his 10th for the Gap-toothed Inbreds. Ryan Holfield recorded the shutout. Jacob Deserres started again for the Dinos.

This gives Sask a 3-point lead over the Dinos. IMO the Dinos will have waived so-long to 2nd or 3rd places and will simply want to stay in 4th so they can host UBC in the quarter-finals. Sask is off to Lethbridge next weekend, whilst the Dinos face the New Kittens on the Block in a cross-town showdown.


REGINA COUGARS 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore] : [check for story at U of R Team Site] : [U of R Friday Story]

Once website leaders, the Evil Monkeys have become laggards this year when it comes to uploading game stories. Maybe the linescore link will have added a story by the time you read this.

This series shows how a weekend sweep can be difficult. Friday was a 6-0 blow-oiut and on Saturday the Monkeys outshot the Banjo-Cats 52-19, including 14-3 in the 3rd period, yet it was only 1-0 until 16:43 of the 3rd period.

Monkey markers were recorded by Levko Koper (his 10th) and Brett Ferguson (his 8th). Lucas Gore was in Regina's goal, and Real Cyr in Alberta's. Regina lost one more player on Friday, so dressed only 18 for this one.

The Old Cougars host the Bisons next weekend, while Sask visits the H0rny Ones.


MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 4
(in overtime)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of L Game Story] : [check for story at MRU Team Site]

THE H0RNY ONES HAVE WON!!!!! Stop the presses!!!!!

As usual, the H0rny Ones played short (this time with 17 players). But they must have scrounged all the Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra they could find to get them through this one. This gives Lethbridge a 2-0-2 record against the New Kittens on the Block this year.

Now everybody is wondering if one or both of these teams will come out ready for an upset next weekend. Lethbridge hosts Sask, and MRU faces Calgary.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

Saint Mary’s 3 Acadia 0
St. F-X 2 Dalhousie 1
UPEI 2 New Brunswick 5
Concordia 4 Ryerson 5 (ot)
York 2 Western Ontario 1 (ot)
McGill 1 Nipissing 2 (ot)
Carleton 5 RMC 1
Ottawa 4 Queen’s 3 (ot)
Windsor 1 Guelph 4
Waterloo 3 Lakehead 9
UQTR 8 Toronto 2

UP NEXT:

Sunday, February 3
Moncton at St. Thomas
Ottawa at RMC

Thursday, February 7
Brock at Western Ontario
UOIT at York
Guelph at Laurier
Mount Royal at Calgary

Friday, February 8
Manitoba at Regina
Saskatchewan at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
Calgary at Mount Royal : CanadaWest.tv
Alberta at UBC : Live Audio CITR
Dalhousie at Acadia
Moncton at New Brunswick
St. F-X at Saint Mary’s
St. Thomas at UPEI
Ryerson at McGill
Toronto at Ottawa
Nipissing at Carleton
RMC at UQTR
Lakehead at Brock
Windsor at Waterloo
Queen’s at Concordia

Saturday, February 9
Manitoba at Regina
Saskatchewan at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
Alberta at UBC
Toronto at Concordia
Queen’s at UQTR
Ryerson at Carleton
Nipissing at Ottawa
Windsor at Western Ontario
RMC at McGill
York at Guelph
Lakehead at Waterloo
Laurier at UOIT
(end of regular season)

[Hollywood2]

WEEKEND PREVIEW


MANITOBA BISONS (16-6-4, 19-8-4-1, OHT35 #5)
REGINA COUGARS (12-11-3, 13-17-3, OHT35 #23)

Friday, February 8th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Regina
Saturday, February 9th, 2:30 p.m. CST @ Regina

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

Manitoba Links:
|> [U of M Team Site]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]
|> [Manitoban: Bison men’s hockey team ...]

Regina Links:
|> [U of R Preview Story]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]
|> [Regina Leader-Post: U of R men's hockey ...]

Prior Games:
|> [Sept 15: Man 5-0] : [Sept 21: Man 6-2] : [Sept 22: Man 6-2]
|> [Nov 23: Man 6-0] : [Nov 24: Man 7-2]

Other Links:
|> [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
|> [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
|> [CW Weekend Preview]
|> [LeagueStat Daily] : [CW Weekly Media Notes #15]
|> [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

Here we are on the eve of the end of the regular season. And the Bisons are on their way to Banjoland, this time to the southern outpost. Of course, they hope for one further trip to the Sticks (for the University Cup in Saskatown).

A weekend preview at this time of year requires a look at the standings:

``Team``````````W``L OT PTS PCT`` GF``GA
1 Alberta``````21``4``1``43 .827 110``44
2 Manitoba```` 16``6``4``36 .692``97``64
3 Saskatchewan 17``8``1``35 .673``92``79
4 Calgary``````16 10``0``32 .615``83``62
5 UBC``````````14``9``3``31 .596``82``77
6 Regina`````` 12 11``3``27 .519``69``85
7 Mount Royal`` 6 18``2``14 .269``68 108
8 Lethbridge````2 21``3`` 7 .135``51 133

The Bisons can assure themselves of 2nd place with a pair of wins over the Banjo-Cats, or fewer if Sask manages a loss in Lethbridge. Regina, however, is in 6th and staying there. So, will they have incentive? They were rolled by the Monkeys last weekend.

I have mentioned before that the Kittens failed to impress me during both trips to the Max Bell. In fact, they seemed to be the weakest opponent the Bisons faced all season. However, maybe the Max Bell is the only arena in the league without catnip. The Kittens have surprised every other team throughout the season. They were the overwhelming choice for last place in the pre-season coaches' poll. Yet here they are, in a playoff position with 13 points to spare.

The linked Leader-Post story tells how Chris Cuthbert was pushed back to play defence due to injuries. I checked my posts from the pre-season and note that he also played defence at times in those games. In any event, the story explains that the Banjo-Cats were down to two regular defencemen when they faced the Monkeys in Edmontown last weekend. According to the Regina preview story, they will have 3 of their regular 6 defencemen available this weekend.

The Kittens may also have a preference for playing the Banjo-Mutts in the playoffs. Just two weeks ago the sides exchanged 5-4 OTWs. All-in-all, the Bisons are by far the team with the most incentive.

Of note, Bisons Blair Macaulay and Ian Duval continue to fight for the scoring title. And their line-mate Tyler Dittmer is tied for the lead in goals. Check out the scoring leaders:

`` Player`````````` Team```` GP``G``A PTS
1``Blair Macaulay`` Manitoba 26 12 22 34
2``Jordan Hickmott``Alberta``26 14 19 33
3``Kyle Bortis``````Sask```` 26 10 21 31
4``Ian Duval````````Manitoba 26``8 23 31
5``Johnny Lazo``````Alberta``26 12 18 30
6``Tyler Dittmer````Manitoba 24 14 13 27
7``Levko Koper``````Alberta``26 10 15 25
8``Brock Nixon``````Calgary``26``9 16 25
9``Eric Galbraith`` MRU``````24 14 10 24
10 Brennan Bosch````Sask```` 24 12 12 24
11 Walker Wintoneak Calgary``26 12 12 24


Bison home action v UBC last weekend.

ELSEWHERE:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (17-8-1, 19-9-2, OHT35 #8)
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (2-21-3, 4-26-3, OHT35 #33)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [Live Video both nights]
|> [U of L Preview Story] : [U of S Site]
|> [Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: [Six stars emerge ...]

The H0rny Ones finally picked up a win in a 3-point weekend last week. Will they now relax? Or will they want to go out with a bang and give the Banjo-Mutts a stiff challenge? I suspect that if they can finally ice a full roster they just might have the desire to close strong. I suspect that there will be one decisive win for the Mutts, and one toss-up game.

The six stars story is about the naming of all-time Mutt squads for each decade. The linked story is for the 1960s.


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (21-4-1, 30-4-1, OHT35 #1)
UBC THUNDERBIRDS (14-9-3, 19-10-3-1, OHT35 #15)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [Live Audio Friday]
|> [UBC Team Site] : [U of A Team Site]

The Tweety-Birds need an upset or two if they want to reach the promised land of a home playoff series, which has not happened since 1971. The Monkeys had first place wrapped up last weekend but still found the incentive to crush the Kittens. Will they continue to play with an edge on the road in British California? Neither side has yet posted a preview story.


CALGARY DINOSAURS (16-10-0, 19-13-0, OHT35 #12)
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS (6-18-2, 7-20-3, OHT35 #31)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Thursday] : [Live Stats Friday]
|> [Live Video both nights]
|> [MRU Team Site] : [U of C Preview Story]
|> [U of C Crowchild Story reposted at CW Site]

This Cowtown Derby will go Thursday/Friday, and the Thursday game is dubbed the "Crowchild Classic" and will be played at the Saddledome. It should be a wild scene. This is not good for the Dinos. They need the points and the New Kittens on the Block are in 7th with no hope of rising higher. Normally, there could be some letdown for the underdogs. But with a big crowd and loads of hype, the Thursday game at least becomes a bit of a toss-up.

NEWS:


Former Mutt and Team Canada coach Dave King will be at the University Cup to give out some coaching awards.
Links:
|> Dave King stories: [at CW Site] : [at U of S Site]


The CIS Blog has another AUS Update. Oddly, their teams only have one final game to play this weekend.
Link:
|> CIS Blog: [AUS Update]


The Laurentian Voyageurs will be competing in the OUA next season. So it is appropriate that they have started getting commitments from players. Alain Valiquette, former goaltender for the Urban Cowboys, is the first.
Link:
|> Sudbury Star: [Valiquette to suit up for Voyageurs]


And, as usual, the CIS released a top ten list which has a few deficiencies. Which is why the Good Lord giveth the OHT35.
Links:
|> CIS Top Ten: [CIS Press Release] - reposted at [CW Site]

[Hollywood2]

CROWCHILD CLASSIC PRODUCES UPSET


CALGARY DINOSAURS 1
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 3

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of C Game Story] : [MRU Game Story]
|> [CIS Thursday Round-Up]

I suspected that the Bedrock Boys would at least get a scare from the New Kittens on the Block, and that is exactly what happened Thursday night at the Saddledome. The fact that the Calgary Flames promoted the game and a big crowd was drawn out made for a "big game" atmosphere.

The Dinos outshot the Kittens 14-5 in the 3rd period, but the Kittens scored the only two goals, the last into an empty net. Of note, the shots were only 14-10 after two periods. The lack of a consistent offence has hurt the Dinos.

This result means that Calgary cannot finish 2nd or 3rd, which makes Manitoba and Saskatchewan happy. It also means that Calgary and UBC will be 4th and 5th, or 5th and 4th, and face each other in the quarter-finals. UBC has received all the help they need and can claim home ice for the playoffs by beating the Monkeys.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

Brock 4 Western Ontario 3 (ot)
UOIT 4 York 2
Guelph 0 Laurier 3

UP NEXT:

Friday, February 8
Manitoba at Regina
Saskatchewan at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
Calgary at Mount Royal : CanadaWest.tv
Alberta at UBC : Live Audio CITR
Dalhousie at Acadia
Moncton at New Brunswick
St. F-X at Saint Mary’s
St. Thomas at UPEI
Ryerson at McGill
Toronto at Ottawa
Nipissing at Carleton
RMC at UQTR
Lakehead at Brock
Windsor at Waterloo
Queen’s at Concordia

[Hollywood2]

BISONS CRUSH KITTENS


MANITOBA BISONS 6
REGINA COUGARS 3

Links:
|> [CIS Friday Round-Up] : [CW Friday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of R Game Story] : [may get reposted at U of M Team Site]

Six different Bisons connected en route to a convincing road win in Banjoland. Going into Saturday's matinee rematch the Bisons are one point ahead of the Banjo-Mutts in the race for 2nd place.

The Bisons used the same line-up as the one which played UBC last weekend. With no on-line audio or video I have no idea how the Banjo-Cats covered their ailing defence. They dressed 19 players.

In the 1st period Brodie Melnychuk scored his 1st as a Bison and fellow point-man Dane Crowley scored his 6th of the season to give them a 2-1 lead. Shots were 15-5.

Darren Bestland (his 2nd) and Del Cowen (his 6th) gave the Bisons a commanding 4-1 leading into the 3rd. The shots in the period were an amazingly one-sided 20-3.

In comparison, the 3rd period was a nail-biter where each team scored twice. Bison markers came from Ian Duval (his 9th) and Dylan Kelly (his 7th). But the Bisons again dominated the shot clock, 24-8 for 59-16 on the night.

Jesse Deckert got the start for the Bisons and Andrew Hayes was worked over in the Kitten goal. Since the rematch goes Saturday at 2:30 p.m., I would not be surprised to see goaltending switches.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 1
(in overtime)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of L Story] : [reposted at U of S Team Site]

The Banjo-Mutts waltzed into Lethbridge and pounded away for two periods, outshooting the H0rny Ones 40-9. But the score was 0-0. Dylan Tait was once again the overworked goaltender for the 'Horns.

Things got really interesting when Kyle McLachlan scored for the 'Horns 7 minutes into the 3rd. The celebration was short-lived because less than a minute later Jimmy Bubnick made it 1-1. The game then went into OT. Brennan Bosch scored after 35 seconds to give the Mangy Ones the two points they needed to stay one point behind Manitoba.

I suspected that there would be one close game in this series, and maybe Friday's encounter was it. I somehow doubt that Lethbridge has enough to throw a second scare. IMO the Bisons will be thinking they must win to get 2nd, and a loss will mean 3rd.


CALGARY DINOSAURS 5
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS 1

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

After losing on Thursday, the Bedrock Boys got it together in the rematch. The shots were 28-15 for the Dinos. The result, combined with UBC's loss, means that the Dinos will host the Tweety-Birds in next weekend's quarter-final round.


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 0

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [UBC Game Story] : [U of A Linescore]

This loss for UBC dashed their hopes for a home playoff series yet again. In what was becoming a trend, the shots were very one-sided (39-16 for the Evil Monkeys). Although it should be pointed out that 19 of those Monkey shots came in the final frame.

Jordan Hickmott had an assist for the Monkeys to stay one point behind Blair Macaulay in the scoring race.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Schedule/Results Page]

Friday, February 8
Dalhousie 5 Acadia 8
Moncton 0 New Brunswick 2
St. F-X 4 Saint Mary’s 3 (ot)
St. Thomas 1 UPEI 5
Ryerson 1 McGill 4
Toronto 4 Ottawa 5 (so)
Nipissing 3 Carleton 4
RMC 2 UQTR 5
Lakehead 4 Brock 3 (ot)
Queen’s 2 Concordia 3 (so)
Windsor at Waterloo - postponed to Feb. 10

UP NEXT:

Saturday, February 9
Manitoba at Regina
Saskatchewan at Lethbridge : CanadaWest.tv
Alberta at UBC
Toronto at Concordia
Queen’s at UQTR
Ryerson at Carleton
Nipissing at Ottawa
Windsor at Western Ontario
RMC at McGill
York at Guelph
Lakehead at Waterloo
Laurier at UOIT

[Hollywood2]

BISONS BLOW CHANCE AT SECOND


MANITOBA BISONS 2
REGINA COUGARS 4

Links:
|> [CIS Saturday Round-Up] : [CW Saturday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of R Game Story] : [reposted at U of M Site] : [Friday Story]
|> [Winnipeg Free Press Preview Story]

The Bisons blew a gift-wrapped opportunity to finish second, and get the quarter-final bye and hosting rights for the semi-final that go along with that. As usual, they outshot the Kittens (42-27) but most of that margin came in the 3rd period.

Dylan Kelly (his 8th) opened scoring in the 1st period and all seemed well. But the Kittens rallied to take the lead before the period ended, and extended the lead to 3-1 after two periods.

Tyler Dittmer scored his 15th of the season in a late charge in the 3rd period.

So, next weekend the Banjo-Cats will be in town for the quarter-finals. The good news is that the Bisons have dominated them at the Max Bell. A win there would then mean a trip to Saskatown to play the Banjo-Mutts. At one time the Rutherford Dump was bad news for the Herd. But in recent years the Bisons have become a big team and the tiny rink suits their style.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 6
LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of L Story] : [reposted at U of S Team Site]

I do not believe that anybody thought there was the slightest chance in He!! that Lethbridge would win this one, and the didn't. They did manage to show some fight and stage a bit of a comeback. But falling behind 5-0 after two periods limits your options. The 1st period remained scoreless until the last couple minutes and then the floodgates opened.

Indeed, Friday was their chance at the upset, and it nearly happened. My theory that in most series the underdog will make at least one game close was borne out in this series. I guess that the Regina performance also bears this out.

The CanadaWest.tv broadcast was better than usual because the Lethbridge College student techs were doing a project with multi-cameras, replays, and the whole bit.

Once again, the H0rny Ones were short-staffed. Only 17 players were dressed.


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [UBC Game Story] : [U of A Linescore]

This game was a play-out-the-string affair for both sides. The Monkeys were destined to finish #1 and the Tweety-Birds #5, yet again.

The scoeline might be a bit misleading. It was a 3-2 game when the Monkeys scored an empty-netter in the final minute, and then scored yet another.

Next weekend the Monkeys will stay in Saudi Alberta whilst the 'Birds will travel to the Town of Bedrock to face the Dinosaurs. UBC would have to rank as an underdog, but one with a significant chance at an upset. However, Calgary would have a much better chance against Alberta in the semi-final round.

OUT EAST:

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]

Saturday, February 9
Toronto 2 Concordia 1
Queen’s 3 UQTR 7
Ryerson 5 Carleton 2
Nipissing 2 Ottawa 3
Windsor 3 Western Ontario 2
RMC 1 McGill 2 (ot)
York 2 Guelph 5
Lakehead 3 Waterloo 5
Laurier 5 UOIT 6
Manitoba 2 Regina 4
Saskatchewan 6 Lethbridge 2
Alberta 5 UBC 2

UP NEXT:

Sunday, February 10
Windsor at Waterloo
(end of regular season)

Playoffs

Wednesday, February 13
Moncton at Acadia
UPEI at StFX

Friday, February 15
Regina at Manitoba
UBC at Calgary
Acadia at Moncton
StFX at UPEI

Saturday, February 16
Regina at Manitoba
UBC at Calgary

Sunday, February 17
Regina at Manitoba*
UBC at Calgary*
Moncton at Acadia*
UPEI at StFX*

Note - OUA schedules are TBD

[Hollywood2]

WEEKEND PREVIEW


REGINA COUGARS (13-12-3, 14-18-3, OHT35 #21)
MANITOBA BISONS (17-7-4, 20-9-4-1, OHT35 #5)

Friday, February 15th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena, U of M
Saturday, February 16th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena, U of M
Sunday, February 17th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena, U of M (if required)

Live Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Stats Sunday]
|> [Live Video (all games)]

Manitoba Links:
|> [U of M Preview]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Regina Links:
|> [U of R Team Site]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]

Prior Games:
|> [Sept 15: Man 5-0] : [Sept 21: Man 6-2] : [Sept 22: Man 6-2]
|> [Nov 23: Man 6-0] : [Nov 24: Man 7-2]
|> [Feb 8: Man 6-3] : [Feb 9: Reg 4-2]

Other Links:
|> [CIS Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
|> [Playoff Schedule/Results/Links] : [University Cup]
|> [CW Site] : [Schedule/Results/Links] : [Standings]
|> [LeagueStat Daily] : [CW Weekly Media Notes #16]
|> [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

Hey, it is playoff time already. Last week there were permutations and combinations galore in every conference. Now, it is all so simple. Win 2-out-of-3 and move on. Otherwise it is season over.

As usual in the CW, the whole series is hosted by one team. So all three games are slated for the Max Bell Arena. If the Bisons win then they will make a trip to Saskatown next weekend to face the Banjo-Mutts.

No detailed preview of this series is really necessary - Just read last week's and add the two post-game posts. The one point to make is that it is hard to whip a team 7 straight times in a season. So after getting 6 one-sided wins the Banjo-Cats were bound to steal one. Could the Hillbillies actually steal two in one weekend? They would need spectacular goaltending. They have split duties down the middle between Lucas Gore and Andrew Hayes. Like all six playoff teams, they are blessed with capable goaltenders.

While the Bisons have a clearly superior defence, and a vastly superior set of forward lines, it is always possible for goaltending to equalize. Frankly, it is Regina's only chance.


Goaltending will be the key to any Regina upset.

ELSEWHERE:


UBC THUNDERBIRDS (14-11-3, 19-12-3-1, OHT35 #18)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (17-11-0, 20-14-0, OHT35 #14)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Thursday] : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Sunday]
|> [no live audio or video]
|> [U of C Preview Story reposted at CW Site] : [UBC Team Site]

As I post there are still no plans to stream this series on CanadaWest.tv. But sometimes arrangements are made on short notice.

These two teams are traditional quarter-final opponents. In fact, they met just last year. UBC won game one before the Bedrock Boys came back to win games two and three, before they went on to finish as conference runner-up for the second consecutive season.

This season, UBC won the first match-up 4-2 on October 12th. Calgary then won the rest: 7-4 on October 13th, 6-2 on January 4th, and 2-1 in overtime on January 5th.

UBC's playoff woes are well-documented. Perhaps it is time that they rolled all past disappointments up into a ball and made up for it with one completely remarkable unexpected roll to a University Cup. But I very much doubt that will happen. The Tweety-Birds are a solid mid-pack team. They are ranked #18 in the OHT35, which means there are 17 teams ahead of them and 17 others behind them. IMO they have about a 35% chance to beat the Dinos. And if they were to do so they would be even less likely to win another round.

OUT EAST:



Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Playoff Schedule/Results Page]

All games are game one in a best-of-three quarter-final series.

Wednesday, February 13
Moncton 7 Acadia 5
UPEI 4 St. F-X 3
UQTR 5 Ryerson 2
Queen's 2 Carleton 10
McGill 2 Nipissing 4
Ottawa 3 Toronto 2 (2ot)
Windsor 3 York 2 (2ot)
Lakehead 2 Waterloo 7

UP NEXT:

Thursday, February 14
UOIT at Western Ontario
Laurier at Guelph

Friday, February 15
Acadia at Moncton
St. F-X at UPEI
Carleton at Queen's
Toronto at Ottawa
York at Windsor
Waterloo at Lakehead