2011-12 Manitoba Bisons/CIS Hockey Thread

hmm..I gotta make it out to a bisons game again, no time like when the team is chasing first I guess

WEEKEND PREVIEW

The penultimate weekend of the regular season is upon us. There are three different races in the CW. The three M's (Manitoba, Monkeys, and Mutts) are battling for 1st, the Dinos and Birds are fighting for 4th, and the H0rny Ones are being vainly pursued by the Banjo-Cats for 6th.


MANITOBA BISONS (17-5-2*, 2nd in OHT34)
CALGARY DINOS (14-11-1, 12th in OHT34)

Friday, February 10th, 8:00 p.m. CST @ Calgary
Saturday, February 11th, 8:00 p.m. CST @ Calgary

LIVE LINKS: [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
MANITOBA LINKS: [U of M Site] : [LS Roster] : [U of M Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
CALGARY LINKS: [U of C Preview - at CW Site] : [LS Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
OTHER LINKS: [CIS Site] : [CW Site] : [LS - Live Updates] : [CW Weekly Notes #16 (pdf)]
PRIOR GAMES AT CALGARY: [Oct 1 Bisons win 2-0] : [Oct 2 Bisons win 2-0]
PRIOR GAMES AT MANITOBA: [Nov 25 Bisons win 8-1] : [Nov 26 Bisons win 4-2]
OTHER STORIES: [Winnipeg Sun]

The Bisons lead the Evil Monkeys by two points in the race for 1st whilst the Bedrock Boys lead the Tweety=Birds by two points in the race for 4th. But these two games will be Calgary's last of the regular season. So Calgary has to end the weekend ahead of UBC if they want playoffs in Bedrock this year.

The Herd has walked all over the Dinos so far. But it is very hard to beat a team 6 straight. The Dinos have sputtered and failed to live up to their pre-season hype after going to the nationals last year and coming within a face-off of knocking off UNB on opening night. Their major downfall has been their 2-4 record against UBC. If they were 4-2 instead of 2-4 against them they would be a part of the "Big Four" which everybody anticipated.

Both sides are coming off 4 point weekends where each helped the other out. Manitoba swept UBC and Calgary swept Sask.

Usually the Bisons would be happy with two points in Bedrock. But that may not be enough in a tight race for first.

ELSEWHERE:


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (16-6-2*, 6th in OHT34)
REGINA COUGARS (5-17-2, 30th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [U of R Site] : [U of A Site]

The Puddy-Tats are one miserable team this year. And they are desperate, trailing Lethbridge by 5 points. Since the H0rny Ones are having a bye week, Regina needs at least two points to stay alive. Normally, even a weak team could reasonably shoot for a split at home. But Regina have been badly outshot in almost every game they have played since pre-season. They are 0-3-1 against Alberta so far. Their last game was an OTL, which gives a glimmer of hope.

To put things into perspective, Alberta has finished first every year since 1999-2000 (when they were one point behind Sask). So it is quite a streak at stake over the next two weeks.


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (15-6-3, 5th in OHT34)
UBC THUNDERBIRDS (12-9-3, 13th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [UBC Site] : [U of S Site]
|> [Star Phoenix Story] : [Vancouver Province]

The British Californians have had a better than expected season. They are tantalizingly close to getting to host a playoff series for the first time since tie-dyed shirts and bell-bottoms were the rage. They trail Calgary by two and hold the tiebreaker.

Sask trails Alberta by one and Manitoba by three. They have fallen from first and probably need a sweep if they want to have a shot at a first round bye. After their sweep of the Evil Monkeys, they have gone 0-4. They have scored only 5 goals in those 4 games. Their vaunted offence has been stymied in consecutive series. But their top line still holds 3 of the top 4 places in the scoring race.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [Top 10 - at CIS]
|> [OHT34] : [AUS Weekly Update]

* Alberta's OTL to Manitoba was converted to a W

Deank wrote:hmm..I gotta make it out to a bisons game again, no time like when the team is chasing first I guess

Only two regular season games left!

thanks

HERD SQUANDERS BIG LEAD IN BEDROCK


MANITOBA BISONS 4
CALGARY DINOS 5
(in overtime)
|> [U of C Story] : [U of M Story and Stats] : [CW Friday Recap]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Standings] : [All Links]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Friday Round-up*] : [CIS Standings]

Without any on-line audio or video, I had to follow along with LeagueStat's live updates. I was quite enjoying the first period, as the Bisons amassed a 4-1 lead. Amaziningly, they did so on only 7 shots on goal. Two different Calgary goaltenders gave up two goals each.

It seems that the Bisons tried to nurse the lead. Mid-way through the second, that still looked fine. But that's when Calgary started a slow comeback.

In lineup notes, Jordan Davis dressed and Travis Mealy did not. Otherwise the line-up remained the same. Mark Friesen was the starter in goal and Joe Caligiuri was his backup.

I had some trepidation about the series because 6 straight wins is never easy. With the Monkeys and Mutts both winning, the Bisons need points in the Saturday rematch. Still, the single point keeps the Herd atop the CW standings, one point ahead of Alberta and two up on Sask with only three games left. And they hold the tie-breaker over both.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6
REGINA COUGARS 2

|> [U of R Story - at U of A]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Well, this was expected. The Cougars have been bad all year and this game followed their script. In a must-win game on home ice, they were outshot 11-3 in the first period and were behind 2-0. In Saturday's rematch the Cougars must win or be eliminated. One would hope they can muster one good performance per weekend (as they often do) in such circumstances. The Evil Monkeys must have pulled some strings to get their extra road series in Regina and their extra home series against the H0rny Ones.


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 4

|> [UBC Story - at U of S]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

This was, as expected a close battle. Sask built a 3-0 first period lead in 9:09 and chased UBC's goaltender, Jordan White. He has been their foundation all year. The change did UBC some good as the game was tied after they scored a pair of goals early in the third. But, in the end, the Mutts pulled it out in regulation and stayed in contention for first place. UBC now trails Calgary by four points in the race for 4th place. But Calgary has but one game left, and UBC has three and holds the tie-breaker. I would expect the Saturday rematch to be another close affair.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 11
Alberta at Regina : [Live Stats Saturday]
Manitoba at Calgary : [Live Stats Saturday]
Saskatchewan at UBC : [Live Stats Saturday]

OUT EAST:

Feb. 8
UPEI 4 Moncton 6
St. Thomas 0 UNB 5
Dalhousie 1 StFX 2
McGill 5 Concordia 0

Feb. 9
Western Ontario 5 UOIT 9
Windsor 3 Guelph 1
Queen's 2 Ryerson 3

Feb. 10
Moncton 4 St. Thomas 3 - OT
Dalhousie 2 Acadia 4
UNB 4 UPEI 1
Saint Mary's 4 StFX 5 - 2OT
UQTR 3 Carleton 6
McGill 3 Ottawa 2
Guelph 3 York 5
Ryerson 3 Nipissing 4
Brock 2 Lakehead 4
Laurier 2 Waterloo 4
RMC 0 Toronto 6

OUA LeagueStat Page - has all summaries
AUS schedule/results : AUS stats

* link may be updated as you read

BISONS SURVIVE NIGHT OF NAILBITERS


MANITOBA BISONS 1
CALGARY DINOS 0
(in shoot-out)
|> [U of C Story] : [U of M Story and Stats] : [CW Saturday Recap]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Standings] : [All Links]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Saturday Round-up*] : [CIS Standings]

This was a night of extreme tension but, in the end, it finished exactly where it started. And that suits the Bisons just fine. The Monkeys are one point back and the Mutts are two points back, with two games left for each of them and the Bisons holding the tie-breaker in any two-way tie.

After Friday night was a shoot-out in Bedrock, both sides seemed content to check first and wait for a break. After 70 minutes, none happened. Even in the ensuing shoot-out there was but one goal, by Bison d-man Jeremy Schappert. Joe Caligiuri was back in the Bison goal. (That's three shut-outs for him against the Dinos this season, BTW.)

To see just how defence-oriented the teams were, check out the shots stats in the summaries. The first period was 5-4 for Calgary. In the third they went nuts, with 8 apiece.

In roster notes, Myles Rumsey was scratched again. However, Travis Mealy was back in and Jordan Davis was scratched.

Calgary is now finished their regular season and have secured 4th place. They will host UBC in a quarter-final series for about the zillionth time. Manitoba will wrap up against UBC next weekend at the Max Bell. They would secure first place with a three point weekend.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4
REGINA COUGARS 3
(in shoot-out)
|> [U of R Story - [U of A Story*]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

To call this one a heart-breaker for the Puddy-Tats would be a severe understatement. With their season on the line they took the lead and held it until the last 4 minutes of the game. Regina took a 2-0 lead into the 1st intermission on a pair of goals by former Bison Terrance DeLaRonde. The teams excjhanged 2nd period goals so it was 3-1 heading into the 3rd period. The Evil Monkeys appeared to dominate the 3rd period, with an 18-4 shots advantage. However, the score did not change until 16:38 when the Monkeys made it 3-2. They then tied it with their goaltender pulled. Overtime settled nothing and so it was off to a shoot-out. That, too, went into extra time with Saudi Alberta scoring twice on 6 shots.

I was following along by constantly hitting "refresh". With the Bisons locked in a scoreless battle all night, this turnabout by Regina was enough to make one groan. I did not have high hopes for Regina. But when a miracle was about to unfold, I thought maybe tonight would be the night that Cindy Crawford showed up at my front door wearing nothing but a pair of high heels. (As I post, she has yet to show.)


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5
UBC THUNDERBIRDS 0

|> [UBC Story : [U of S Story*]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

And in the end, UBC end up at the high end (5th place) of their usual standing (between 5th and 7th) in the CW. It seemed that this could be the year where they finally host a series. I was expecting a light battle in this one. One oddity here was that the Banjo-Mutts scored two shorthanded goals.

In a roster note, UBC went with backup goaltender Kraymer Barnstable over workhorse Jordan White. I noticed that White was pulled in Friday's game.

Sask now sits in an awkward place. They are one point back of Alberta and two back of Manitoba. They hold the 3-way tie-breaker (which seems a bit unlikely now, but possible) and the 2-way tie-breaker with Alberta. However, Manitoba holds the 2-way tie-breaker over them.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 17-18
UBC at Manitoba : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [UMFM 101.5 Saturday]
Regina at Saskatchewan : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Video Friday]
Saskatchewan at Regina : [Live Stats Saturday]
Lethbridge at Alberta : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Video both nights]

OUT EAST:

Feb. 11
St. Thomas 0 UPEI 5
UOIT 2 Laurier 3
Concordia 0 Carleton 7
Moncton 1 UNB 4
Acadia 0 Saint Mary's 2
StFX 5 Dalhousie 4
UQTR 5 Ottawa 3
Toronto 3 RMC 1
York 2 Western Ontario 1
Waterloo 3 Windsor 6
Brock 4 Lakehead 6
Nipissing 6 Queen's 4

The eastern playoffs will begin next weekend. Here's a brief capsule:

AUS quarter-finals:
Byes: #1 New Brunswick and #2 Saint Mary's
#3 Moncton v #6 St. Francis-Xavier
#4 UPEI v #5 Acadia

OUA East quarter-finals:
#1 McGill v #8 Concordia
#2 UQTR v #7 Ryerson
#3 Nipissing v #6 Ottawa
#4 Toronto v #5 Carleton

OUA West quarter-finals:
#1 Western Ontario v #8 Laurier
#2 Lakehead v #7 Guelph
#3 Waterloo v #6 Brock
#4 York v #5 Windsor

OUA LeagueStat Page - has all summaries
AUS schedule/results : AUS stats

* link may be updated as you read

Manitoba gets 3 or 4 points:
1st assured

Manitoba gets 2 points:
2nd if Sask gets 4 and Alberta gets 4
3rd if Sask gets 4 and Alberta gets 3
1st if Sask gets 4 and Alberta gets 2 or less
2nd if Sask gets 3 or less and Alberta gets 4
1st if Sask gets 3 or less and Alberta gets 3 or less

Manitoba gets 1 point:
3rd if Sask gets 4 and Alberta gets 3 or 4
2nd if Sask gets 4 and Alberta gets 2 or less
2nd if Sask gets 3 or less and Alberta gets 3 or 4
3rd if Sask gets 3 and Alberta gets 2
1st if Sask gets 3 or less and Alberta gets 1 or less

Manitoba gets 0 points:
3rd if Sask gets 3 or more and Alberta gets 2 or more
2nd if Sask gets 3 or more and Alberta gets 1 or less
2nd if Sask gets 2 and Alberta gets 2 or more
3rd if Sask gets 2 and Alberta gets 1
1st if Sask gets 2 or less and Alberta gets 0
1st if Sask gets 1 or less and Alberta gets 1 or less
2nd if Sask gets 1 or less and Alberta gets 2 or more

WEEKEND PREVIEW

We enter the final weekend of the regular season on the CW schedule with the top 3 spots up for grabs. What is known is that Calgary will be 4th, UBC 5th, Lethbridge 6th, and Regina 7th when the season ends on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the playoffs are starting out east. Here's how the CW series shape up:


UBC THUNDERBIRDS (12-11-3, 15th in OHT34)
MANITOBA BISONS (18-5-3*, 2nd in OHT34)

Friday, February 17th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena U of M
Saturday, February 18th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena U of M

LIVE LINKS: [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [UMFM 101.5 Saturday]
MANITOBA LINKS: [U of M Site] : [LS Roster] : [U of M Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
UBC LINKS: [UBC Site] : [LS Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
OTHER LINKS: [CW Site] : [LS - Live Updates] : [CW Weekly Notes #17 (pdf)]
PRIOR GAMES AT UBC: [Nov 18 UBC wins 2-1] : [Nov 19 Bisons win 4-2]
PRIOR GAMES AT MANITOBA: [Feb 3 Bisons win 3-2] : [Feb 4 Bisons win 5-3]
OTHER STORIES: [Calgiuri Player of the Week]

So, here we are at the end of the regular season and the Bisons can assure themselves of 1st place with 3 points in 2 games against the British Californians. After last weekend's results the Tweety-Birds are assured of 5th place and a quarter-final series in Calgary next weekend. If the Bisons finish 1st or 2nd they will enjoy a bye to a semi-final which they would host. However, if they fall to 3rd they would host Lethbridge in a quarter-final.

The Bisons will be paced by two forwards with "Cy Young Numbers", Blair Macaulay (22-9 31) and Brendan Rowinski (11-8 19 in 21 games). The Bisons also have three more players in the top 20 scorers: Tyler Dittmer (6-15 21), Jeremy Schappert (4-17 21), and Ian Duval (9-11 20).

UBC has three top 20 scorers of their own: Max Grassi (9-16 25), Jordan Inglis (10-10 20), and Scott Wasden (10-9 19).

UBC was riding high after the Jan 20-21 weekend. They just swept the Bedrock Boys as part of a six game winning streak and it seemed they could be hosting a quarter-final series. But then they split a home ice set against Alberta, were swept in Manitoba, then were swept at home by Sask. That means they cannot catch idle Calgary.

One question for UBC is goaltending. Jordan White was a one-man show. However, he gave up 3 goals on 8 shots in the first 9 minutes of last Friday's game and was yanked. Kraymer Barnstable finished up, and started Saturday's game (his first start of the season). However, he too was yanked when he gave up 4 goals on 18 shots in 27 minutes. They will need to sort out this position for next weekend.

Any way you look at it, this is a very important weekend for the Bisons. Alberta has finished first in the CW every season since 1999-2000 when were 2 points behind Sask. (The time before that was 1996-97.) They have already set a CW team record for points (have 39, old record 36) and have tied the team record for wins (18). Their GPAC records were 39 for points and 19 for wins. The Bisons have not finished first since rejoining the CW in 1986.

ELSEWHERE:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (17-6-3, 5th in OHT34)
REGINA COUGARS (5-18-3, 31st in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Video Friday]
|> [U of R Site] : [U of S Preview]

The Battle of Bumpkinville has been a one-sided affair this year. So the Banjo-Mutts are assured that they will be the ones wearing the Melonhead Crown this off-season after winning all four games so far. The first home-and-home in October was decided by scores of 5-2 and 5-4. But in December in Saskatown the scores were 10-2 and 6-0. Regina has been, by far and away, the worst team in the CW this year. However, they came perilously close to a win over the Evil Monkeys last weekend which would have radically altered the outlook for this weekend.

I suspect that the Banjo-Cats will rally to have one close game on the weekend. The question is whether they can prevent Sask from picking up 4 points. It is hard to beat a team 6 times in a row.


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (7-16-3, 25th in OHT34)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (18-6-2*, 6th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Video Both Nights]
|> [U of A Preview - at Boxscore News] : [U of L Preview]

It is possible that the same two teams could meet again next week, provided that Lethbridge denies at least one point to the Monkeys. The Monkeys won 3-1 and 2-1 in Lethbridge and 5-0 and 6-1 in Edmontown.

Also, every point that the H0rny Ones can deny the Evil Monkeys reduces the points the Bisons will need to clinch first. So expect the Herd to send a crate of Viagra to their locker room for this series.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:



Feb. 15

QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS 2
MCGILL REDMEN 3
(McGill leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

UQTR PATRIOTES 2
RYERSON RAMS 9
(Ryerson leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 2
CARLETON RAVENS 6
(Carleton leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

NIPISSING LAKERS 2
OTTAWA GEEGEES 5
(Ottawa leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 4
GUELPH GRYPHONS 5
(Guelph leads OUAW quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS PlayoffSchedule/Results/Links]
|> [Top 10 - at CIS - at CW - at Boxscore News]
|> [CW Weekend Preview] : [OHT34]

* Alberta's OTL to Manitoba was converted to a W

MORE NEWS AND LINKS:

[Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: Sask weekend preview] - It is good they have a full preview story and here's a quote:

They will host at least one playoff series at home, whether that’s a Canada West quarter-final or Canada West semifinal.

The University of Saskatchewan Hockey Huskies can’t worry about all these different scenarios, says head coach Dave Adolph.

“For the last 10 years, we’ve always worried about somebody else — the Bears — or something else,” Adolph said Thursday. “All we’ve got to do is just start playing our game, if everybody plays the same way. We played really well, for the first time in a long time, in B.C. last Saturday night (5-0 win) and we’ve just got to keep playing that way.

[The Manitoban: U of M Makes a Robot] - In a few years time we'll have men's, women's, and robots divisions in the CW. I'll bet a team of Manitoba Robots would kick the crap out of a team of Alberta Evil Monkeys.

Programmers working at the Autonomous Agents Laboratory may have developed the world’s first humanoid-robot ice-hockey player.

Chris Iverach-Brereton, a computer science graduate student at the U of M, has been programming Jennifer — a DARwin open platform named after Canadian hockey player Jennifer Botterill — for less than a month.

Thus far the robot is capable of taking a shot, stick handling and taking rudimentary strides on some makeshift skates. She makes her moves with a miniature Bison hockey stick.

[Winnipeg Free Press: Caligiuri Athlete of the Week] - The story was a bare-bones announcement.

[Edmonton Journal: Hunter’s first pro season a success] - The former Monkey and Headingley native is playing for the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL this year.

[LINKS] - Every link you need to follow CIS hockey is at this link. Included are league, team, media, and stats sites.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:



ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 0
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 3
(Moncton leads AUS quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]



LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS 2
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 4
(WO leads OUAW quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

BROCK BADGERS 2
WATERLOO WARRIORS 1
(in overtime)
(Brock leads OUAW quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

YORK LIONS 4
WINDSOR LANCERS 5
(in overtime)
(Windsor leads OUAW quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

BISONS CAN SMELL FIRST PLACE


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 1
MANITOBA BISONS 3

|> [U of M Preview] : [U of M Story and Stats] [- at UBC] : [CW Friday Recap]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Standings] : [All Links]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Friday Round-up*] : [CIS Standings]

On a night when the Bisons were getting no help at all on the out-of-ton scoreboard, they had to take care of matters themselves. And that they did. The Bisons played hard, generated lots of scoring chances, and were never caught running around in their own end for prolonged periods. The win assures the Bisons of at least 2nd place. And even an OTL in Saturday's rematch would give them 1st.

For those who cannot make it out to the Saturday night game, the game will now be shown on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

The Bisons came out strong and each line generated a good scoring chance on their first shift. After 5 minutes the pressure resulted in a goal when Dane Crowley scored on a wrap-around. The Bisons really dominated the first half of the period and had numerous outstanding scoring chances, only to hit a post or be foiled by Tweety-Bird 'tender Jordan White. I had the impression that with another goal UBC may have tossed in the towel. But as the period wore on they found their game. Though the Bisons generally carried the play, one UBC counter-attack resulted in a goal by Scott Wasden after 11 minutes.

The 2nd period was more evenly played, though the Bisons generated the better scoring chances and had a few more goalposts. (This truly was the night of the goalpost for them.) Things were getting tense for me as play entered the final minute and the score remained tied. However, in the last minute of play Ian Duval notched his 10th of the season on a nice passing play with linemates Mike Hellyer and Matt Lowry.

The 3rd period was much the same as the 2nd. However, there was one very long stretch of highly entertaining end-to-end hockey that took a lot of time off the clock. An empty-netter by the pesky Chris Benias was all the scoring.

IMO, UBC ought to know now that Jordan White is the goaltender they need in the playoffs. After they messed about by yanking each goaltender last weekend, I suspect all is back to normal now. That said, they may way White to go into next week on a high note and give Barnstable the start on Saturday.

Here's how they lined up:

MANITOBA

Goal:
Caligiuri (Friesen)

Defence:
Schmidt - Crowley
Schappert - Lockerby
Mealy - Bobbee

Forwards:
Dittmer - Walker - Macaulay
Hellyer - Duval - Lowry
Cowan - Benias - Rowinski
Bestland - Lauder - Flynn

UBC

Goal:
30 White (35 Barnstable)

Defence:
7 Wall - 18 Kakoske
4 McGurk - 15 Yee (Schmidt also played D)
6 Brkich - 8 Cumberbirch (usually mixed with others)

Forwards
19 Wasden - 11 Fleming - 26 Desloges
24 Juneau - 12 McRae - 7 Wall
20 Hamilton - 23 Pruden - 14 Kimber
21 Wray - 13 Schmidt - 9 Wilgosh

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


REGINA COUGARS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 8

|> [U of S Story] : [U of R Site*]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

The Banjo-Mutts whipped the Banjo-Cats in their 5th straight win in this season's Battle of the Bumpkins. The 1st period basically ended the game. The Mutts outshot the Puddy=Tats 23-5 en route to a 3-0 lead. But, in what is perhaps an omen, Regina did something unusual. They outshot Sask in each of the last two periods, 27-22 overall. Regina went with #2 goaltender Andrew Hayes. That must mean they are saving Lucas Gore for their home game of the series. After last Saturday's game against Alberta, one cannot discount the chance for an upset. But it won't matter to Manitoba!


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 7

|> [U of A Story*] : [U of L Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

There was a crazy 1st period in this one which made me think that maybe there was an upset in the offing. Though being outshot 19-7, Lethbridge was tied 3-3. The rest of the night, though, saw the H0rny Ones go limp as they mustered only 10 more shots as the Evil Monkeys cruised to a victory. In the end they were outshot 44-17. They better stiffen up their D if they want to mount a challenge in the playoffs.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 18
UBC at Manitoba : [Live Stats] : [UMFM 101.5] : [Live Video]
Saskatchewan at Regina : [Live Stats]
Lethbridge at Alberta : [Live Stats] : [Live Video]

OUT EAST:



ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN -
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS -
(Moncton leads AUS quarter-final 1-0.)

ACADIA AXEMEN 3
UPEI PANTHERS 4
(UPEI leads AUS quarter-final 1-0.)
|> [Boxscore]



WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 2
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS 1
(WO wins OUAW quarter-final 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

GUELPH GRYPHONS 1
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 5
(OUAW quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

WATERLOO WARRIORS 4
BROCK BADGERS 7
(Brock wins OUAW quarter-final 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

YORK LIONS -
WINDSOR LANCERS -
(Windsor leads OUAW quarter-final 1-0.)

MCGILL REDMEN 5
QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS 1
(McGill wins OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

UQTR PATRIOTES -
RYERSON RAMS -
(Ryerson leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)

OTTAWA GEEGEES 3
NIPISSING LAKERS 1
(Ottawa wins OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

TORONTO VARSITY BLUES -
CARLETON RAVENS -
(Carleton leads OUAE quarter-final 1-0.)

OUA LeagueStat Page - has all summaries
AUS schedule/results : AUS stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

BISONS WIN THE PENNANT ... ALL DECENT PEOPLE REJOICE


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 4
MANITOBA BISONS 5
(in overtime)
|> [U of M Story and Stats] : [UBC Story] : [CW Saturday Recap]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Standings] : [All Links]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Saturday Round-up*] : [CIS Standings]

The Bisons made this one a lot closer than it needed to be. But, in the end, the Monkeys and Mutts were left disappointed as they vainly won their games whilst watching the Herd claim their first CW regular season title since 1971. Of course, they won several GPAC titles in the years when the conferences were split. The Bison historical records are at GoBisons.ca.

The Bisons could have had this one finished in the 1st period. Jeremy Schappert scored his 5th and 6th goals of the season to give the Bisons a 2-0 lead. The play was solidly one-way traffic as they outshot UBC 12-4. However, Joe Caligiuri must have gone cold because he allowed a weak goal from the point on a shot by Wyatt Hamilton and UBC escaped the period down by only one goal. Since the Bisons had managed oodles of top-quality scoring chances, it seemed fair to think that the UBC goal was an anomaly and that the Bisons could pick up where they left off in the 2nd period.

Such was partially the case. While the Bisons did not create a steady stream of havoc in the UBC end, they did only surrender 5 shots on goal the entire period. But two of those went in. Both were power play goals. Hamilton's second of the night was a bouncer from the point that went through the five hole. A very weak goal. The go-ahead goal from Michael Wilgosh was a well-placed PP goal.

Thus, the Bisons entered the 3rd period trailing a game they had been dominating. They definitely picked up the pace as shift after shift they hit hard and skated hard and generally got at least one good scoring chance. Early pressure led to a PP and Blair Macaulay was presented witha wide-open net and he just doesn't miss those. That gave him a CIS-leading 23rd goal. Each line took their turn and just over three minutes into the period Ian Duval scored his 11th and it appeared the Bisons were ready to trample them. However, UBC leveled the sore when Jason Yee stepped in from the point. After the score was tied UBC seldom penetrated the Bison zone and when they did it was one shot from the outside and then they were out.

Once the game was getting late the Bisons were happy to let the clock tick and get the point they needed to secure 1st place. So, uniquely, the overtime lacked the tension of the 3rd period. Brendan Rowinski's 12th of the season ended the season on a winning note as the Bisons celebrated a title.



The line-ups and cominations were the same as in Friday's game, except that UBC went with Barnstable in goal.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
REGINA COUGARS 1

|> [U of R Story - at U of S]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

After giving the Evil Monkeys a scare last weekend, one would have held out some hope for more fight from the Banjo-Cats this weekend. But while this was not a pasting, it was a decisive win for the Banjo-Mutts. Who would have thought they could win 6 games against their fellow bumpkins.


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 6

|> [U of A Story*] : [U of L Site*]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

The H0rny Ones were able to score a load of early goals against the Evil Monkeys but once again they faded as the game wore on. This was an odd game in that Alberta had four PP goals and Lethbridge had two more. And, Lethbridge scored one shorthanded. Anyhow, the 'Horns had a 3-2 lead 20 seconds into the 2nd period.

Therefore, the weekends ends as it started. Manitoba is 1st, one point back is Alberta, and ne more point back is Sask.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 24-26
UBC at Calgary : [Live Stats*] : [Live Video TBD]
Lethbridge at Saskatchewan : [Live Stats*] : [Live Video TBD]

OUT EAST:



MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 2
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 3
(AUS quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> NOTES: Game 3 Feb. 20 @ Moncton.

ACADIA AXEMEN -
UPEI PANTHERS -
(UPEI leads AUS quarter-final 1-0.)
|> NOTES: Game 2 Feb. 19 @ Acadia.



WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS -
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS -
(WO already won OUAW quarter-final 2-0.)

GUELPH GRYPHONS 2
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 3
(Lakehead wins OUAW quarter-final 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

WATERLOO WARRIORS -
BROCK BADGERS -
(Brock already won OUAW quarter-final 2-0.)

YORK LIONS 1
WINDSOR LANCERS 5
(Windsor wins OUAW quarter-final 2-0.)
|> [Boxscore]

NOTES: OUA-West semi-finals will be Western Ontario v Brock and Lakehead v Windsor. Schedules TBA.

MCGILL REDMEN -
QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS -
(McGill already won OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)

UQTR PATRIOTES 7
RYERSON RAMS 5
(OUAE quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> NOTES: Game 3 Feb. 19 @ UQTR.

OTTAWA GEEGEES -
NIPISSING LAKERS -
(Ottawa already won OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)

CARLETON RAVENS 0
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 3
(OUAE quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> [LeagueStat Summary - no CIS Boxscore as I post]
NOTES: Game 3 Feb. 19 @ Toronto.

NOTES: If Ryerson wins they would play McGill and the Carleton/Toronto winner would play Ottawa. If UQTR wins they would play the Carleton/Toronto winner and McGill would play Ottawa.

OUA LeagueStat Page - has all summaries
AUS schedule/results : AUS stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

* link may be updated as you read[i]

The Bison story on Saturday's win is also now posted at Boxscore News.

Also, on the subject of the last Bison 1st place finish in the CW, I dug through the somewhat sparse CW and Bison history pages. It seems that even though the Bisons last finished 1st in 1971, they then competed in the GPAC from the 1971-72 season to the 1984-85 season. During that period they had four playoff championships. I have not found the regular season standings.

In the 1984 and 1985 national playoffs the Bisons played Alberta in a preliminary series as GPAC v CW champs. In 1984 Alberta hosted the series and won 2-0. They were 20-4-0 (40 points) and Manitoba was 19-4-1 (39 points). In 1985 Manitoba hosted the series and lost 2-1 with game 3 being in overtime. Alberta was 20-4-0 (40 points) and Manitoba was 17-3-4 (38 points).

Starting in 1985-86, Manitoba has been back in the CW, which is still 25 years without a 1st place finish.

Of note, there was no automatic berth in the nationals for the two conference champions. Which makes one question why there is an automatic berth for Quebec, even though they play in Ontario and their berth can be claimed by an Ontario team.

In any event, the Bisons' 43 points this year breaks their former record of 39 points, set in 1984.


The CW has released details of the quarter-finals. All games will be at 7:00 local time, except for game 3 at Calgary which will start at 5:00. The Sask games will be shown on CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:



MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 2
ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 3
(AUS quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> NOTES: Game 3 Feb. 20 @ Moncton.

UPEI PANTHERS 3
ACADIA AXEMEN 4
(AUS quarter-final tied 1-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> NOTES: Game 3 Feb. 20 @ UPEI.

|> NOTES: If Moncton wins then they would play Saint Mary's and New Brunswick would play the winner of UPEI/Acadia. If St FX wins then they would play New Brunswick and Saint Mary's would play the winner of UPEI/Acadia.



MCGILL REDMEN -
QUEEN'S GOLDEN GAELS -
(McGill already won OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)

RYERSON RAMS 3
UQTR PATRIOTES 5
(UQTR wins OUAE quarter-final 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

OTTAWA GEEGEES -
NIPISSING LAKERS -
(Ottawa already won OUAE quarter-final 2-0.)

CARLETON RAVENS 4
TORONTO VARSITY BLUES 3
(in overtime)
(Toronto wins OUAE quarter-final 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]

NOTES: The OUA East semi-finals will be McGill v Ottawa and UQTR v Toronto.

OUA LeagueStat Page - has all summaries
AUS schedule/results : AUS stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

NEWS UPDATES:


The Tweety-Birds had a pair of stories. One was in The Vancouver Province, about their losses to the Bisons and next weekend's trip to Bedrock, and the other was on d-man #18 Ryan Kakoske. Kakoske is a Junior "A" grad, one of many relied upon by UBC this year. He had loads of playing time against the Bisons this year.






Sask's weekend report was reprinted at The Boxscore News.


With the Mount Royal Cougars set to enter the CW next year it serves to check in on them once in a while. They wrapped up the regular season against the SAIT Trojans. The Calgary Herald had a story which reports that there was a fair bit of bad feeling in what could be their final meeting in a match full of cheap shots. The teams drew 2-2 on Friday and SAIT won 4-2 on Saturday. But MRU finished first with 48 points, 5 ahead of Augustana. SAIT was 3rd and will face 6th place MacEwan in one quarter-final, while 4th place NAIT will face 5th place Concordia.

OUT EAST:



ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER X-MEN 0
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 1
(Moncton wins AUS quarter-final 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> NOTES: Moncton will play Saint Mary's in the semi-finals.

ACADIA AXEMEN 4
UPEI PANTHERS 5
(in double overtime)
(UPEI wins AUS quarter-final 2-1.)
|> [Boxscore]
|> NOTES: UPEI will play New Brunswick in the semi-finals.

CIS Sunday Round-Up
CIS Monday Round-Up
OUA LeagueStat Page for Wednesday
AUS schedule/results : AUS playoff stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

WEEKEND PREVIEW


After wrapping up first place on the weekend the Bisons, as well as the Evil Monkeys, are off on a bye week. The Bisons announced their semi-final schedule and ticket prices. The games will go Friday, Saturday, and (if necessary) Sunday (March 2-4) at 7:00 p.m. each night. Adult tickets will be $12, and students and seniors will pay $7. Ashley Prest also has a story in the Winnipeg Free Press.

ELSEWHERE:


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS (7-18-3, 25th in OHT34)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (19-6-3, 4th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Video Both Nights]
|> [U of S Site] : [U of L Preview] : [Star-Phoenix Preview]
|> [Sept. 30: Sask 5-2] : [Oct. 1: Sask 4-3 (ot)]
|> [Oct. 21: Leth 3-1] : [Oct. 22: Sask 2-1 (ot)]
|> [Jan. 6: Sask 5-2] : [Jan. 7: Leth 3-2]
|> [Lethbridge Stats] : [Saskatchewan Stats]

At first glance the H0rny Ones are in over their heads in what should be a playoff mismatch. However, they achieved their greatest success this year against teams from the Land o' Hillbillies. Of course, they took care of Regina so that they could squeak into the playoffs as the #6 seed. What may be harder to explain is the fact that they were 2-2-2 against the El Grande Inbreds.

Still, in the playoffs there are no points for overtime losses. The Banjo-Mutts may have had a tough time with Lethbridge, but over the season they scored 109 goals and gave up 70. Lethbridge scored only 70 and gave up 116, almost the exact opposite. Sask has 3 of the top 4 scorers (Hulak, Bortis, and Ross) in the league.

However, Sask has been a very streaky team. They have had three 4-game winning streaks and one 4-game losing streak. In fact, they had one of each within their last 8 games of the season. They also have split the goaltending in half. The Holfield/Reekie combination was solid enough, ranking ever-so-slightly behind Manitoba and Alberta. But if you have two starters, do you have any?

In the past, Lethbridge has always been capable of relying upon the goaltending of Scott Bowles for upsets. However, this has been his weakest season in his four years in the league. Despite somewhat shaky stats (4.24 GAA and .880 save pct.) he played 26 games. Backup Dylan Tait had better numbers but basically played a mop-up role. There are those who say they would be better off with a switch.


UBC THUNDERBIRDS (12-12-4, 15th in OHT34)
CALGARY DINOS (15-11-2, 12th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday]
|> [U of C Preview at CW] ; [Vancouver Province Preview]
|> [Oct. 7: Cal 5-4 (so)] : [Oct. 8: UBC 4-3]
|> [Nov. 4: Cal 3-1] : [Nov. 5: UBC 5-3]
|> [Jan. 20: UBC 2-1] : [Jan. 21: UBC 3-2]
|> [UBC Stats] : [Calgary Stats]

When British California swept the Bedrock Boys in January it looked like they were well on their way to hosting a playoff series for the first time since Fred and Barney were bowling buddies. They then split with Alberta and then were swept by Manitoba, Sask, and Manitoba again. Meanwhile, Calgary swept Regina and Sask, and split with Manitoba. So the late season momentum is clearly with Calgary.

But we cannot discount UBC's decided edge over Calgary throughout the season. The 4-1-1 record, including 2-0-0 in Bedrock, means that the Tweety-Birds will be playing with some confidence.

For upward potential, Calgary has some candidates. Reid Jorgenson had 17 goals and 16 assists a year ago, this year it was 4 goals and 9 assists. Calgary's scoring leaders (Stefishen, Nixon, and Wintoneak) have all been highly-touted. But only Stefishen cracked he 20 point barrier. Meanwhile, UBC had four players there (Grassi, Wasden, Inglis, and Desloges).

Calgary was supposed to be one of top contenders not only in the CW but in the whole country. But instead of the CW having a "Big Four", it wound up having a "Big Three". Could they find their form in the playoffs? IMO, Calgary is the bigger threat to defeat one of the Big Three in the playoffs. But if both sides play their average games I would give the edge to UBC.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:




OTTAWA GEEGEES 3
MCGILL REDMEN 5
(McGill leads OUAE semi-final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

McGill had to rally to win this one. The McGilligutties are well-ahead in the rankings (they are #8 in the OHT34 while Ottawa is #18). Ottawa scored 2 goals on 3 shots inthe 1st period. Then they scored in the opening seconds of the 2nd period. Sounds like McGill had some shaky goaltending. They did score the next four goals, and then an empty-netter to salt it away.


CARLETON RAVENS 1
UQTR PATRIOTES 8
(UQTR leads OUAE semi-final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

Carleton scored the first goal. Then it all went downhill. Amazingly, the shots were almost even (40-37 for UQTR). This was supposed to be a toss-up. UQTR is #11 in the OHT34 (good for an A-). Carleton is 15-10-3 (actually 14-11-3 before their reversals against Ottawa) and is #19 (a B-).


BROCK BADGERS 3
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 5
(UWO leads OUAW semi-final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

The Urban Cowboys scored three unanswered goals in the first period and then coasted. I have my doubts about Brock making a comeback here, but we'll see. This is a mismatch. UWO is 21-4-3, good for #9 in the OHT34 and an A-. Brock is 13-14-1, and leaves them at #27 and a C+.


LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 3
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(in overtime)
(Lakehead leads OUAW semi-final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary] : [Windsor Star Preview]

Unlike the other series, the higher seed was on the road. Lakehead will host games 2 and 3. And with this tight overtime win, they are decidedly in the driver's seat. Lakehead is 19-9-0 (#13 in the OHT34 and a B+) whilst Windsor is 15-12-1 (#24 in the OHT34 and a C+). This was a close one but I would put good money on a Lakehead sweep.




UPEI PANTHERS -
UNB VARSITY REDS -
Best-of-five semi-final starts Friday.

The CIS Blog has their weekly AUS Report.

This is a battle between #1 and #7 in the OHT34. UNB finished 20-5-3 after having some rough spots. UPEI was 18-10-0. Normally, UPEI would be a big underdog. But they beat UNB 3-1 on the season.


MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS -
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES -
Best-of-five semi-final starts Friday.

SMU is 17-8-3 and are #3 in the OHT34. Moncton is not far behind at 18-9-1 and are #5. Of course, both are A level teams. Expect this to be one tough series. They each won twice during the season, with SMU holding a 5-4 edge in points.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS PlayoffSchedule/Results/Links]
|> [Top 10 - at CIS - at CW - at Boxscore News]
|> [CW Weekly Notes #18] : [OHT34] : [All Links]

UBC AND SASK WIN OPENERS

The Bisons are resting up and getting ready for next weekend's semi-final round. Who will they play? Well, if Friday night's results are repeated on Saturday and/or Sunday it would be UBC. Friday's games were game one in a best-of-three.

|> [CW Friday Recap] : [CIS Friday Round-Up*]


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 4
CALGARY DINOS 3

|> [U of C Preview] : [UBC Preview] : [U of C Story] : [UBC Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

The Tweety-Birds marched into Bedrock and pulled off yet another win over the Dinos. If they do it again this weekend, the Dinos' season will become a page right out of history.

UBC outscored Calgary by a 2-1 margin in each of the first two periods. They did it with only 16 shots on goal, so Calgary yanked Dustin Butler from their net and put in Kris Lazaruk for the 3rd period. UBC managed only one shot in the 3rd.

Of note, UBC's Matt Pepe had a game misconduct for a hot to the head and each team had one more 10 minute misconduct. Not sure if this was a sign of a fiesty game or not. The write-ups did not imply a goon-like atmosphere. So check out those links. Also, the teams' series preview stories were posted too late for my preview and are included in this post.


LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 2
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4

|> [U of S Preview] : [U of S Story - U of L Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

I was out until the game was done so I missed the on-line webcast on CanadaWest.tv. So I cannot say if the H0rny Ones lost due to a shortage of Viagra or a shortage of indoor plumbing in the city of Saskatown.

Anyhow, Bailey, Bortiss, and MacCallum scored in  3 -minute stretch mid-way through the 1st period to give the Banjo-Mutts a 3-0 lead. That made an upset very unlikely. So while the stats were close the rest of the way it was all moot. I wish the 'Horns well but my guess is they'll be on the bus back home after one more game.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 25
UBC at Calgary : [Live Stats]
Lethbridge at Saskatchewan : [Live Stats] : [Live Video]

OUT EAST:




MCGILL REDMEN 5
OTTAWA GEEGEES 3
(McGill wins OUAE semi-final 2-0.)
|> [no CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

The McGilligutties had a 5-1 lead heading into the 3rd period. So I would call this series a decisive sweep.


UQTR PATRIOTES -
CARLETON RAVENS -
(UQTR leads OUAE semi-final 1-0.)
|> Game two goes Saturday afternoon


WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
BROCK BADGERS 2
(UWO wins OUAW semi-final 2-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary] : [Recap]

The Urban Cowboys trailed 2-1 after Brock scored an early 3rd period goal. But they rallied to tie it after 13 minutes and then won it with 7 seconds left.


WINDSOR LANCERS 4
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 1
(OUAW semi-final tied 1-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

Lakehead failed to cash in on chances when they trailed 1-0 after two whilst holding a SOG advantage of 25-13. But the 3rd period was stupid. Windsor scored 3 goals on 7 shots to salt it away.




UPEI PANTHERS 3
UNB VARSITY REDS 4
(UNB leads AUS semi-final 1-0.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

UPEI held a 3-1 lead after one period but could not hold it. This one s a best-of-five so there is time. UPEI has been tough on UNB thus far.


MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 2
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 6
(SMU leads AUS semi-final 1-0.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

Could it be that the Aigles have turned into a pumpkin? Two late 3rd period goals by UDM made this somewhat respectable.

CIS Friday Round-Up*
OUA LeagueStat Page for Friday
AUS schedule/results : AUS playoff stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

I was out until the game was done so I missed the on-line webcast on CanadaWest.tv. So I cannot say if the H0rny Ones lost due to a shortage of Viagra or a shortage of indoor plumbing in the city of Saskatown.

LOL

BEDROCK EVENS SERIES, SASK SWEEPS

I came across a story by, of all people, Scott Taylor at River City Sports Blog about former Bison coach Wayne Fleming. He is a Tampa Bay Lighting assistant coach and is off duty due to a battle with cancer. However, Tampa continues to pay him full salary. So, good luck to Wayne and thumbs up to the Lightning.

|> [CW Saturday Recap] : [CIS Saturday Round-Up]


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 0
CALGARY DINOS 4

|> [U of C Story] : [UBC Story] : [Calgary Herald Preview] : [Ubyssey Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

In the .... Town of Bedrock .... They are getting ready to play Game Three.

With their backs firmly planted against the proverbial stone wall, the Dinos rallied with a decisive win. They held UBC to 17 shots and Dustin Butler was back in goal to record a shut-out. Of note, Jacob DeSerres was back in as back-up. Kind of funny since Kris Lazaruk was the backup in game one and played the 3rd period where he stopped the only shot on goal. Here's a quote from Coach Howell on the 'tender:

“(Butler) has had moments and times when he hasn’t been good enough, just like the rest of the team, but in the last three weeks he’s been the best in the country again.

“For any team to be successful, your goaltender has to be your best player in the playoffs. We’re optimistic he can be that for us again.’’

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS 3
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 10

|> [U of S Story - at U of L]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

I was at my son's game and got back home thinking I would tune into CanadaWest.tv. But I saw that it was already 8-3 and did not bother. I guess the H0rny Ones just could not get up for this series. The Monkeys and Mutts will now play in the semi-finals in Edmontown.

NEXT UP:

Feb. 26
UBC at Calgary : [Live Stats]

OUT EAST:




UQTR PATRIOTES 1
CARLETON RAVENS 5
(OUAE semi-final tied 1-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

UQTR is an enigma. The rack up 8 goals in game one. Then after falling behind 3-0 after one period in game two they basically throw in the towel and muster only 5 shots in the 2nd period before getting 10 shots and a goal in the 3rd. Hmmm. Game three goes Sunday at 7:00 CST/8:00 EST.


WINDSOR LANCERS 3
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 2
(in overtime)
(Windsor wins OUAW semi-final 2-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

I did see the ending of this one on-line. What a disappointing end for Lakehead. The Lancers are going further than usual as they now face the Urban Cowboys for a spot in the U-Cup.




UPEI PANTHERS 1
UNB VARSITY REDS 5
(UNB leads AUS semi-final 2-0.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

Note that the AUS plays best-of-five semi-finals. So UPEI still has a faint hope clause to rely upon. My guess is that UNB will win and assure that the UdM v SMU series is one for a U-Cup berth.


MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 3
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 1
(AUS semi-final tied 1-1.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

There is evidently loads of like left in the boys from Monkeytown. (I wonder if the Evil Monkeys might want to move there?) With games three and four on home ice, the Aigles could be back to the U-Cup, where they once were regulars.

CIS Saturday Round-Up
OUA LeagueStat Page for Saturday
AUS schedule/results : AUS playoff stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

THE DINOS ARE COMING

Each conference is now down to their final four. Here's what went down on Sunday.

|> [CW Sunday Recap] : [CIS Sunday Round-Up]


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 2
CALGARY DINOS 3

|> [U of C Story] : [UBC Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

So, in the end the final four was what the pre-season prognosticators had predicted, albeit in a somewhat different order. The Dinos may have sputtered their way through the season, but they will be at the Max Bell Arena next weekend to face the Bisons in the Canada West semi-finals.

Calgary built a 2-0 lead in the 2nd period, but the scores were level by 7 minutes of the 3rd. Calgary's Brock Nixon scored with 9 minutes left.

NEXT UP:

March 2-4: best-of-three semi-finals
Calgary at Manitoba : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Stats Sunday] : [Live Video TBD]
Saskatchewan at Alberta : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Stats Sunday] : [Live Video All Games]

OUT EAST:




UQTR PATRIOTES 3
CARLETON RAVENS 2
(UQTR wins OUAE semi-final tied 2-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

This one went to double overtime. And not those 5 minute jobs we have in the regular season before a shootout. This one need 26 minutes. UQTR will face McGill in the OUAE final.

CIS Sunday Round-Up
OUA LeagueStat Page for Sunday
AUS schedule/results : AUS playoff stats
CIS Playoff Schedule/Results

WEEKEND PREVIEW

The Bisons and Evil Monkeys will see their first playoff action Friday night. And by the time their first games end, there may be as few as eight teams left alive in all of the CIS. Here's wazzup.


CALGARY DINOS (15-11-2, 2-1-0, 12th in OHT34)
MANITOBA BISONS (20-5-3*, 2nd in OHT34)

Friday, March 2nd, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena U of M
Saturday, March 3rd, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena U of M
Sunday, March 4th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Max Bell Arena U of M (if necessary)

LIVE LINKS: [Live Stats - Friday - Saturday - Sunday]
TEAM LINKS: [U of M Preview] : [U of M Roster] : [U of C Site]
MANITOBA LS LINKS: [LS Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
CALGARY LS LINKS: [LS Roster] : [LS Schedule/Results] : [LS Stats]
PRIOR GAMES 1: [Oct 1 Bisons win 2-0] : [Oct 2 Bisons win 2-0]
PRIOR GAMES 2: [Nov 25 Bisons win 8-1] : [Nov 26 Bisons win 4-2]
PRIOR GAMES 3: [Feb 10 Dinos win 5-4 (ot)] : [Feb 11 Bisons win 1-0 (ot)]
OTHER LINKS: [CW Weekly Notes #19] : [Winnipeg Sun] : [Free Press]

So, here we are at long last. After the close race for first place, the Bisons earned their bye. Now they get their reward: home ice advantage in the conference semi-finals and, if successful, the finals.

Now my big problem is that my son's playoff schedule just came out. For this weekend all is good. However, the wrong combination of wins and losses could create conflicts for both the Friday and Saturday night games next weekend. Grrrrr.

The linked stories in the Sun and Press are worth a look. But now for my outlook, which is BETTER!

The Bisons entered the season ranked 4th in the CW pre-season coaches' poll. The Bedrock Boys were 2nd, behind Alberta. The Dinos had qualified for last year's nationals and had a stellar recruiting class. The Bisons were a solid 4th place team last year and had a solid recruiting class, albeit one short on forwards. This left them with 10 d-men capable of playing on any team in the CIS. So, they played most games with 2 or even 3 of them being used as 4th line forwards.

The two sides met one another in the opening week of the regular season. The Bisons walked into Bedrock and came away with a pair of 2-0 wins, with Joe Caligiuri posting the shutouts. When the teams met in Manitoba, the Bisons man-handled the Dinos and frankly outclassed them in every aspect of the game. The final series in Calgary saw each team escape with 3 points. The Bisons blew a 4-1 lead on Friday before winning 1-0 on a shoot-out on Saturday, where Caligiuri racked up his third shutout against the Dinos.

IMO, the things to look for are:

- Goaltending. Each side has three goalies with WHL experience. Calgary's situation appears to have destabilized former CIS all-star Dustin Butler. He was yanked in game one of their series against UBC. Manitoba has gone with Caligiuri since Christmas, as Jesse Deckert has not dressed.

- Penalties. The Bisons love to hit. Some referees call a penalty whenever a body hits the ice. Power plays can be a great equalizer.

- Dittmer-Walker-Macaulay: They are the Bisons' power line. Calgary has oodles of potentially big-time scorers, all of whom are higher touted than this trio but have not produced the goals.

My prediction? One of the first two games will be close. If Calgary wins it then the Bisons will take the series in three. Otherwise, and more likely, the Bisons will win it in two straight.

Blair Macaulay, from the Sun.

ELSEWHERE:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (19-6-3, 2-0-0, 4th in OHT34)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (20-6-2*, 6th in OHT34)

|> [Live Stats - Friday - Saturday - Sunday]
|> [Live Video All Games]
|> [U of A Preview] : [U of S Site]

For those not in attendance at the Max Bell, this series will be available on CanadaWest.tv.

The Monkeys and Mutts have battled several times, but until now it has been the traditional CW final. After Manitoba eliminated Sask in 2010, and Calgary eliminated Sask in 2011, it is now three years since these two teams have played a playoff series. As usual, this year's series will be in Edmontown.

The Evil Monkeys edged Sask by one point, the one they got in the boardrooms. Otherwise this series would be played in Saskatown. This year Alberta really got rich off the weak sisters. Alberta went 12-0-0 against Lethbridge and Regina this year.

When these teams met in Alberta, Sask won 5-4 in a shoot-out and Alberta won 2-1 in OT. In the return series in Bumpkinville, Sask won 5-2 and 5-4.

The Monkeys have shown some vulnerability this year in all aspects of their game. There is no glaring weakness. But their 3rd and 4th lines are not as dangerous as before and their defence is not as physical. Their goaltenders have been fine but not awe-inspiring.

The Banj-Mutts are very top-heavy with their scoring. Their top line of Hulak-Bortis-Ross are three of the top four scorers in the league. They are clearly dangerous. But, if they are stopped then there is not much left.

IMO, if this series is swept it will only be because one side got the breaks in OT.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:




UQTR PATRIOTES 3
MCGILL REDMEN 5
(McGill leads OUAE final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

This is the annual "Battle of Quebec", taking place in the OUA-East. McGill is #8 (22-4-2, good for an A) and UQTR is #11 (19-7-2, for an A-) in the OHT34. The winner is guaranteed a place in the nationals, and the loser will play for the wild-card spot.


WINDSOR LANCERS 4
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
(Windsor leads OUAW final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

If it weren't for Windsor these playoffs would be painfully predictable. They rank #24 in the OHT34 (15-12-1, a C+). They knocked off #26 York and #13 Lakehead in order to get a crack at the #9 Urban Cowboys (21-4-3, for an A-). The winner of this will also go to the U-Cup and the loser will play the OUAE loser for the wild-card spot.




UNB VARSITY REDS 3
UPEI PANTHERS 2
(in overtime)
(UNB wins AUS semi-final 3-0.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

UPEI had been UNB's bugaboo team this year. UNB clearly reversed the season trend. UPEI was #7 in the OHT34 (18-10-0, good for an A) and beat #10 Acadia (16-10-2, an A-). So being drawn against #1 UNB (20-5-3) is tough luck.


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 1
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 6
(Moncton leads AUS semi-final 2-1.)
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

The UNB win has Moncton and Saint Mary's dancing in the streets. Since UNB hosts the nationals, and gets a guaranteed spot, the winner of their series will now be assured of a spot in the U-Cup. I find it odd that each side now has a one-sided victory. Both sides are graded A, with SMU at #3 (17-8-3) and Moncton at #5 (18-9-1).

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS Playoff Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [Top 10 - at CIS] : [OHT34]
|> [All Links for CIS Hockey]
|> [CIS Blog: AUS Weekly Update]
|> [CP: UNB Story] : [Calgary Herald: UBC series]
|> [Windsor Star: Lakehead series]

* Alberta's OTL to Manitoba was converted to a W

DINOS TAKE GAME ONE


CALGARY DINOS 2
MANITOBA BISONS 1

|> [U of M Story] : []U of C Preview] : [U of C Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Friday Recap]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Friday Round-up]

First up, I see that games 2 and 3 are now scheduled to be shown on CanadaWest.tv.

The Bisons came out full of life and had the Dinos reeling. But an inability to score game the Dinos a chance to counter-punch. Calgary's best scoring chances came with two breakaways from guys leaving the penalty box.

The opening goal came in the first minute of the 2nd period on a bit of a weak shot from Reid Jorgenson. Still, it seemed to change the period to one where the Bisons never got on track. There were no further goals.

The Bisons came out strong in the 3rd period. But the turning point in the game came 3 minutes in when Joe Caligiuri muffed a dump-in by Blake Clement. The rolling puck hit something and jumped over his goal stick. The Bisons missed lots of great scoring chances. But while killing a penalty they were taking chances and one resulted in Blair Macaulay setting Jered Walker in on a breakaway. He was hauled down and awarded a penalty shot. He came o=down the right side, cut across to the left, and when Dustin Butler followed him he dropped it back and backhanded the puck into an empty net.

Here's how they lined up:

MANITOBA

Goal:
Caligiuri (Deckert)

Defence:
Schmidt - Crowley
Schappert - Lockerby
Mealy - Bobbee

Forwards:
Dittmer - Walker - Macaulay
Hellyer - Duval - Lowry
Cowan - Benias - Rowinski
Bestland - Lauder - Flynn

Calgary

Goal:
Butler (Lazaruk)

Defence:
Bartman - Pritz
Zahn - Egener
Frere - Curran

Forwards:
Nixon - Jorgenson - Stefishen
Grant - Moore - Wintoneuk
Hood - Fiddler - King
Clement - Ross - Spencer

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 7

|> [U of A Story - at U of S]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

This whipping was unexpected. The Evil Monkeys scored after 13 seconds of the 1st period and it was all downhill from there for the Banjo-Mutts. They fell behind 4-0 within the 1st period. Still, by the end of the 2nd period they had rallied to close to within 4-2. But that was as close as it got.

I suspect that game 2 will be a whole lot closer. Sask's top line was held scoreless on the night.

NEXT UP:

March 3-4
Calgary at Manitoba : [Live Stats] : [Live Video]
Saskatchewan at Alberta : [Live Stats] : [Live Video]

OUT EAST:




UQTR PATRIOTES -
MCGILL REDMEN -
(McGill leads OUAE final 1-0.)
Game 2 goes Saturday night.


WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 5
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(OUAW final tied 1-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

So, when will Windsor play in a game when the home team wins? They lost at home to Lakehead then walked into T-Bay to take games 2 and 3. Then in this series they won in London to open the series before once again losing on home ice. The Urban Cowboys will now host game 3 on Sunday night.




UNB VARSITY REDS -
UPEI PANTHERS -
(UNB already won AUS semi-final 3-0.)


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES -
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS -
(Moncton leads AUS semi-final 2-1.)
Game 4 goes Saturday night.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS Playoff Schedule/Results/Links] : [OHT34]
|> [All Links for CIS Hockey]

BISONS ELIMINATED


CALGARY DINOS 4
MANITOBA BISONS 3
(in overtime)
|> [U of M Story] : []U of C Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CW Saturday Recap]
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [CIS Saturday Round-up]

First off, this is a double-post for Saturday and Sunday games on the weekend of March 3-4. Sorry for the delay, loyal readers. But my son's peewee hockey playoffs have intervened.

The Bison loss on Saturday night was a tough one to swallow. The opening period was fairly even but a PP goal after 13 minutes by Jered Walker gave the Herd a 1-0 lead. The Dinos had their own PP goal by Kodie Curran after 12 minutes of the 2nd period. However, a last minute goal by Travis Bobbee gave the Bisons the break they needed so as to enter the 3rd period with a 2-1 lead.

Calgary notched a pair of weak goals, or at least goals contrary to the flow of play, to take a 3-2 lead. The Bisons outshot the Dinos 13-6 in the period. It looked like the Bisons were going down when Travis Mealy tied it with only 1:35 to go.

Though the concession booth had closed, one employee was still there and decided to re-open. The beer sales were immense as everybody readied for OT.

Once the OT started the Bisons had control and forced a Dino penalty. However, Brock Nixon pounced on a loose puck and scored shorthanded to give the Dinos the win and the series.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
(in overtime)
|> [U of A Story - at U of S]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3
(in overtime)
|> [U of A Story - at U of S]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

After the Evil Monkeys stuffed the Banjo-Mutts in game one, the pair of overtime wins in games two and three set up an anomalous situation where #3 and #4 will meet in the CW final. Kyle Bortis had two goals in game two and Brennan Bosch had two in game three. Real Cyr started both games in the Monkey net, while the Mutts continued to rotate Holfeld and Reekie.

NEXT UP:

March 9-11
Calgary at Saskatchewan : [Live Stats] : [Live Video]

OUT EAST:




MCGILL REDMEN 5
UQTR PATRIOTES 4
(in overtime)
(McGill wins OUAE final 2-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

The double overtime win on Saturday gave the McGilligutties a guaranteed berth in the nationals. UQTR is not out. They will play a bronze medal game against Windsor for the wild-card spot.


WINDSOR LANCERS 0
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 2
(UWO wins OUAW final 2-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

The Cinderella story ended for Windsor on Sunday, albeit in a tight series. So the Urban Cowboys will host the McGilligutties for the OUA title even though both will go to the nationals.




UNB VARSITY REDS -
UPEI PANTHERS -
(UNB already won AUS semi-final 3-0.)


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 1
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 2
(Moncton wins AUS semi-final 3-1.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [AUS Boxscore]

In yet another upset, Moncton wins to get back to the nationals. I suspect that they would be more vulnerable than other AUS teams may have been. So it will be Aigles v Reds in the AUS final with both sides assured of a trip to the U-Cup.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS Playoff Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [All Links for CIS Hockey]

CONFERENCE FINALS

Following the elimination of the Bisons I followed along the conference finals but never took the time to post about them. So, belatedly, here it is.



Game 1: Friday, March 9th
CALGARY DINOS 2
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
(in overtime)
|> [U of S Story - at U of C] : [CW Stories on Series]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Game 2: Saturday, March 10th
CALGARY DINOS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
|> [U of S Story - at U of C]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Game 3: Sunday, March 11th
CALGARY DINOS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2
(in overtime)
(Sask wins CW final 2-1.)
|> [U of S Story - at U of C]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

This was an unlikely final, featuring the #3 and #4 seeds in the CW. I tuned in to CanadaWest.tv to see the 3rd period of the final and ended up watching four periods of hockey. Game 3 went into triple overtime, and those are full 20 minute periods, not the 5 minute stanzas played in the regular season.

So after a 3-way fight for first place, which Sask lost, they end up with the big prize, no doubt celebrating with banjos, moonshine, and a cousin. Meanwhile, after being perhaps the biggest under-achievers in the CIS regular season, the Bedrock Boys gain a large measure if redemption.

Sask will not go down in history as one of the CW power-house champions. Since they will host the U-Cup in 2013 and 2014 we have to ask if they are on the verge of bigger and better things. Or will they be like Lakehead and stumble through a couple of non-descript seasons? Frankly, I would not be surprised if they fail to reach the CW final in either of the next two years. Alberta has lots of young talent. Manitoba will have a solid veteran defence for at least two more seasons even if they recruit nobody. Calgary should be able to do better with what they've already got, and they seem to be getting their share of prime recruits now. UBC over-achieved a bit this year. But now that their NCAA flirtation is over perhaps they will be able to up their recruiting of WHL grads.

OUT EAST:





Queen's Cup: Saturday, March 10th
MCGILL REDMEN 4
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 1
(McGill wins OUA final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

Since the OUA East dominated the West this year (for a change) one would expect that thay would claim the crown. In an oddity, the Urban Cowboys hosted the game because an Ontario must host the Queen's Cup. Also, their final is a one-off game instead of a best-of-three or best-of-five series.



OUA Bronze Game: Sunday, March 11th
WINDSOR LANCERS 3
UQTR PATRIOTES 5
(UQTR wins bronze final 1-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [LS Summary]

This is not a normal fixture. It was played because the OUA was given three berths (out of six) in the University Cup this year. No, that makes no sense at all. The upstart Lancers deserve credit for getting this far. But a 4-1 second period onslaught from the Pats put this one away. Whether this was a one-off playoff run for a team in a weak division catching fire at the right time, or whether Windsor is on the verge of becoming a contender, is something we will have to wait and see. (Remember Brock?) Anyhow, UQTR will be a familiar face at the nationals. The Bisons beat them 4-1 in the 2005 nationals.





Game 1: Wednesday, March 7th
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 3
UNB VARSITY REDS 8
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [AUS Boxscore]

Game 2: Thursday, March 8th
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 2
UNB VARSITY REDS 4
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [AUS Boxscore]

Game 3: Sunday, March 11th
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 0
UNB VARSITY REDS 4
(UNB wins AUS final 3-0.)
|> [CIS Boxscore] : [AUS Boxscore]

Like the CW final, the AUS final went three games. However, since they play a best-of-five final this was a sweep. And what a sweep it was. Monkey Town was crushed by the Squirrels. That UNB won was not a surprise. They have been at or near the top of the CIS and OHT34 rankings all year. But the AUS final (since it is a true series and not a one weekend or a one game event) is generally one of the big events of the CIS season. The Aigles must be given credit for their return to the podium. They were once perennial contenders for national titles. So I would take this year as a step back to their natural order.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS Playoff Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [All Links for CIS Hockey]

UNIVERSITY CUP

The University Cup has 6 teams, divided into two pools of three teams each. Each pool plays a round-robin and the two winners play in the final. I have never been a fan of either the format, nor the means of team selection. Berths are allocated as follows:

AUS: one spot
CW: one spot
OUA: two spots (one for Ontario and one for Quebec)
Host: one spot
Wild-card: one spot (rotates amongst non-host conferences)

So in a six year period, assuming each conference hosts for one two year period, the allocation of berths would be:

OUA: 16 spots
AUS: 10 spots
CW: 10 spots

Anyhow, all information on the tournament is at the Tournament Site. The Pools were:

Pool A: New Brunswick, Western Ontario, UQTR
Pool B: McGill, Saskatchewan, Moncton

Game 1 : Pool B : Thursday, March 22nd

MCGILL REDMEN 6
MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 3
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Game 1 : Pool A : Thursday, March 22nd

UNB VARSITY REDS 6
UQTR PATRIOTES 1
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Game 2 : Pool B : Friday, March 23rd

MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 5
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Game 2 : Pool A : Friday, March 23rd

UQTR PATRIOTES 2
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 1
(in overtime)
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Game 3 : Pool B : Saturday, March 24th

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
MCGILL REDMEN 3
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Game 3 : Pool A : Saturday, March 24th

WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
UNB VARSITY REDS 2
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

Let me begin with Pool A. UNB must have been licking their lips. They were slated to host for the second year in a row and were drawn against two OUA teams. Both were A level teams in the OHT34, but not really the type of team who could beat a side that rolled through the AUS playoffs barely breaking a sweat.

So, on opening night they crush the cute little Patriotes. Like Moncton, making a return to the U-Cup and maybe just happy to be there. Then with little to play for, UQTR still pushes the Urban Cowboys into overtime before losing a game they could easily have won. This sets up a true semi-final on Rogers Sportsnet on national TV. So the Squirrels take this glorious opportunity to give up 3 goals in a 5 minute stretch of the 1st period. They dozed their way through the 2nd then drew back two goals late in the 3rd. So they gathered their nuts and went back into their tree.

Now to Pool B, aka the "toss up" pool. You had the cream of the OUA against better-than-average teams from the AUS and CW who had fought through the playoffs to get here.

The fact that Monkey Town lost the opener to McGill was not a shock, but the margin certainly was. So when the Aigles came back to beat Sask one had to be shocked. The Banjo Mutts had made a habit of losing their first game, then bouncing back with two wins, in conference playoffs. Only one problem. In this tournament you don't get that 3rd game unless you catch a break and have a good plus/minus. So when the Mutts downed the McGilligutties in a "semi-final" they still lost. The lucky losers this year are the McGilligutties.

So this sets up a final between the Urban Cowboys and the McGilligutties. If McGill wins then there will be 5 of 6 teams leaving Fredericton with one loss, and one (UQTR) with none. Tune into Rogers Sportsnet at 6:00 CDT for live coverage. It will be tape-delayed in Alberta.

LINKS AND STORIES:
|> [CIS Standings] : [CIS Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [CIS Playoff Schedule/Results/Links] : [UC Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [All Links for CIS Hockey]

It seems appropriate to report on the conclusion of the "little leagues" out west since championships are wrapping up now.

Yes, the Vikings have won BOTH the ACAC and the BCIHL. But no, one team did not win both leagues. The Augustana Vikings won the ACAC and the Victoria Vikings won the BCIHL. Here's how it happened.



For complete standings and stats on the ACAC you can refer to their LeagueStat page. Their League Site has the most recent results right on the main page.

The top two teams (Mount Royal and Augustana) got byes and the bottom two teams (Portage and Briercrest) were eliminated. The rest were paired off 3-6 and 4-5, with the winners joining the top two in the semi-finals.

In the quarter-finals, the SAIT Trojans beat the MacEwan Griffins 2-0 and the NAIT Ooks beat the Concordia Thunder 2-1. Those were expected since there was a big gap between the top four and the bottom four this year.

In the semi-finals, the Augustana Vikings beat SAIT 3-1 in a series where there were some looking for an upset. The shocker was when NAIT beat the Mount Royal Cougars 3-2. Especially so since MRU had built a 2-0 series lead.

Augustana then beat NAIT 3-1, including 3-2 in overtime in game 4. This is the first title for Augustana since 1975, when they were called "Camrose Lutheran College". By my count, the title board stands as follows:
NAIT 13 (none since 1996)
SAIT 12
MRU 8 (joining CIS in 2012-13)
Red Deer 8 (no longer operating)
Augustana/Camrose 2
MacEwan 1
Concordia 1

Unforunately, there is no longer a national title for the ACAC winner to seek.



The BCIHL Site does not have a specific playoff page. But you can get their standings and schedule/scores pages and figure it out. The league has 7 teams. Trinity Western and Selkirk College were eliminated and the other five went to Kamloops for a championship tournament. They have a Brier-style page system which worked as follows:

#4 v #5 (A side quarter-final)
Victoria Vikings 5, Eastern Washington Eagles 1

#2 v #3 (A side semi-final)
Okanagan Coyotes 3, Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 2

loser 4/5 v loser 2/3 (B side quarter-final)
Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 2, Eastern Washington Eagles 1

#1 v winner 4/5 (A side semi-final)
Victoria Vikings 3, Simon Fraser Clan 2

loser 1/4/5 v winner B quarter-final (B side semi-final)
Simon Fraser Clan 3, Thompson Rivers Wolfpack 0

winners of A semi-finals (A side final)
Victoria Vikings 7, Okanagan Coyotes 6

loser A final v winner B semi-final (B side final)
Simon Fraser Clan 4, Okanagan Coyotes 3

winner A final v winner B final (Championship game)
Victoria Vikings 4, Simon Fraser Clan 3

The league has operated since 2006-07. Victoria and Simon Fraser now have three championships each.

UNIVERSITY CUP



WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
MCGILL REDMEN 4
(in overtime)
|> [CIS Recap/Boxscore/Video]

I never did make a final post on many forums so here it goes. Fitting, because as of today I can start work on the 2012-13 thread!

While this game was close throughout, I had the distinct impression that McGill was a much stronger team. They started the season by narrowly beating so-so team after so-so team and then got stronger.

So what may be the world's oldest hockey team has won their first national title. There is hope for the Leafs yet!