2012-13 Manitoba Bisons/CIS Thread

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

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

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

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

HERD CLAIM CONVINCING WIN IN OPENER


REGINA COUGARS 2
MANITOBA BISONS 6

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

The Bisons racked up a convincing, though at times lacklustre, win in game one of their quarter-final series against the Banjo-Cats. With the Jets hosting the Penguins, the crowd was the smallest I have ever seen. Even smaller than the crowds these teams drew to their pre-season series. My guess is there will be a much bigger audience for game two on Saturday.

The Bisons kicked the Kittens from pillar to post for most of the first 25 minutes en route to a 3-0 lead. Each of the Duval-Macaulay-Dittmer line scored a PP goal in that time (and in that order). Though the lead was nice, it killed any prospect for stimulating hockey. The Herd led on the shot clock 19-10 at the 1st intermission, and that was extended early in the 2nd period.

Once ahead 3-0 it was kitty-bar-the-door hockey. The Bisons rarely attempted to commit to offence. Troy Hunter scored a PP goal for the Cougars mid-way through the 2nd period. However, Del Cowan replied for the Bisons to make it 4-1 by intermission.

The Bisons played kill-the-clock for most of the 3rd period. However after 5 minutes Hunter notched his 2nd of the night to make it 4-2. Macaulay's empty-netter followed by Paul Ciarelli's cherry-on-top rounded out the scoring.

Although the Bisons gave up a record 37 shots on goal, Jesse Deckert had precious few difficult saves to make. On the other hand, Lucas Gore had loads of tough shots in the Kitten net.

Here's how they lined up:

Manitoba

Goal:
35 Deckert (1 Caligiuri)

Defence:
3 Mestery - 4 Schappert
22 Bestland - 2 Crowley
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

Regina

Goal:
35 Gore (30 Hayes)

Defence:
8 Friedel - 5 Reeve
7 Schneider - 18 Nielsen
24 Szucki - 2 Dech

Forwards:
20 Sawka - 14 Cuthbert - 17 Selinger
16 Nargang - 15 Murray - 19 King
25 Czerwonka - 12 Brennan - 9 Penny
13 Appleyard - 10 Henry - 22 Hunter

Scratches:
G: 1 Kilgore
D: 4 Sonntag
F: 11 Lange - 21 Hladun

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 3

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

The Bedrock Boys chalked up a convincing win of their own. UBC has been nipping at their heels the last two years. But on Friday night the Extinct Ones prevailed with style. The Tweety-Birds were outshot 16-3 in the 1st period, yet the Dinos held only a 1-0 lead on a goal from Brock "Milhouse" Nixon.

In the 2nd the Dinos pulled away with Nixon's 2nd a PP marker from Corey Banfield. UBC tried to make a 3rd period comeback, outshooting their hosts 13-5. But all they got was one goal, from Max Grassi.

In a bit of a surprise, the Dinos went with Dustin Butler in goal, whilst the British Californians answered with Jordan White.

In a scheduling note, Calgary has had to play games 1 and 2 of the series at their Max Bell Arena, rather than their usual digs at the Father David Bauer Arena.

OUT EAST:



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

Friday, February 15
Acadia 5 Moncton 2 (series tied 1-1)
St. F-X 4 UPEI 5 (ot) (UPEI wins 2-0)



Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [TB Newswatch Story]

Thursday, February 14
UOIT 1 Western Ontario 8 (game 1)
Laurier 4 Guelph 3 (ot) (game 1)

Friday, February 15
Carleton 2 Queen's 1 (Carleton wins 2-0)
Toronto 4 Ottawa 0 (series tied 1-1)
York 2 Windsor 4 (Windsor wins 2-0)
Waterloo 4 Lakehead 2 (Waterloo wins 2-0)

UP NEXT:

Saturday, February 16
Regina at Manitoba (Manitoba leads 1-0): CanadaWest.tv
UBC at Calgary (Calgary leads 1-0)
Ryerson at UQTR (UQTR leads 1-0)
Nipissing at McGill (Nipissing leads 1-0)
Toronto at Ottawa (tied 1-1)
Western Ontario at UOIT (UWO leads 1-0)
Guelph at Laurier (Laurier leads 1-0)

DITTMER'S FOUR GOALS KILL THE KITTIES


REGINA COUGARS 0
MANITOBA BISONS 5
(Manitoba wins series 2-0.)

Links:
|> [CIS Saturday Round-Up] : [CW Saturday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story] : [U of R Team Site]

The Bisons were, by far, the better team on Saturday night. Their 8 one-sided victories over the Banjo-Cats really make the one loss (last Saturday) stand out. A win there and the Bisons would be hosting a semi-final series next weekend.

While the Banjo-Cats exceeded everybody's expectations this year, going a respectable 13-12-3, it is clear that they went as far as they could have hoped. To put it bluntly, there are very few Kittens who could have even cracked the Bison line-up had they attended training camp. So 2012-13 has to be considered a success at the U of R.

The Bisons established dominance from every line from the opening whistle. Shift after shift produced a quality scoring chance. However, most were wasted when the Bisons failed to even hit the net. The 1st period shots were 12-7 for the Bisons. They could have doubled that total by hitting the net. The one chance which connected was a deft cross-crease pass from Ian Duval which landed the puck on Tyler Dittmer's stick to be buried behind Andrew Hayes.

The 2nd period followed the 1st period blueprint, but this time the Bisons scored twice. Dittmer converted another Duval pass before the fans had even settled in with their popcorn. Then Tyler Feakes whipped one in from the right side of the slot, on a pass from Duval.

Dittmer then scored twice more in the 3rd period. The 4-0 goal was the easiest goal ever. Jeremy Schappert passed from the left wing boards and hit a wide-open Dittmer no more than a few inches from the gaping net.

Here's how they lined up:

Manitoba

Goal:
35 Deckert (1 Caligiuri)

Defence:
3 Mestery - 4 Schappert
22 Bestland - 2 Crowley
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

Regina

Goal:
30 Hayes (35 Gore)

Defence:
8 Friedel - 18 Nielsen
14 Cuthbert - 5 Reeve
24 Szucki - 2 Dech

Forwards:
21 Hladun - 20 Sawka - 17 Selinger
16 Nargang - 15 Murray - 19 King
13 Appleyard - 10 Henry - 22 Hunter
25 Czerwonka - 12 Brennan - 9 Penny

Scratches:
G: 1 Kilgore
D: 4 Sonntag - 7 Schneider
F: 11 Lange

So next weekend the Bisons will visit Saskatown to face the Banjo-Mutts at the Rutherford, provided it is still standing by then.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 4
CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
(Series tied 1-1.)

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

Three goals on 5 shots turned around game two for the Tweety-Birds and allowed them to tie the series and force game three on Sunday night.

Game two was to my surprise available on CanadaWest.tv, and game three on Sunday is also slated for broadcast. Puck drop is 6:00 MST, or 7:00 CST.

Jordan White has started both games in goal for UBC. After Dustin Butler was somewhat of a surprise starter in game one, the Bedrock Boys went back to Jacob Deserres in game two.

OUT EAST:



Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]

Saturday, February 16
Ryerson 3 UQTR 7 (UQTR wins 2-0)
Nipissing 1 McGill 4 (series tied 1-1)
Toronto 2 Ottawa 3 (ot) (Ottawa wins 2-1)
Western Ontario 5 UOIT 2 (W.Ont. wins 2-0)
Guelph 3 Laurier 2 (series tied 1-1)

UP NEXT:

Note: all series playing on Sunday are tied 1-1.

Sunday, February 17
UBC at Calgary : CanadaWest.tv
Moncton at Acadia
Nipissing at McGill
Laurier at Guelph

Semi-final match-ups:

Alberta v Calgary/UBC winner
Saskatchewan v Manitoba
Western Ontario v Waterloo
Windsor v Guelph/Laurier winner
UQTR v Ottawa or Nipissing
Carleton v McGill or Ottawa
New Brunswick v UPEI or Moncton
Saint Mary's v Acadia or UPEI

There were a couple of new stories I found from Examiner.com, a Calgary site. For those in Calgary, tonight's game goes at 7:00 MST and the series shifts back to the Dinos' usual digs at the Father David Bauer Arena. For everybody else, the game is on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

Since the winner of this series will face Alberta, there has been no impediment to setting the semi-final schedule. And the CWUAA has done just that:



Friday, February 22, 2013 - 7:00 MST - CanadaWest.tv
Saturday, February 23, 2013 - 6:00 MST - CanadaWest.tv
Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 6:00 MST - CanadaWest.tv



Friday, February 22, 2013 - 7:00 CST
Saturday, February 23, 2013 - 7:00 CST
Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 7:00 CST

I suspect that the games from the Rutherdump Arena will be shown on CanadaWest.tv, since they have done so in each of the past few years. Of course, with the Rutherdump one always has to be concerned about the roof caving in. For the Bisons, the place is contoured perfectly for a big physical team. Hopefully, they can still fit cameras into the place.

Links:
|> [On-line video: CanadaWest.tv]
|> [Examiner.com: Dinos beat Thunderbirds 3-1 Friday night]
|> [Examiner.com: Thunderbirds force game three in CIS men's hockey action Sunday]
|> [CIS Playoff schedule/results/links]
|> [CW schedule/results/links]
|> [OUA schedule/results/links]
|> [AUS Playoff schedule/results/links]

SEMI-FINALS ARE SET

With the Bisons having booked their ticket to the semi-final round, all we have on Game Three Sunday is a round-up from the four game threes played in four different provinces.

All of the games were on-line, and I was able to see at least a bit of each. It was actually a bit of a treat.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


UBC THUNDERBIRDS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 4
(Calgary wins series 2-1.)

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

UBC came out to play what was a key game for their program. They are the CW's #5 program, up against the #4 program to whom they lost a quarter-final series last season. Instead of coming up with a big effort they absolutely crapped the bed.

UBC was outshot 13-1 in the 1st period but were still tied 0-0. Problem was they had a 5 minute major to kill to start the 2nd period. The Bedrock Boys scored and that was that. UBC managed only 8 (yes, single digit) shots in the whole game.

Due to a loading problem with the CanadaWest.tv feed I missed Calgary's first two goals. What I did see emphasized just how bad UBC was. An unfortunate end to the season for them.

OUT EAST:


MONCTON AIGLES BLEUS 3
ACADIA AXEMEN 4
(in overtime)
(Acadia wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

After game one was a bit of a disaster for the Cajuns, they rallied for the win. They were outshooting the Aigles 34-11 after two periods, but only led 2-1 on the scoreboard. Moncton turned things around in a wild 3rd period where the shots were 17-17. The Cajuns finally won in OT, and the shots were 68-39.


NIPISSING LAKERS 2
MCGILL REDMEN 1
(Nipissing wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

McGill joined Moncton as 2012 University Cup qualifiers to get the shoe in the quarter-final round. The game had a good pace but many players on both sides looked like Junior "B" calibre grads. The Nippers carried the play for the better part of the evening, outshooting the McGilligutties 37-28. McGill did pour it on late, to no avail.


LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS 2
GUELPH GRYPHONS 3
(in overtime)
(Guelph wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

I saw less of this one than the others. The game was quite slow-paced. Like the other games out east, the team with the edge in shots won in the end, In this case 41-24.

QUARTER FINAL RECAP:

Canada West
Byes: Alberta and Saskatchewan
Manitoba beat Regina 2-0
Calgary beat UBC 4-1

OUA - West
Western Ontario beat UOIT 2-0
Windsor beat York 2-0
Waterloo beat Lakehead 2-0
Guelph beat Laurier 2-1

OUA - East
UQTR beat Ryerson 2-0
Carleton beat Queen's 2-0
Nipissing beat McGill 2-1
Ottawa beat Toronto 2-1

AUS
Byes: New Brunswick and Saint Mary's
Acadia beat Moncton 2-1
UPEI beat St. F-X 2-0

UP NEXT:

Friday, February 22
Calgary at Alberta
Manitoba at Saskatchewan

OUA and AUS schedules are TBA.

NEWS AND UPDATES


The U of R released their game story. It did not add much but there is this little ray of sunshine for the Banjo-Cats:

The Cougars made huge strides during the 2012-13 campaign under first-year head coach Todd Johnson, collecting 29 points in conference play after finishing with 13 points just a year ago. The team qualified for the postseason this year for the first time since 2009, and expects to return everyone to next season's roster with the exception of fifth-year defenceman Russ Nielsen and graduating fourth-year forward Ryan Sawka.

I also found links to some media stories. The Free Press just had a small blurb on the hockey team.

It seems the Kitties got some false hope from their 4-2 win last weekend. And d-man John Sonntag had quite an injury to his forearm. He was injured in a game against the Monkeys on February 1st.

Links:
|> [U of R Game Story]
|> Winnipeg Free Press: [All-Sport Preview]
|> Regina Leader-Post: [Regular Season Story] : [Preview Story]



Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Schedule]

Wednesday, February 20
UQTR at Nipissing
Ottawa at Carleton

Thursday, February 21
Waterloo at Western Ontario
Guelph at Windsor

Friday, February 22
Carleton at Ottawa

Saturday, February 23
Nipissing at UQTR
Western Ontario at Waterloo
Windsor at Guelph

Sunday, February 24
Waterloo at Western Ontario*
Guelph at Windsor*
Ottawa at Carleton*
Nipissing at UQTR*

WEEKEND PREVIEW


MANITOBA BISONS (17-7-4, 2-0, 22-9-4-1, OHT35 #7)
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (19-8-1, 21-9-2, OHT35 #6)

Friday, February 22nd, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Rutherford Arena, U of S
Saturday, February 23rd, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Rutherford Arena, U of S
Sunday, February 24th, 7:00 p.m. CST @ Rutherford Arena, U of S (if required)

Live Links:
|> [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Saturday] : [Live Stats Sunday]
|> [Live Video (to be confirmed)]

Manitoba Links:
|> [U of M: Dittmer Athlete of the Week]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]
|> [Winnipeg Free Press: All Sport Preview]

Saskatchewan Links:
|> [U of S Preview Story]
|> [LS Stats] : [LS Schedule/Results]
|> [Twitter] : [Facebook]
|> [Saskatoon Star=Phoenix: Dave King Story]

Prior Games:
|> [Oct 12: Man 2-1] : [Oct 13: Sask 2-1]
|> [Jan 4: Man 4-2] : [Jan 5: Sask 3-2]
|> [Head-to-Head Stats]

Other Links:
|> [CIS Site] : [Playoff Schedule/Results/Links] : [University Cup]
|> [CW Weekend Preview] : [Schedule/Results/Links]
|> [LeagueStat Daily] : [CW Weekly Media Notes #17]
|> [Every Link Re: CIS Hockey]

Now, the playoffs get serious. It would be nice if the Herd was hosting this series. But if they have to play away, no better place for them than the Rutherdump Arena. Back in the day, the tiny rink was a big edge for the Banjo-Mutts. But now that the Bisons have more than their share of big recruits, this venue helps them. Provided, of course, that no chunks of roof break and land on them.

The Bisons have held the edge over the Mutts this year. Each team won twice. However, the Bisons outshot them every game. The Bison D was able to stifle the Mutts' forwards, who usually barely broke the 20 shot barrier each game. The most shots they had was 27 in game 4, when the Bisons had 40. Check out the "head-to-head" link for a plethora of interesting facts. There is one error. They claim the teams have met 14 times in the last 5 years. I believe they must have played 26 times in the regular season (4 times the last 2 seasons, 6 times the years before that).

In the overall standings, Sask was one point ahead. In offence the Bisons ranked 2nd with 105 goals while the Mutts were 3rd with 100. In defence, the Bisons were 3rd with 71 goals against and the Mutts were 4th with 82.

In all 4 games these teams played, the goaltenders were Jesse Deckert for the Bisons and Ryan Holfield for Sask. Expect that to continue.

As usual, the big weapon for the Bisons is the 1st line, Dittmer-Duval-Macaulay. They were 3 of the top 6 scorers in the CW and had the Banjo-Cats reeling last weekend. However, the other lines were also adept at applying pressure. When the Banjo Boys visited Manitoba they had very little pressure applied by their 2nd-4th lines. They just scrambled to get the puck out of their end then do a line change.

One has to consider what impact playing host to the University Cup is having on Sask. Some would say it takes away a bit of an edge. Others would say it helps to relax and just play the game without thinking of the consequences.

Final note: The CanadaWest.tv broadcast is not yet confirmed but I suspect it shall be. Keep checking!

ELSEWHERE:


CALGARY DINOSAURS (17-11-0, 2-1, 22-15-0, OHT35 #14)
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (23-4-1, 34-4-1, OHT35 #1)

Links:
|> [Live Stats Thursday] : [Live Stats Friday] : [Live Stats Sunday]
|> [Live Video (all games)]
|> [U of A Preview Story] : [U of C Team Site]
|> [Head-to-Head Stats]

The Bedrock Boys have lost the last two CW finals. To make it 3 in a row they need a win over the Evil Monkeys. While they have a chance, I would say they are a longshot. The Dinos only beat the Monkeys once out of four games this year, and that was in a shootout.

Although it took the Dinos 3 games to eliminate UBC, they did dominate game 3. This makes me wonder if they are peaking at the right time, like last year. The Butler/Deserres rotation in goal has them 2nd in goals against. But the Monkeys are 1st, with the Mucha/Cyr rotation. Not to mention, the Monkeys are also 1st in goals scored.

IMO the Dinos chance is to lay the body on the little Monkeys and hope they run out of gas in game 3. They will also need stellar goaltending.

OUT EAST:

The weekend started early out east with three games Wednesday, and more coming on Thursday. Note that the AUS is playing best-of-five in the semi-finals while the OUA sticks to best-of-three.

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Playoff Schedule/Results Page]
|> [CIS Wednesday Round-up]


ACADIA AXEMEN 3
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 2
(in overtime)
(Acadia leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Game Story]

This series is a toss-up. Game one proved that theory. Expect lots of overtime in this match-up.


UQTR PATRIOTES 3
NIPISSING LAKERS 1
(UQTR leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Due to distance, game one was in Nipperland and games 2-3 will be in Trois-Rivieres. I would make UQTR heavy favourites to finish this one off.


OTTAWA GEEGEES 1
CARLETON RAVENS 3
(Carleton leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Ottawa Citizen Preview]

This cross-town derby match-up is drawing lots of attention. Carleton took game 1 with a sound win. I fully expect them to provide a stiff challenge to UQTR for the OUA East title.

UP NEXT:

Thursday, February 21
Acadia at Saint Mary's
UPEI at New Brunswick
Waterloo at Western Ontario
Guelph at Windsor

NEWS:

There were four sets of stories in the news this week. First, the CIS issued another top ten poll which was unchanged. Not surprising, since 4 teams had byes.

The Regina Leader-Post gave good coverage to the Banjo-Cats down the stretch. The story claims they are only losing two Kittens next year, Russ Nielson and Ryan Sawka.

The Canadian University Press found a couple of questionable stories. In one, Concordia claims to have a new computer program which gives their team an edge. Maybe they meant to say "... when we play Xbox ...." Hockey IntelliGym is "an online program which uses cognitive simulation technology to improve players’ performance in team sports". We'll see.

The other doozy was a typical feminist junk story common in university publications. The author cites bland stats to form the basis for a whine. "[F]rom all 54 universities included under the CIS roster, out of 480 head coaches, 408 of them were male." Well, duh! Ever think that men like sports way more than women do and therefore there would be a much larger pool of male candidates? Ever think that there exists a link between the low numbers of volunteer female coaches at all levels and the low numbers of paid female coaches at higher levels?

Links:
|> CIS Top Ten: [Press Release] - reposted at [Boxscore News] and [CW Site]
|> Cougar season recap: [Regina Leader-Post]
|> Concordia's technology: [The Concordian] - reposted at [CUP]
|> Women coaches: [The Carillon] - reposted at [CUP]

UPDATED WEEKEND PREVIEW



The away teams for the CW semi-finals posted their preview stories on Thursday. And it was confirmed that CanadaWest.tv will carry the on-line video for the Manitoba-Saskatchewan series.

Links:
|> [U of M Preview Story]
|> [U of C Preview Story]
|> [Live Video (all games)]

OUT EAST:

The favourites racked up a grand slam on day 2 of the eastern playoffs.

Links:
|> [OUA LeagueStat Daily]
|> [AUS Playoff Schedule/Results Page]
|> [CIS Thursday Round-up (to be posted)]


ACADIA AXEMEN 2
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 4
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Hockeyscene Game Story]

It figured that this series would be level after two games. The teams now play Saturday and Sunday at the home of the Cajuns.


UPEI PANTHERS 2
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 7
(UNB leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Hockeyscene Game Story]

Half-way through the game it was only 1-0 for the Squirrels. Then came the @** kicking. Game two goes Friday night in Fredericton. The teams will then take the weekend off (no need to rush a playoff series!) before shifting to the Island.


WATERLOO WARRIORS 1
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
(UWO leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Napoleon met his Waterloo, but the Urban Cowboys have not. Waterloo scored the first goal 7 minutes into the 3rd period. There were only 3 penalties in the game. Game two goes Saturday in Waterloo.


GUELPH GRYPHONS 1
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(Windsor leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore

This is one of the closest match-ups, on paper, in the semi-final round. Windsor only had 22 shots on goal. Game two goes Saturday in Guelph.

UP NEXT:

Friday, February 22
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Calgary at Alberta
UPEI at New Brunswick
Carleton at Ottawa

BISONS HAVE WORST GAME IN DECADE ... AT LEAST


MANITOBA BISONS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 7
(Sask leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [CIS Friday Round-Up] : [CW Friday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story and Stats] : [U of S Game Story]
|> [Saskatoon Star-Phoenix Game Story]

The Bisons picked a bad time to have their worst game of the decade, at least. I was unable to watch on-line because my son is in basketball playoffs this weekend. But I did see a tweet that Blair Macaulay was hurt. I would expect some fireworks at the Rutherdump in game 2 Saturday night, available on CanadaWest.tv.

The Mutts took a 4-0 1st period lead and outshot the Herd 16-5. In the end the Bisons rallied on the shot clock even though short-handed most of the game.

A big game one win does not give a team a game two edge. Just ask UNB and UPEI after you scroll down ....

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


CALGARY DINOSAURS 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4
(Alberta leads series 1-0.)

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

The Evil Monkeys enjoyed a solid win over the Bedrock Boys. My thought was that one of the first two games would be tight and if Calgary wins, attrition could decide the series in game three. The Dinos could still cling to that theory.

OUT EAST:

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


UPEI PANTHERS 4
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Hockeyscene Game Story]

Amazingly, the Squirrels only had 20 shots on goal on home ice. The teams have the weekend off before hooking up in Green Gables Monday and Tuesday nights. This one illustrates the "different day, different teams" theory.


CARLETON RAVENS 3
OTTAWA GEEGEES 4
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Cartoon U blew 2-0 and 3-1 leads en route to a loss and a 1-1 series tie. The deciding match goes Sunday at Carleton. Cross-town rivalries always have an element of unpredictability about them.

UP NEXT:

Saturday, February 23
Manitoba at Saskatchewan
Calgary at Alberta
Saint Mary's at Acadia
Nipissing at UQTR
Western Ontario at Waterloo
Windsor at Guelph

BISONS SEND MANGY MUTTS TO THE DOG HOUSE


MANITOBA BISONS 4
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [CIS Saturday Round-Up (to be posted)] : [CW Saturday Stories]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story and Stats] : [U of S Game Story]

But for good chunks of the first period when the on-line video was either buffering, frozen, or the link was lost, I was able sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the Bisons bounce back ably and even the series.

Jesse Deckert made 2 or 3 excellent saves, mostly on 2nd period power plays. However he was not exactly peppered with shots. The alignment on D was as per the last several games (Mestery-Schappert, Bestland-Crowley, and Melnychuk-Bobbee).

Blair Macaulay was scratched due to injury and Austin Lauder drew into the line-up as a replacement. Matthew Lowry stepped up to the #1 line with Ian Duval and Tyler Dittmer. The unit accounted for two goals. The 4th line (Kelly-Ciarelli-Paradis) seemed to be intact. The Feakes-Henry-Cain line was reunited at times, but I also saw Henry out there with Rowinski and Cowan, and possibly once with Lauder.

The 1st period was hard to watch, for technical reasons. Since there were no goals there were no goals to miss.

Ian Duval notched the only goal of the 2nd period. The official shots were 15-10 for the Mutts, which I thought seemed a little high for both sides. In any event, the Mutts' only real pressure came on the PP (they went 1-for-9 on the night).

The 3rd period saw the Bisons take control of the game. Dane Crowley scored early to make it 2-0 and that margin, plus the penalty killing, seemed to give the team confidence. When Zac Stebner and his bad 70s mullet cut the lead to 2-1, it took less than a minute for the Bisons to restore the two goal lead. James Henry added an empty-netter for good measure.

The rubber match goes Sunday at 7:00 CST and is available on-line at CanadaWest.tv.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:


CALGARY DINOSAURS 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
(Alberta wins series 2-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore and Story] : [reposted at Boxscore News]
|> [U of C Game Story] : [Edmonton Journal Game Story]

How do you win a series without goal? You don't. And that's why the Dinosaurs went extinct. The Evil Monkeys outshot them 12-4 in the 1st period and held a 1-0 lead. The Bedrock Boys battled back to outshoot the Monkeys 25-18 the rest of the night. Monkey netminder Kelly Mu-u-ucha could not be beat for the 2nd night in a row.

So the CW final will be in Edmontown next weekend, with Saudi Alberta hosting the winner of Manitoba-Saskatchewan.

OUT EAST:

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


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 3
ACADIA AXEMEN 2
(SMU leads series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Hockeyscene Game Story]

Yet another tight game in a series which is tough to call. Game 4 goes Sunday.


NIPISSING LAKERS 3
UQTR PATRIOTES 8
(UQTR wins series 2-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore (to be posted)]

This whipping really makes the McGilligutties look bad. UQTR really lucked out, facing Ryerson and Nipissing on their way to a division final.


WATERLOO WARRIORS 4
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

Waterloo was outshot 47-24 but still beat the Urban Cowboys. Game 3 goes Sunday.


WINDSOR LANCERS 1
GUELPH GRYPHONS 0
(Windsor wins series 2-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

The scores could not have been closer (even the shots were even at 31-31), but in the end a sweep is a sweep. Windsor was on the edge between the A level and the B level all year, and now they have a ticket to the OUA West final. Guelph lost their starting goaltender late in the season, but after surrendering 3 goals in 2 games in the series, they surely cannot blame goaltending.

UP NEXT:

Sunday, February 24
Manitoba at Saskatchewan [CanadaWest.tv]
Saint Mary's at Acadia [AUStv.ca]
Waterloo at Western Ontario
Ottawa at Carleton [SSNCanada.ca]

NOTE: AS AT MY SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE THERE IS NO ON-LINE VIDEO LINK FOR THE URBAN COWBOYS V WARRIORS GAME.

BISONS ELIMINATED


MANITOBA BISONS 1
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 4
(Sask wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [CIS Sunday Round-Up] : [CW Sunday Story]
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of M Game Story and Stats] : [U of S Game Story]

On Sunday night I was struggling with a flu bug and wound up dozing off so as to miss the ending. While the Bisons didn't play terribly they never really got it together in this series. Still, it was even at one win each and they were playing a sudden-death game for all the marbles. The Bisons were unable to mount any sustained pressure in the 1st period, but did force the play in the 2nd. However, in both periods they gave up one goal. The Banjo-Mutts scored twice early in the 3rd to salt it away. Jesse Deckert's save percentage on the weekend was not sterling. They could have used some keys tops to preserve their ability to mount a rally.

OUT OF TOWN SCOREBOARD:

OUT EAST:

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


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 1
ACADIA AXEMEN 0
(SMU wins series 3-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [AUS Recap]

So, SMU will be at the U-Cup. As expected, this was a tight series. Oddly, UNB and UPEI have as many as three games left in their series.


WATERLOO WARRIORS 5
WESTERN ONTARIO MUSTANGS 3
(Waterloo wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

The Urban Cowboys enjoyed a season beating up on 98 pound weaklings. So a playoff loss was not completely unexpected. Still, one would think they would have beaten a B level side like Waterloo. They did outshoot them (again), by 38-26 this time.


OTTAWA GEEGEES 0
CARLETON RAVENS 6
(Carleton wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

And in the end the Geegees sucked. Cartoon U can now become the first Ontario team to win the OUA East since Ottawa in 2004, and the time before that was Guelph in 1997.

UP NEXT:

Monday, February 25
New Brunswick at UPEI

Tuesday, February 26
New Brunswick at UPEI

Conference/Division Finals TBD

MEANWHILE, OUT EAST ...

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

February 25-26, 2013


NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 7
UPEI PANTHERS 2
(UNB leads series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]

NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 5
UPEI PANTHERS 1
(UNB wins series 3-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Boxscore] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [AUS Recap]

So no U-Cup appearance for Green Gables this year. The Squirrels enjoyed three one-sided whippings in the series. However, the shot clock was not as dominated as was the scoreboard. So, UNB is off to Saskatown for the U-Cup. First, they must play SMU for the AUS title.

February 27, 2013


CARLETON RAVENS 4
UQTR PATRIOTES 1
(Carleton leads OUA East final 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

All logic would tell me that this series is a toss-up. Still, seeing UQTR lose an OUAE playoff game to a team not McGill is a rare experience. The series continues Friday in Ottawa and Sunday back in Trois Rivieres.


WATERLOO WARRIORS 3
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(in overtime)
(Waterloo leads OUA West final 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

This series is a golden opportunity to make the U-Cup for a couple of outsider programs. To add some spice to the U-Cup the event needs some new blood, and that is assured for at least one of the two OUA berths. Waterloo cannot be underestimated after having beaten two A level teams - the Thundermutts and Urban Cowboys - so far. This series will continue Saturday in Waterloo and Sunday in Windsor.

NOBODY CAN SCORE ON A MONKEY ANY MORE


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
(Alberta leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore and Story] : [reposted at U of S Site] : [and at CW Site]

What can you say about 5 straight shut-outs? Mu-u-ucha is on a hot streak. Combine that with a 45-12 edge in shots on goal and the Monkeys look like they are about to wrap up a CW title. I know that Mu-u-ucha was the difference in goal when the Monkeys stole a shoot-out win over the Bisons.

OUT EAST:

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


UQTR PATRIOTES 2
CARLETON RAVENS 0
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Toronto Sun: story on video on Nipper assaulting official]

This one was dead even statistically leaving one with the impression that it could go either way. The deciding game will be Sunday at 1:00 CT (2:00 local). Hopefully, nobody will see fit to attack the officials in game three. Check out the TO Sun link.

UP NEXT:

Saturday, March 2
Saskatchewan at Alberta <[CanadaWest.tv]>
Windsor at Waterloo <]no on-line video]>
Saint Mary's at New Brunswick <[AUStv.ca]>

NEWS:

The Bisons claimed two major individual awards this past week. Blair Macaulay was named CW MVP for the second year running and James Henry was named CW rookie of the year.

Also, Macaulay and defenceman Dane Crowley were first team all-stars whilst Jeremy Schappert and Tyler Dittmer were second team all-stars.

The complete selections were:

Code:


First Team                    Second Team
G: Kurtis Mucha, Alberta      Jordan White, UBC
D: Jesse Craige, Alberta      Thomas Carr, Alberta
D: Dane Crowley, Manitoba    Jeremy Schappert, Manitoba
F: Kyle Bortis, Saskatchewan  Tyler Dittmer, Manitoba
F: Jordan Hickmott, Alberta  Johnny Lazo, Alberta
F: Blair Macaulay, Manitoba  Brock Nixon, Calgary

They also have another Top Ten, which really makes no sense. Why would Manitoba and Acadia fall out of the rankings for losing to Husky teams? Why would the Squirrels drop behind the Monkeys? (I already had Alberta ahead of UNB. My point is, why the switch?)

Links:
|> MVP: [GoBisons.ca] : [Winnipeg Free Press]
|> All-stars: [GoBisons.ca]
|> CW awards: [CW Story] : [reposted at: CIS Site]
|> CIS Top Ten: [CIS Story] : [reposted at: CIS Site]

MUTTS AND MONKEYS WORKING OVERTIME


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 5
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4
(in overtime)
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore] : [reposted at U of S Site] : [and at CW Site]

Mu-u-ucha's shutout string came to an end and Ryan Holfield showed that he could still save his team's mangy hide on occasion. The Monkeys outshot the Mutts 43-29 but could not put them away. Alberta had a 4-2 lead late in the 2nd period. But Sask was able to mount a comeback with late goals in each of the 2nd and 3rd periods, despite being outshot 15-5 in the 3rd. Brennan Bosch notched a hattrick for Sask, including the OT winner.

Game 3 goes Sunday at 7:00 CT (6:00 MT) and is scheduled for CanadaWest.tv.

OUT EAST:


WINDSOR LANCERS 3
WATERLOO WARRIORS 5
(Waterloo wins series 2-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [OUA Game Story]

Since both finalists in the CW and AUS playoffs had berths at the U-Cup sewn up, this series determined the 5th qualifier. And that will be the unheralded Waterloo Warriors. Though a solid 4th, they really weren't a threat to the OUA-W top 3 (Urban Cowboys, Thundermutts, and Windsor). But here they are, a B level team going to the nationals. This is overdue.


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 0
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 1
(in overtime)
(UNB leads series 1-0.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Hockey Scene Story]

Only 1 out of 65 shots found the twine in what must have been a tense encounter. Game 2 goes Tuesday at SMU. I am wondering about motivation for these teams with U-Cup berths already assured. Basically, at the U-Cup the winner of this series will be paired with the loser of the CW final, and vice versa.

UP NEXT:

Sunday, March 3
Saskatchewan at Alberta <CanadaWest.tv>
Carleton at UQTR <no on-line video>

MONKEYS TAKE THE TITLE


SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 2
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
(Alberta wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [U of A Linescore and Story] : [to be reposted at U of S Site] : [and at CW Site]

The Monkeys jumped on the Mutts early, taking a 3-0 lead in the 1st period, and then coasted to victory. Both Sask goals came late in the 3rd period on power plays.

So the Monkeys will play in the U-Cup's "afternoon pool" against the runners-up from the AUS and OUA whilst the Mutts will be in the "evening pool" with the AUS and OUA winners.

OUT EAST:


CARLETON RAVENS 1
UQTR PATRIOTES 2
(in overtime)
(UQTR wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]

This game started in the afternoon and ended in the evening. It was dubbed as "4OT" but I believe that out east they play a "mini period" first and then go to normal periods. In any event, this was a marathon.

Therefore, Quebec preserves dominance of the OUA East for yet another season.

UQTR will now face Waterloo on March 9th in a one-game showdown for the OUA title. Both sides will be going to the nationals. The winner will face the AUS winner and Sask, the loser will face the AUS runner-up and Alberta.

UP NEXT:

Tuesday, March 5
New Brunswick at Saint Mary's

Thursday, March 7
Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (if necessary)

Saturday, March 9
UQTR at Waterloo

Thursday, March 14
University Cup begins

OUT EAST:

Since the CW title was awarded last weekend, all that was around, in the week that was, was the end of the AUS.

March 5, 2013


NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 5
(Series tied 1-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [AUS Game Story]

Saint Mary's Little Lambs managed 4 goals and 19 shots and then salted it away with an empty-netter.

March 7, 2013


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 0
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2
(UNB wins series 2-1.)

Links:
|> [AUS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [AUS Game Story]

The win for the Squirrels seemed inevitable, so there you have it. Since both teams go to the nationals, UNB will face hosts Sask and SMU will face the CW champion Monkeys.

UP NEXT:

Saturday, March 9
UQTR at Waterloo - OUA Queen's Cup final

OUT EAST:


UQTR PATRIOTES 4
WATERLOO WARRIORS 1
(UQTR wins sudden-death final)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [Waterloo Game Story]

The OUA has a one game sudden death final between the two conference winners, since both teams already have berths assured in the University Cup. The win puts UQTR in a pool with UNB and Saskatchewan. Waterloo will face Alberta and Saint Mary's.

One has to give credit to Waterloo in qualifying for this game, and the U-Cup. Even though all conferences grant loads of playoff spots, it is rare that a team scraps their way through the way Waterloo has. To quote their game story:

Members of the Warriors 1974 CIAU championship team and the 1996 Queen's Cup championship team took part in the ceremonial faceoff before the game…Waterloo's last Queen's Cup appearance in 1996 was also against UQTR, in which they defeated Les Patriotes 5-1…this will be UQTR's second straight appearance at the University Cup.

Jesse Deckert and Tyler Dittmer have been signed to play for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. Both finished 5 years of CIS eligibility this past season.

Links:
|> [Deckert Press Release]
|> [Dittmer Press Release]



The CIS also confirmed their scheduling for the University Cup:

Pool A
1. Alberta
4. Saint Mary’s
6. Waterloo

Pool B
2. UNB
3. UQTR
5. Saskatchewan

Thursday, March 14
1:00 pm Game 1 – Alberta (1) vs. Waterloo (6)
7:20 pm Game 2 – New Brunswick (2) vs. Saskatchewan (5)

Friday March 15
1:00 pm Game 3 – Losers game 1 vs. Saint Mary’s (4)
7:00 pm Game 4 – Losers game 2 vs. UQTR (3)

Saturday, March 16
1:30 pm Game 5 – Winners Game 1 vs. Saint Mary’s (SPORTSNET)
7:00 pm Game 6 – Winners Game 2 vs. UQTR (SPORTSNET)

Sunday, March 17
5:30 pm Game 7 - Gold Medal (SPORTSNET)

The media stories should now begin to build. Thus far there was one from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald by Chris Cochrane. It laments the fact that conference finals lose excitement because both teams often have berths in the nationals.

My solution would be to limit entries to the nationals in major spectator sports such as men’s hockey and basketball to a host team and the four conference champions, and go back to filling the remainder of the field with the top wild-card clubs.

But, that's what they do!

The Canadian University Press has a story from Saudi Alberta about Edmontown's "City of Champions" moniker being attributable to their amateur rather than professional teams. I thought that name was gone with Wayne Gretzky and Warren Moon.

Links:
|> [University Cup Website]
|> [CIS Press Release]
|> [Live Webcasts]
|> [Halifax Chronicle-Herald Story]
|> [CUP/Gateway Article]

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD REPORT


ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 1
WATERLOO WARRIORS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story]
|> Edmonton Journal: [Waterloo Preview] : [Tournament Preview]
|> [CBC Tournament Preview] : [CP Tournament Preview]

On the whole, this game went as expected. Waterloo seldom had the puck, seldom got a shot on goal, and the Monkeys blasted shots all game long. But the Monkeys hit posts and missed chances while Kurtis Mu-u-ucha's shut-out string is a thing of the past. That's the way it goes in tournament play.

The first period was relatively close, with Alberta holding an 8-5 lead in shots and Waterloo getting the only goal. The second period got ridiculous. No goals, and Alberta had a 22-4 lead in shots. Waterloo scored a third period PP goal to make it 2-0 (on only 4 shots) before Alberta got on the board with a late goal.

This group could be one of those "everybody goes 1-1" type of abominations.


NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 3
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story] : [reposted at AUS Site]

This game generally went as expected, as well. The Banjo-Mutts have had their moments. But IMO they really maximized their record and are not really a national contender. The Squirrels proved that with a solid win.

Although outshot 42-24, Sask had the first goal in the 2nd period. Enough to make one think both top seeds might suffer defeat even though out-playing their opponents.

Anyhow, I sniff an all-AUS final a-brewing.



Bison news continue to flow. Blair Macaulay was named to the CIS All-Canadian team, and James Henry was named to the CIS All-Rookie team. Both are forwards and both are slated to return.

Also, the Bisons made the recruitment of Jordan DePape official. He had an injury-riddled WHL career after leaving the Saints for major junior. He still had 106 points in 142 games, plus 13 points in 11 playoff games. He only played 31 games in the last two years combined. He has apparently recovered and was considering joining the Bisons in the second semester.

Matthew Lowry becomes the 3rd Bison to sign a pro contract, latching on to the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL.

Links:
|> [CIS All-Star Story]
|> [DePape Press Release]
|> [DePape's Elite Prospects Page]
|> [Greenville Press Release]



Friday March 15
1:00 pm Game 3 – Alberta vs. Saint Mary’s
7:00 pm Game 4 – Saskatchewan vs. UQTR

Saturday, March 16
1:30 pm Game 5 – Waterloo vs. Saint Mary’s (SPORTSNET)
7:00 pm Game 6 – New Brunswick vs. UQTR (SPORTSNET)

Sunday, March 17
5:30 pm Game 7 - Gold Medal (SPORTSNET)

Links:
|> [University Cup Website]
|> [Live Webcasts]
|> [LS Daily Schedule - with links and live updates]
|> Yahoo: [Neate Sager's story on tournament format]

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD REPORT


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4
(in overtime)

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story - with video and summary]

The Monkeys have been unable to turn dominance on the shot clock into goals this tournament. While the result technically gives them a shot at advancing to the final, in reality the winner of Waterloo-SMU will get the prize.

The 1st period saw the Monkeys outshoot the Mary's 17-5, yet it was 1-1. In the 2nd period, the Mary's outshot them 9-8 and took a 3-2 lead. The Monkeys forced OT after outshooting the Mary's 11-5. You get the idea. In 6 periods plus an overtime, only once (in the 2nd period) did a Monkey opponent get more than 5 shots on goal in a period. That sort of defence generally gets a team's name engraved on a trophy.

Mu-u-ucha was yanked after giving up two quick goals in the 2nd period. Real Cyr, who had been the weak link, got the win in goal.


UQTR PATRIOTES 3
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES 1

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story - with video and summary]

This was an odd game, caused by the tournament format. Sask had to win by 3 to have a chance. So the first two periods were close and it was 1-1. But when UQTR scored early in the 3rd it seemed to kill the Mutts' incentive. A late empty-netter gave the Banjo Boys yet another 0-2 record at nationals.

So this sets up a UNB-UQTR "semi-final" which starts at 9:00 CDT (8:00 CST), just after the Leafs v Jets on HNIC.



Saturday, March 16
2:30 pm Game 5 – Waterloo vs. Saint Mary’s (SPORTSNET)
9:00 pm Game 6 – New Brunswick vs. UQTR (SPORTSNET)

Sunday, March 17
6:30 pm Game 7 - Gold Medal (SPORTSNET)

Links:
|> [University Cup Website]
|> [Live Webcasts]
|> [LS Daily Schedule - with links and live updates]

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD REPORT


WATERLOO WARRIORS 1
SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 5

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story - with summary] : [reposted at AUS Site]
|> [The Record: Game Story]

Yet again, Waterloo was dominated and looked like they were in way over thier heads. But they still were in with a chance to win the game. In the 1st period, Waterloo9 socred first before SMU equalized. SMU then had the only goal in the 2nd. After two pweriods, SMU only led 2-1 despite a 31-15 on the shot clock. Had the score stayed that way, the +/- would have been Alberta 5-5, SMU 5-5, and Waterloo 3-3. And the Monkeys would have made the final. But once SMU scored a 3rd goal, the Monkeys were up a tree without a banana. The +/- ended up SMU 8-5, Alberta 5-5, and Waterloo 3-6 and SMU is off to the final.


NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 8
UQTR PATRIOTES 3

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story - with video and summary] : [reposted at AUS Site]
|> [Star-Phoenix Report]

My plan was to watch the Jets beat the Leafs on the HNIC 6:00 game, followed by the U-Cup game at 9:00. But the Vancouver Canucks were wearing cool retro uniforms so I watched that one for 15 minutes. Bad move. When I tuned in this one it was already 3-3 in under 10 minutes of play. It must have been nuts. But from then on UQTR did not belong on the same sheet of ice as the Squirrels. They just ran around the ice in a vain attempt to get their stick on the puck. I would like to know how often a UQTR player had the puck on his stick inside the Squirrel blue line. The final shot toal was 51-22, and that flattered UQTR.



Sunday, March 17
6:30 pm Game 7 - Gold Medal Game
New Brunswick v Saint Mary's (SPORTSNET ONE)

Links:
|> [University Cup Website]
|> [Live Webcasts]
|> [LS Daily Schedule - with links and live updates]

OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD REPORT


SAINT MARY'S HUSKIES 0
NEW BRUNSWICK VARSITY REDS 2

Links:
|> [LS Summary] : [CIS Boxscore]
|> [CIS Game Story - with video and summary]
|> [YouTube] : [Facebook Photos]

This was not a thriller. But it was a very steady, workmanlike game where the Squirrels threw a wet blanket over the Mary's and that was that. The final shots were 23-17 for UNB. With the game 1-0 entering the 3rd, SMU outshot them 5-4 in the period. The 4th shot was into an empty net.

This was a game coaches would love. But for fans? Kind of a bore.

The Monkeys must be kicking themselves for blowing game 1 against Waterloo. They likely could have forced the play where the Mary's couldn't and make it look like a hockey game.

First, the bad news. Former Bison coach and renowned NHL assistant coach Wayne Fleming passed away after a long battle with cancer. I once heard former Bison Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson describe Fleming as the best teacher of the game he had.

After his graduation and his playing days were over, Fleming continued to be on the University of Manitoba campus as he was the assistant coach of the Bison men’s hockey team for the next three years (1976-77 to 1979-80) and then moved from assistant to head coach in 1980-81 and was at the helm of the Bisons for nine seasons (1980-81 to 1986-87 and 1988-89 and ’89-90). During those productive years, Fleming guided the Bisons to back-to-back GPAC (defunct now Great Plains Athletic Conference) Championships from 1983-84 (regular season record: 19-4-1) and 1984-85 (17-3-4) plus named GPAC Coach of the Year in 1982-83 and 1984-85 and also selected as Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (now CIS) Coach of the Year in 1984-85.

In addition, Fleming coached future NHL stars Mike Ridley and Stu Grimson plus Canadian Olympian Vaughn Karpan during his days with Manitoba. Fleming also coached Sirant during his four year playing career from 1981-82 to 1984-85 and helped Sirant into the coaching ranks as he was named an assistant coach in Fleming’s last season during 1989-90 year (Sirant would then later became the Bison men’s hockey head coach in the 1992-93 season).

After Manitoba, Fleming had a very successful coaching career both internationally and at the National Hockey League (NHL) level. He was part of the Canadian National Team from 1990-92 in the role of assistant coach and general manager as they proceeded to win a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics. Then from 1992 until 1996, he was the head coach of Leksands IF of the Swedish Elitserien. Fleming was coach of the Landshut Cannibals in Germany for one year before returning to North America to become an assistant coach with the New York Islanders in 1997-98 for two seasons. He was also an assistant coach in the NHL for the Phoenix Coyotes (1999-00, ‘00-01), the Philadelphia Flyers (2002-03 to 2005-06), the Calgary Flames (2006-07, ‘08-09) and finished with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2010-11 and 2011-12). Fleming continue his success internationally as he went back to the Canadian national program in 2000 and was named the Vice President, Hockey by Hockey Canada and served as an associate coach for the national team when it captured a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Now, the good news. Former Bison captain Mike Hellyer was named Central Hockey League rookie of the year. He played for the Quad City Mallards.

Hellyer, 26, leads CHL rookies in points (60) and assists (37), is tied for second among first year players in plus/minus rating (+13) and ranks third among rookies in goals (23). The Brandon, Manitoba, native is the Mallards’ second-leading point scorer. Hellyer on Monday was selected to the CHL All-Rookie Team.

Links:
|> [Fleming Press Release]
|> [Hellyer Press Release]