Bisons lose four straight in Alberta
Struggling squad drop both games versus Dinos and Golden Bears
After earning a split at home versus the Saskatchewan Huskies three weeks ago, the Bisons have struggled as of late. Two weeks ago, the squad dropped two decisions in Calgary, losing by scores of 6-3 and 3-1. To make matters worse, the Herd were in Edmonton playing the Alberta Golden Bears, and they lost both games by scores of 7-2 and 2-0. These four losses have dropped Manitoba well back in the Canada West standings.
In Calgary, the Bisons dropped the first game 6-3. Despite being tied up after two at 3-3, the Dinos broke through and disposed of the Herd in the third period. Manitoba was outshot 34-23. Of note were the special teams, as Calgary went 3-7 on the power play while Manitoba was 0-5. Jordan Little led the Herd with a goal and an assist, while Sean Robertson had four assists for Calgary with Sheldon Nedjelski chipping in three assists as well.
Game two wasn't much better, as the Bisons were again defeated, this time 3-1. Manitoba held the shot advantage this time, but Donald Choukalis made 29 saves for the victory. Special teams were the story once again, as Calgary was 2-8 on the power play while Manitoba could only manage one goal on nine opportunities. Jordan Little added another goal for Manitoba, while Bracken Kearns had a goal and an assist in the victory for the Dinos.
This past weekend, the Herd were again in the province of Alberta, this time taking on the top-ranked Alberta Golden Bears, and the Bisons were overmatched. Game one was a lopsided affair, as Alberta beat up on Manitoba by a score of 7-2. The Golden Bears went 3-6 on the power play, while Manitoba was 0-5. Wade Burt scored two power play goals in the victory, while Tommy Plesh and Ryan Dyck had the tallies for Manitoba.
Game two was a closer match-up, but Golden Bear Dustin Schwartz stopped all 17 shots he faced to shut-out Manitoba 2-0. Bison netminder Jomar Cruz cannot be blamed for this one though, as he made a stellar 45 saves in the loss. Ben Thomson and Brad Tutschek provided the offence for Alberta.
Up next for the Herd are two home games this weekend versus UBC. The Bisons will be looking to end their losing skid, and two victories here at home will vault them back up into contention in the Canada West standings. UBC is 1-6-1 thus far on the season, so the Bisons will be looking to start a new streak of their own. Both games are at the Max Bell Centre on Nov. 14 and 15 and the puck drops for both contests at 7 p.m.