CALGARY - Having snapped their recent six game losing spell, the rejuvenated Calgary Dinos (6-8 CW) get set to engage in a home and home series against the Lethbridge Pronghorns (8-6 CW), a team that swept the Dinos two weeks back.
A sigh of relief was shared in the Dinos locker room last Saturday night after Calgary beat the UBC T-Birds 4-1 in Vancouver. After starting the season 6-2 and once ranked as high as fourth in the country, the victory ended a six game slide in the Canada West standings for Calgary. The win hopefully signifies the start of a more positive string of games moving forward.
Victories against the 'Horns this weekend would be very opportune for the Dinos, who can pull to 0.500% on the year, and can potentially vault to a share of third place in the conference going into the holiday break.
Team sniper Torrie Wheat came out of his personal scoring slump against the T-Birds this past weekend, potting a goal and an assist in the Saturday victory. Former Calgary Hitmen forwards Brock Nixon and Brett O'Malley also stepped up big for the Dinos, with Nixon getting two goals and O'Malley finding himself a late tally.
Arguably the best Dino in the first half of the season has been defensemen Travis Friedley, who has been the consistent presence on the blue line for Calgary. With two more assists this past Saturday, Friedley has pushed himself into the offensive conference leaders as well, currently sitting 11th in Canada West with 13 points.
Struggling on Friday night was goaltender Dustin Butler, who let in all four goals in a 4-0 T-Birds victory. Conversely, stepping up for Calgary on Saturday night was the second half of the Dinos goaltending duo, Jeff Weber, who let in only one goal on 36 saves. Weber climbs to third in the conference in goals-against Average (2.57) as well as save percentage (0.913%) with the solid effort.
During their losing streak, Calgary dropped two decisions to the Pronghorns, with both games lost in the final two minutes of the game. The Dinos will certainly be looking for some redemption against the 'Horns this weekend, a task that will prove difficult against the third place team in Canada West.
The Pronghorns, who were the only Canada West to miss out on the playoffs in 2007-2008, have won four straight games by a total of only five goals, a classic sign of a team who plays well under pressure.
Dustin Moore has led the scoring charge for the 'Horns this season, currently ranked sixth in Canada West with 15 points. Jason Roberts and Steve Zmudczynski have balanced out the Pronghorns scoring attack with 12 points apiece.
Lethbridge goaltender Scott Bowles has played all but 91 minutes for his team this season and has compiled a 3.42 GAA and 0.894 save percentage in the process. While comparatively average to other goalies in the conference, Bowles has been very solid during the past four games, registering a 0.941 save percentage.
Game one of the home and home series will go in Lethbridge on Friday night at 7 p.m.
Game two goes on Saturday, and is the Calgary Dinos' “Minor Hockey Night” at the Father David Bauer Arena. Full minor hockey teams in attendance dressed in their team jerseys will receive free admission for themselves and their coaches. Come on out and support your Dinos!
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