CALGARY – A much better effort from the Calgary Dinos went unrewarded on Saturday night as, courtesy of two unanswered third period goals, the Manitoba Bisons took a 4-3 victory in Calgary. The Bisons travel home to Winnipeg with a weekend sweep of the Dinos in hand.
Manitoba once again received a solid effort from their goalkeeper Steve Christie. Christie, who blanked the Dinos on Friday night, was able to maintain composure during a furious late third period rush from the Dinos. With the victory, Christie helps Manitoba get back to the 0.500 mark on the season, as they improve to 5-5-2.
Forwards Cole Hunter and Riley Dudar led a strong Manitoba offensive attack, each marking a goal and an assist. Collectively, the Bisons had several good opportunities in front of Dinos goaltender Jeff Weber, putting a total of 29 shots on the Calgary netminder. Rounding out the scoring for the Bisons was Jared Walker, and David Brown, who put home the game-winner.
For the Dinos, the loss caps off a frustrating weekend. While disappointed with Saturday's result, Head Coach Scott Atkinson was nonetheless pleased with the team's improvement over Friday.
“I thought we were much better prepared tonight then we were on Friday, where I think I saw the worst performance this team has ever had,” said Atkinson. “We played a lot harder and were smarter, but just couldn't make good near the end.”
Leading the Dinos on Saturday night was assistant captain Travis Friedley, who chipped in with a goal and an assist. The fourth year defenseman was excellent for the Dinos all night, playing hard on both ends of the rink.
Joining Friedley in the scoring department was forward Paul Gentile, who had an excellent game with five total shots, a goal and an assist, and Logan Gorsalitz.
While the Dinos were much improved after a dismal 3-0 loss against the Bisons on Friday, it ended up as a story of converted opportunities for Manitoba, and missed opportunities for the Dinos.
“I don't think they (two third period goals from Manitoba) should have been goals as we could have prevented them, but at the end of the day that doesn't amount to much. I thought we also had lot of chances late in the third; we just need to convert on those,” said Coach Atkinson.
“It just goes to show you how delicate the balance is between being very successful and not successful at all.”
Manitoba will host the #1 ranked Alberta Golden Bears next weekend in Winnipeg, and will be looking to keep momentum going after a successful weekend in Calgary.
The Dinos drop to 5-5 on the year with the two losses, and will be looking to regroup in a home and home set with the Lethbridge Pronghorns next weekend. The Pronghorns were handed a 9-1 drubbing Saturday night at the hands of the #1 ranked Alberta Golden Bears.
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