CALGARY – Headed east on their annual Manitoba road trip, the University of Calgary Dinos set off with as much promise as they do questions as they prepare for a two-game set with the upstart Bisons.

Currently fourth in Canada West at 2-1-1, the Dinos have salvaged a respectable record despite going to a shootout in three games and losing by seven goals in the other. Strong determination and grit coupled with a relatively good propensity for offence early in the season can be countered by inconsistent goaltending and recent struggles in keeping the gas pedal down after building leads.

The question is, who are the 2009 Calgary Dinos?

Are they the team that grinds out victories over explosive teams like Alberta? Or are they the team that gets blown out only a game later by the same Bears team? Perhaps the Dinos are the team that can score five goals on Lethbridge in only a period in a half, with many coming in spectacular fashion. But if so, why are they forced to win these games in the shootout after unravelling late in the game?

Calgary certainly hopes to see more of the positive results as opposed to the negative ones as the season progresses, and gets their next chance with a stiff challenge upcoming this weekend.

The team will lock horns with the best team in Canada West this weekend. Manitoba's record of 4-1-1 is highlighted by a season opening weekend sweep of the team that many predicted to make serious noise in 2009, the Saskatchewan Huskies.

Kyle Annesley leads Calgary and sits sixth in Canada West with six points in four games with three of those coming in a superb performance against Lethbridge on Saturday, where the fourth year forward also scored the winning goal in the shootout. Assistant captains Teegan Moore and Reid Jorgensen have nine combined points as well, strengthening the Dinos front end.

Eric Frere has been solid on defence for Calgary in his rookie campaign, playing well in front of the Dinos net while adding two early points, showing off his all-around skill.

Questions swirl the strongest around the Calgary net, as both Dustin Butler and Jeff Weber have had their struggles so far in 2009. While Butler was great in a 3-2 win over Alberta in the season opener, both goaltenders have been underwhelming since, with goals-against averages and save percentages ranking at the bottom of the conference. With a strong Manitoba offence set to take their shots at the Dinos this weekend, someone will need to step up in goal for Calgary quickly.

Mike Hellyer leads a group of four Bisons in the top 20 in Canada West scoring with seven, which is good for fourth. Rick Wood, Greg Bellar and Travis Mealy each have at least four points in their six games as well, creating a very strong Manitoba offensive attack.

Second team Canada West All-Star goaltender Steve Christie continues to play well between the pipes in his fourth year with the Bisons, who in six games posts a very respectable 1.97 GAA on a league leading 176 total shots.

The games go on Friday and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. MT at the Max Bell Arena in Winnipeg. Following the series, Calgary returns home for Halloween in time to host the Regina Cougars for a two-game set, while Manitoba heads to Edmonton for a potential battle of the top Canada West teams.

-UC-