CALGARY - Headed north for a two game set against the No. 2 Alberta Golden Bears this weekend, the University of Calgary Dinos have more than a score to settle with their provincial rivals.
At 6-2-2 in Canada West thus far, the Dinos have played inspired hockey to start the season, winning three of those games in gritty efforts in the shootout. One of those shootout wins was against the Bears (10-1-1), a 3-2 decision at the Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary.
However the Bears got even with Calgary the following evening in their home rink, the Clare Drake Arena, and in a big way. Alberta jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period and eventually won by a lopsided score of 9-2.
Not only do the Dinos want to avenge their last rough outing at the Clare Drake, but in doing so can send a statement around the conference and the country.
Sitting three points out of second place in Canada West with two games in hand at the moment, and 10 votes out of last week's CIS Top 10 rankings, the Dinos have a chance to move up on both counts with success against the Bears this weekend.
The Manitoba Bisons, who occupy the second spot in the conference, invite the surging Saskatchewan Huskies to town, and with two victories over Alberta, the Dinos might be able to leapfrog the Herd in the standings. And with the Bears currently ranked second in the country, at least one victory will give Calgary a solid case to move into the national rankings.
In order to so, the Dinos will rely heavily on their goaltender
Dustin Butler, who has played very well in his second year between the pipes for Calgary. He has amassed a 6-2 record and a 2.60 GAA through his games played.
With seven of the top 10 scorers in Canada West wearing the evergreen and gold for the Golden Bears, Butler will be in tough to control the offensive power that Alberta can enforce on their opponents. His job though should be made easier by a talented overall offence that works in front of him.
Reid Jorgensen, who averages a point a game, leads Calgary offensively, while another point-per-game scorer,
Torrie Wheat, and
Brock Nixon are also potent forces up front.
Kyle Annesley, who has been very strong on the power-play for Calgary in 2009 with six points on the man-advantage, adds quality depth along with
Teegan Moore, each with eight total points. Veteran
Dan Ehrman leads the defensive core, and has also contributed four points from the blue-line to help his team.
Alberta is led by a 2008 second team All-Canadian Chad Klassen, who leads Canada West with 21 points, and Eric Hunter, who in his fourth year with the Bears has accumulated 16 points in the still-young season.
Despite being a veteran club, Alberta has received significant contributions from a couple of first-year players who are both making significant cases for Rookie of the Year considerations.
Sean Ringrose, formerly of the Medicine Hat Tigers, is third in Canada West with 17 points, while Travis Yonkman, who is battling with second year goaltender Real Cyr for time in net, leads the conference in GAA and save percentage by a wide margin, and has posted a perfect 6-0 record.
The Dinos and Bears collide on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Clare Drake Arena before suiting up for the rematch on Saturday night. The Dinos will host the UBC Thunderbirds on the weekend following the Battle of Alberta, while the Bears will travel to Lethbridge for a two game set with the 'Horns.
-UC-