CALGARY – After a tight weekend series with the defending Canada West Champion University of Alberta Golden Bears, the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team is prepared to face the Canada West runners up from a year ago, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies this weekend at the Father David Bauer Arena.
Despite suffering their first sweep of the season last weekend against the Bears, the Dinos are ready to take on another stiff test in the Huskies.
"We got humbled last weekend and realized how much harder we need to work," explained Dinos team captain
Dan Gibb. "We realized we are on the cusp of becoming a great team as opposed to a good team. I think this weekend will be a good test for that."
This series will mark the Dinos' first true home series of the season, after playing one weekend on the road, and two home-and-home matchups against provincial rivals.
"Being at home is quite the advantage," noted Gibb. "If you want to win in this league, you have to sweep the weekends you have at home. I would like to think we have an advantage since we are at home but saying that, Saskatchewan has established themselves in the league as one of the top teams."
The Dinos got big contributions from some of their new faces last weekend against the Bears.
Riley Sheen led the team with two goals and one assist, while
Tim Vanstone picked up a goal and an assist.
Matt Alfaro,
Chris Rauckman, and
Ryan Gagnon, all members of this summer's recruiting class, also recorded points versus Alberta.
The offence will be crucial for the Dinos this weekend as they prepare to face the two-time reigning Canada West goaltender of the year Jordon Cooke. The former Kelowna Rocket standout has been excellent for the Huskies this season in four starts, compiling a 1.72 goals-against average and 0.939 save percentage.
After a bye next weekend, the Dinos will return to action on face the Mount Royal University Cougars in a home-and-home set from Nov. 10-11. The Huskies will play their next games at home when they welcome the UBC Thunderbirds to town.
DETAILS
- Date: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 27-28
- Start time: 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday
- Venue: Father David Bauer Arena @ Calgary
HEADLINES
- This matchup between the Dinos and Huskies features the second and third placed teams in the Canada West standings. Saskatchewan has a three point edge on Calgary after six games.
- The Dinos were 1-3 against the Huskies last season.
- This game will feature two of the most well-rounded teams in the conference. The Dinos have scored 25 goals while only allowing 14, whereas the Huskies have scored 32 goals while only allowing 11.
- Both teams have played two OT games in their last five outings (one OT and one double OT).
No. 8 CALGARY DINOS (3-1-2)
Last week: Alberta Golden Bears - Friday 7-5 L; Saturday 3-2 OTL
Next week: BYE WEEK
- The Dinos came close to handing the Golden Bears their first loss of the season last weekend twice. The Dinos tied Saturday's game just before the final buzzer in the third period to force overtime.
- Fifth-year forward Chris Collins leads the Dinos with 9 points (3G, 6A) in six games.
- Rookie Riley Sheen has been impressive for the Dinos, tallying 8 points (5G, 3A) through six games.
No. 4 SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (5-0-1)
Last week: Manitoba Bisons - Friday 4-3 OTL; Saturday 6-0 W
Next week: BYE WEEK
- After an upset loss against a Bisons team that was previously 1-3, the Huskies rebounded the next night to win 6-0.
- Despite their league-high 32 goals this season, the Huskies' powerplay has struggled, operating at 16.7%.
- The Huskies are loaded with offensive talent, including Josh Roach (6G, 7A), Parker Thomas (3G, 6A), and Logan McVeigh (1G, 8A) who have all played six games.
