CALGARY – After earning three of a possible four points in their first series of 2018, the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team will look to build off last weekend's performances as they prepare for the Canada West leading University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Last weekend, the Dinos battled through adversity, bouncing back from a tough 3-2 overtime loss on Friday night with a 4-2 victory the next day. These games marked the debuts of the Dinos' newest recruits, Tyler Coulter and Ryan Graham, coming to the team from the Jacksonville IceMen of the ECHL. Both players recorded their first points as Dinos on Saturday as Graham assisted on Coulter's third period goal.

Fellow rookie Matt Alfaro, who leads all first-year Dinos with nine points, had very high praise for his new teammates.

"[Tyler and Ryan] have been great so far. They are both big wingers that can score and contribute to our team in many aspects of the game. To be able to add them in the middle of the season is very helpful for this stretch run we are about to go on."

The Dinos will be looking to avenge a pair of early season losses to the Golden Bears in October.

"We just have to continue to take it one game at a time and play the way we know we can play," explained Alfaro. "As long as we do that I think we can compete with any team, no matter their ranking." 

DETAILS:  
Dates: Friday, Jan. 12 and Saturday, Jan. 13 
Start times: 7:00 p.m. MT Friday and 6:00 p.m. MT Saturday  
Venues: Clare Drake Arena, Edmonton; Saturday - Father David Bauer Arena; Calgary

HEADLINES:  

• In their first meetings of the season in October, the Dinos came close to defeating the Bears. They dropped a 7-5 slugfest on the Friday, before being narrowly edged on Saturday in a 3-2 OT defeat.
• After starting the first half of the season with a pristine 15-1-0 record, the Bears suffered consecutive losses last weekend against the Manitoba Bisons.
• The Dinos and Bears have historically been very competitive, with the Dinos holding a 7-7-4 record against their provincial rivals over the last five years.

CALGARY DINOS (5-10-3)

• Fourth-year forward Cain Franson scored the Dinos' sixth shorthanded goal of the season last weekend against the UBC Thunderbirds. The Dinos now rank second in the nation, and first in Canada West, in shorthanded goals.
• The goaltending tandem of Matt Greenfield and Jordan Papirny continue to be a strength for the Dinos. They rank second in the nation in goals against (42), behind only the Golden Bears (35).
• Cain Franson and Chris Collins share the team lead in points with 15, while Dylan Busenius leads all defenceman with 14 points.

No. 2 ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (15-2-1)

• Last weekend's losses at the hands of the Bisons represent the first series sweep the Bears have suffered since Dec. 2-3, 2016.
• The Bears boast the nation's fourth highest scoring offence, led by Luke Philip (7G, 18A) and Trevor Cox (3G, 18A).
• Alberta's is undefeated when holding a lead after the first, or second periods. Their only losses have come when trailing after 20 or 40 minutes