CALGARY – Riding a four-game win streak, the University of Calgary Dinos control their own fate against the visiting Manitoba Bisons, as a single point for Calgary would clinch the final playoff spot up for grabs in Canada West.

Last weekend, the Dinos kept pace with the fifth-place Mount Royal Cougars, outscoring the Regina Cougars 11-3 in a weekend sweep. Veteran forward Chris Collins played a big role in the victories, as he notched five points, two of them being goals. Matching the win streak, Collins has registered at least a point in four straight contests.

Teammate Dylan Busenius could not overstate the importance of Collins to the squad.

"He's been a phenomenal player for such a long time, I think last weekend is huge for him to take that confidence and roll with it."

Manitoba enters the weekend rolling as well, having won their past five games while scoring 28 times during those victories. In their previous meetings this season on Nov. 24-25, the teams split the weekend with the Dinos picking up a shutout victory in the back end of the series. 

"The upcoming weekend there is certainly desperation," Busenius mentioned. "This is a team coming in that's played well. They are also a potential first-round playoff matchup so this is a tremendous opportunity for us to take another step in the right direction."

DETAILS: 
Dates: Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10
Start Times: 7 p.m. MT Friday and 2 p.m. MT Saturday
Venue: Father David Bauer Arena

HEADLINES:

• With a point in either game or a Lethbridge loss this weekend, the Dinos will clinch a playoff spot.
• If the Dinos clinch a spot, they will either finish fifth or sixth, which guarantees them being on the road for the post-season.
• Manitoba can still capture a first-round bye this weekend with two wins and support on the out of town scoreboard.

CALGARY DINOS (8-15-3)

• Last week: Regina Cougars – Friday 7-0 W; Saturday 4-3 W
• Expected starter: Jordan Papirny – Has started three straight for the Dinos, picking up consecutive wins in the process (2.20 GAA, .921 SV%)

MANITOBA BISONS (16-8-2)

• Last week: Lethbridge Pronghorns – Friday 5-4 W; Saturday 7-3 W
• Expected starter: Byron Spriggs – Started all but two games for the Bisons this season, been in net for all five games during current win streak (3.05 GAA, .910 SV%)