CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team gets the 2018-19 Canada West season underway this weekend at the Father David Bauer Arena as they host the Manitoba Bisons.
The season opener will take place on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. rematch the following day.
NEW LEADERSHIP
The Dinos graduated five fifth-year players last season, including four players who played all five years of eligibility with the Dinos. Among those were team captain
Dan Gibb and assistant captains
Drydn Dow and
Adam Kambeitz. Calgary head coach
Mark Howell unveiled his new leadership group this week, with
Dylan Busenius becoming the team's new captain, with
Cain Franson and
Logan Fisher being named assistants.
PAINT IT BLACK
The Dinos welcome eight new players into the fold this season, but none may be more high profile than
Graham Black. The former Swift Current Bronco played three seasons in the American Hockey League with the Albany Devils and Springfield Thunderbirds after signing an entry-level NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils. During his final season in the WHL, Black scored 34 goals and compiled 63 assists.
MASTERS OF THE MESHED MANSIONS
A staple of Dinos teams over the past decade has been strong goaltending and the 2018-19 season should be no different.
Jordan Papirny,
Matt Greenfield, and
Tyler Gutenberg all return this season and split time in net during the non-conference schedule. Papirny was named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie team following a successful freshman campaign, while Greenfield dressed for the Minnesota Wild at the 2018 NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, Mich.
SCOUTING REPORT
vs MANITOBA BISONS
Game Info Friday, Sep. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.– Father David Bauer Arena
2017-18 Record 16-10-2-0, 3rd in Canada West
2017-18 Leading Scorer(s) Michael St. Croix (13g, 22a)
NOTES
- The Bisons were ranked sixth in the Canada West pre-season coaches poll.
- After a strong regular season in 2017-18, Manitoba was swept at home in their first round playoff series by the Mount Royal Cougars.
- Michael St. Croix is the biggest departure from last season's Bisons squad after finishing third in conference scoring last season.
- Manitoba's roster features four goaltenders, including three that saw playing time last season. The fourth is new recruit Tyler Brown, who led the Regina Pats to the WHL Final in 2017.
- Of the 25 players on the Bisons' roster, only three of them come from out of province.
UP NEXT
Following a bye next weekend, the Dinos will play their first road games of the season, making their first appearance at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon for a pair of games against the Saskatchewan Huskies, Oct. 12-13.
-UC-
