CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team started off the second half of their season strong with a sweep of the UBC Thunderbirds on the west coast this past week. The team returns home this weekend for a date with the Manitoba Bisons.

Friday's game is set for puck drop at 7 p.m., followed by a Saturday matinee starting at 3 p.m. Father David Bauer Arena will play host to both games.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR STRONG
After a successful first half of the season, the Dinos looked to continue that success on their road trip to UBC. After a low scoring 1-0 win in the first game, the offence came alive in the second matchup, which resulted in a 3-2 shootout win for Calgary. The weekend saw the debut of defenceman Brendan De Jong, who picked up an assist in two games after joining the team from the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.

LEADING THE LEAGUE
Canada West leading scorer Matt Alfaro had a blinding first half that saw him register 26 points on 12 goals and 14 assists. After adding another goal last weekend against the Thunderbirds, the power forward will look to continue his run going deeper into 2020. Alfaro's stellar start to the season was acknowledged by the conference's coaches in December when he was named the Canada West-WHL First Half Top Performer.

GREENFIELD BACK BETWEEN THE PIPES
Dinos starting goalie Matthew Greenfield, after being sidelined towards the end of November, returned to the net in fine fashion for the first weekend back. Over the two games, Greenfield registered 60 saves while putting up a shutout in the first game of the New Year.

SCOUTING REPORT
vs MANITOBA BISONS
Game Info Friday Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. – Father David Bauer Arena
Record 8-9-1, 5th in Canada West
Leading Scorer Adam Henry, 8g, 9a

NOTES

• The Bisons split their first series back against the Mount Royal Cougars at home with a dominant 5-2 win followed by a close 3-2 loss.
• During the meeting earlier in the season, the two teams traded wins, which included a thrilling 4-3 double overtime Manitoba victory.
• Former Regina Pat Tyler Brown has had an impressive first season for the Bisons, currently sits sixth in Canada West in save percentage.

UP NEXT
The Dinos will stay put next weekend after a road trip-dominated first half schedule for a matchup with the Saskatchewan Huskies starting on Friday, Jan. 17.