Hockey
The Bison hockey teams get right back to work on Jan. 6 and 7, as they continue to pursue the post-season down the stretch.
The Bison men’s team currently sits in third place in Canada West standings with 22 points. Travelling to Regina, the Bisons can improve their playoff position with a pair of solid performances against the Cougars.
Meanwhile, the Bison women’s team find themselves sitting two points out of the playoff picture in fifth place in Canada West with 16 points. Hosting the Regina Cougars affords the Bisons a fantastic opportunity to jumpstart the second half of the season on a positive note.
The puck drops at Max Bell Arena at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6 and 7.
Basketball
Both Bison basketball teams are on the road as they restart conference play Jan. 7 and 8 in BC.
The Bison women’s basketball team has their work cut out for them as they sit with 6 points, just outside of a playoff spot. They get a great opportunity to start the new year, as they take on the two teams in the basement of the Pacific Division of the Canada West conference: UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers.
The Bison men’s team, on the other hand, is looking to improve their playoff position as they currently sit in third, only four points out of first place. The Bison won two of three games in the Wesmen Classic over the winter break, so they should be fresh and prepared for their first games of 2012.
Volleyball
The Bison men’s volleyball team are currently in the Sunshine State, California, as they take on a pair of the top NCAA men’s volleyball teams: the number two ranked UC Santa Barbara and the number 10 ranked UCLA. They also take on California Baptist University who play in the NCCAA.
Both Bison volleyball teams return to conference play on Jan. 13.
Football
Tragedy hit the U of M Bisons football team over the break as a long-term affiliate of the program, team manager Pat Gill, passed away on Dec. 13, 2011. He was 72 years old.
Gill served as a team manager for the Bison football program over the past 44 seasons, also having worked in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management for 32 years (1966-1998). He was responsible for setting up the locker room and assisting players with their equipment needs, amongst other important facility duties.
The Manitoban extends deepest condolences to his family. His presence around the football field and University will be missed.
