The Bisons men’s hockey team faced a 4-0 loss to the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in their exhibition game on Friday, Jan. 2 in Duluth, Minnesota.

Coming off a tough series against the Mount Royal Cougars in December 2025, the Bisons looked to bounce back with a strong performance against the Bulldogs. However, it was not realized — the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and were outplayed by their opponents.

Despite a goalless first period, both teams showed promise, firing 25 shots on net, but were unable to break the deadlock. The Bulldogs’ defence held strong, and the game remained scoreless until the eighth minute [8:26] of the second period, when Callum Arnott broke the ice for Minnesota Duluth.

The Bisons’ hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as the Bulldogs continued to apply pressure, and Jayson Shaugabay scored the second goal for the host in the 19th minute [19:48]. The second period ended 2-0 in favour of the Bulldogs, with a total of 27 shots.

The third period saw the Bulldogs pull away, with Ryan Zaremba scoring the third goal in the ninth minute [9:53], followed by Hunter Anderson’s fourth goal just two minutes later [11:39]. The Bisons’ defence struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ attack, and the game ended 4-0 in favor of Minnesota Duluth.

The Bulldogs outshot the Bisons 29-8 in the third period. The Bisons’ Michael King was sent off in the second and third periods for tripping, while Kaycee Coyle was penalized for elbowing in the third period. The Bulldogs’ Kyler Kovich was the only other player sent off, receiving a high-sticking penalty in the second period.

The loss marks the Bisons’ first defeat in the new year, and the team will look to regroup and bounce back in their next conference game.

The Bisons men’s hockey team will host the University of Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. CT and Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. CT at the Wayne Fleming Arena.