The Bisons men’s hockey team dominated the Regina Cougars 6-1 on Friday, Feb. 6, but suffered a 1-3 setback on Saturday, Feb. 7, in their weekend series.
The Bisons started strong, pressuring the Cougars from the outset. However, the Cougars took the early lead with Eric Houk’s goal in the 10th minute [10:12] of the first period, following a Bisons penalty. The Bisons quickly bounced back, tying the score 1-1 with Andrew Boucher’s goal in the 12th minute [12:46], before taking the lead 2-1 with Eric Alarie’s goal in the 18th minute [18:00].
The Bisons scored two more goals in the second period, including a power-play goal in the 19th minute [19:14]. Despite a few penalties on both sides, the Cougars failed to capitalize, and the Bisons entered the third period with a 4-1 lead.
The Bisons added two more goals in the third period, securing a 6-1 victory. Kaycee Coyle and Dawson Pasternak were sent to the penalty box for the Bisons, while Carter Belitski served time for the Cougars. The Bisons outshot the Cougars 36-25.
Gordon Burnett, Bisons men’s hockey head coach, explained the team’s strategy for the win. “I think that we’re just focused on ourselves and what we’re supposed to do […] I think we’re fortunate to score six goals. They have an incredibly athletic and good goalie, and they’re working hard. They have their chances. We’re lucky that Holt made some big saves when he had to [which kept] us in the game.”
Bisons defender, Luke Brenton, also played a large part in the defence line. He contributed to stopping the Cougars’ attacks and driving the Bisons offence forward.
“There’s a bit of strategy to hockey, especially being a defender. You’ve got to know when to pick your times to jump and […] it’s about being defensive first,” Brenton stated.
“Being a defender, [you have to keep] worrying about your own zone and making sure the other team won’t have a chance against [your team], and then you can pick and choose your times to jump in to play offensively,” he added. “Overall, I’m really proud of the boys.”
In the rematch on Saturday, Feb. 7, the Bisons lost 1-3 to the Cougars. The Cougars struck first in the first period with Parker Jasper’s goal in the 14th minute [14:58] after a Bisons’ penalty. The Bisons pushed hard, but the period ended 0-1 in the Cougars’ favour.
The Bisons’ penalties continued in the second period, with Lucas Brennan being sent off for hooking, and the Cougars capitalized with Cole Wirun’s goal in the 15th minute [15:43]. The Bisons responded with Skyler Bruce’s goal in the 18th minute [18:10], but the Cougars’ lead proved too much to overcome this period.
The Cougars sealed the win in the third period with a power-play goal in the fifth minute [05:17]. Despite dominating shots 34-18, the Bisons could not find the back of the net again.
The Bisons men’s hockey team will play the Calgary Dinos on Friday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. CT and Saturday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. CT in Calgary, Alberta.
