CANADA WEST CONFERENCE REPORT – Two weekend series’ made for two splits in Canada West hockey action this past weekend, with the University of Manitoba Bisons splitting a two-game set in Regina versus the U of R Cougars, and the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns splitting a two-game series versus the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton.
In Regina on Friday night, former WHL netminder Brant Hilton stopped all 24 shots he faced to backstop the Regina Cougars to a 4-0 shutout win over the visiting Manitoba Bisons. WHL grads Ryan Sawka, Carter Smith and Craig Cuthbert scored for the Cougars in the win.
On Saturday night, former WHLer Blair Macauley’s marker early in the third period stood as the game-winner as the visiting Bisons edged the Cougars 3-2 to earn the series split. Former Brandon Wheat King Tyler Dittmer and fellow WHL grad Ian Duval also scored for the Bisons, while Cuthbert counted for the Cougars.
In Edmonton on Friday night, former Spokane Chief and Saskatoon Blade Chad Klassen scored twice and set up another as the Alberta Golden Bears skated to an 8-6 win over the visiting Lethbridge Pronghorns. WHL grads Tyler Metcalfe, Lee Zalasky, Ian McDonald and J.P. Szaszkiewicz also scored for the Golden Bears, while former Prince George Cougar Brian Matte tallied three goals and an assist for the Pronghorns.
On Saturday night, former Red Deer Rebel Dustin Moore scored twice and chipped in an assist to lead the visiting Pronghorns to a 5-4 triumph over the Golden Bears to earn the series split. Brian Matte also scored for the Pronghorns, while Metcalfe, Zalasky, Klassen and fellow WHL grad Eric Hunter counted for the Golden Bears.
Three weeks remain on the regular-season schedule for the Canada West conference. The Golden Bears have already clinched the Conference title.
For more Canada West Hockey coverage, stats and standings, and links to Canada West teams, visit the Canada West Hockey Website
