Bisons learn their lesson
Mario Prusina
Times Editor
After playing extraordinary hockey to start the season, the UFA Bisons laid an egg at home versus the Calgary Royals on Nov. 12.
Heading into the weekend with only one loss in 12 games, the Bisons took their struggling division rival for granted, en route to a 6-3 loss.
“We played a team that we probably didn’t respect enough,” said coach Parry Shockey. “The Royals are a good team – they’re very well coached, they have systems and they played to their strengths.
“We lost the battles and when we lost those battles, the puck was in the back of our net. This is a very good league and you have to pay attention to detail.
“That’s our motto – our work ethic, our attention to detail and execution. It’s the difference between wins and losses.”
Joshua Betinol scored twice, while affiliate player Justin Fraser also tallied for the Bisons, who allowed three powerplay goals.
However, the Bisons responded with a huge win on Sunday afternoon when they hosted the lowly Medicine Hat Tigers.
Eight different Bisons registered goals in the 9-0 win. Connor Chartier scored twice, while Simon Philp, Samuel McKechnie, Matthew Flette and Luke Philp each added a goal and an assist. Kirby Ruzesky, Sam Johnson and Torrin White each added a goal, while Shayne Gwinner and affiliate player Owen Ferguson each collected three assists. Betinol and affiliate player Sean Davis each added two assists.
Goaltender George Merik added an assist and made 23 saves, collecting his first shutout of the season.
“It feels good after the stinkers I’ve had lately,” laughed Merik after the game. “You usually get nervous when you look at the scoreclock and you see zero goals (against) with a minute left, but the boys came through. They helped me out a lot.
“Everybody was clicking and that is exactly what we need … it was a perfect game and hopefully we’ll see a lot more of that this year.”
The Bisons pulled off the impressive win with five affiliate players in the lineup, including the backup goaltender. According to Shockey, the Bisons had a pair of injuries and three healthy scratches (“where the fans can use their imagination”).
According to Shockey, one of the team’s assets is their strong depth – including their affiliate players.
“We told everybody that we’re not bringing in (affiliate players) to be bench ornaments,” said Shockey. “They’re coming in and they’re playing – down the stretch (of the game) we played those guys a lot.
“When we lose guys, we can bring in (affiliates) that can step up and play in all situations.”
The Bisons will now travel to the Edmonton area for a pair of weekend games. The team will take on the Sherwood Park Kings Nov. 20 (1:45 p.m.) and the Canadian Athletic Club Gregg Distributors Nov. 21 (11:45 a.m.).