Learning a tough lesson

Times Editor

 

The UFA Bisons were well on their way to sweeping their two-game home stand.

Then disaster struck.

After scoring a powerplay goal and taking a 5-3 lead with 4:25 left in the game, the Bisons surrendered three unanswered goals in a 6-5 loss to the United Cycle Maple Leafs on Nov. 28 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

The team played a solid game the night before, winning 3-1 over the SSAC Athletics, but the weekend left the team with a bad taste in their mouth.

“We had chances to put them away, but we didn’t put them away and we left them in it,” said Bisons coach Parry Shockey about the loss. “It’s like the cat that messes with the mouse – if you don’t eat them, he’s got a chance to get away on you.

“It’s obviously disappointing, but it’s also a learning curve … we warned them about letting teams back in it late.

“We just have to pay attention to detail for 60 minutes.”

The Bisons allowed the final three goals with just 2:33 left in the game, including the final goal with just 17 second left.

Sam Johnson scored two goals and an assist, while Samuel McKechnie and Luke Philp each added a goal and an assist. Joshua Betinol scored the other goal, while Carson McCormick and Kirby Ruzesky each record two assists.

On Saturday night, the Bisons had a solid performance versus the Athletics.

“Our execution and attention to detail has improved and that’s helped us make strides,” said the coach. “Other teams have improved too – so every game is an important two points. If you get those two points, someone else has to get two points to match (you).

“We have a philosophy in our dressing room – if the best players work the hardest, you win. We think we have the best players, so if we work hard and do our job, we expect to win.

“When we don’t, we hold ourselves accountable.”

Connor Chartier and Ruzesky each had a goal and an assist, while affiliate player Sean Davies scored the team’s other goal.

According to team captain Cody Brown, the reason why the team was successful was simple.

“We stuck to the basics – we had a couple of screw ups (when) we swayed away from our game plan, but we eventually buried down,” said Brown. “Once we started playing like we know we can, it just came to us. It was good.”

The Bisons will now head to the Edmonton area for another road trip versus the North Division. The team will face the K of C Pats on Dec. 4 (5:45) p.m., before taking on the St. Albert Raiders the following day at 2:30 p.m.

The Herd will return home for pair of games Dec. 11 (5:30 p.m.) and Dec. 12 (2 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.