Bisons earn three of four

Times Editor

 

It is definitely the unorthodox way, but the UFA Bisons are still undefeated on the season, after posting a road tie and a home win this past weekend.

The local triple-A midget team earned their third draw of the season, 4-4 in Lethbridge on Oct. 15, before a 9-3 romp over the Grande Prairie Storm the following day at the Strathmore Family Centre.

As a result, the Bisons are undefeated with their less than traditional 2-0-3 start.

Despite the record, head coach Jeremy Friesen expects more from his crew.

“Until guys realize the work ethic and what it takes to win and be successful at this level, we’re going to keep going through this same process,” said Friesen. “It’s a bit of a maturity thing and guys are going to have to start putting in those second and third efforts.

“The biggest concern with us is we have the ability with all four of our lines to establish the pace that we want to play. Then we take some costly penalties that are undisciplined and lazy – that shifts momentum (to the other team) and momentum is a hard thing to get back on your side.”

The Bisons took a 2-1 lead going into the third period against Lethbridge, before allowing a powerpaly goal early to even the score. The Herd scored two goals 1:14 apart midway through the third, taking a 4-2 lead and eventually allowed another powerplay goal en route to the tie.

“We just go through peaks and valleys,” said the coach. “We controlled the game for 40-45 minutes, then we have letdowns. It comes down to consistency and making sure we have the same effort throughout. 

“If we pay attention and we play the way we are capable of playing, I think we’re in that situation – we win by three or four.”

The Bisons then stepped up their game on home ice against the Storm, resulting in a 9-3 win. Once the game was in full control, the Bison took their foot off the pedal in the third period, said Friesen. However, he was pleased to see his offence players step up.

“I think this game came at the perfect time – no discredit to Grande Prairie, but we had some guys that are a little bit snake bitten in putting the puck in the net that are capable of doing that,” said the coach. “I think today was an opportunity for them to get their confidence back a bit. So going forward, we hope (that trend continues).”

The Bisons are now preparing to play a pair of home games this weekend when they host SSAC Athletics on Oct. 22 (5:30 p.m.) and the J. Ennis Kings the following day at 2 p.m. at the Strathmore Family Centre.