Bisons gain Mac’s experience

Times Editor

 

Despite failing to reach the heights they obtained in last year’s tournament, the UFA Bisons can classify the 33rd Annual Mac’s Midget Tournament a success.

After reaching the tournament final last year, the Bisons were eliminated in a close playoff game to the eventual tournament winner, the SSAC BP Athletics, this year.

“We learned a ton – you learn way more from losses than you do with wins,” said head coach Parry Shockey. “If this tournament gives us the opportunity to win a championship down the road, then this is small price to pay. I told the guys, ‘remember how you feel right now, because I’m going to remind you every practice. Do you want to prepare to never feel like that again? Then let’s go to work.’ “

According to Shockey, the Bisons showed flashes of dominance during the weeklong tournament. It was evident that when the Bisons are firing on all cylinders, they’re tough to stop.

“I liked that when we turned it up, we really turned it up,” said the coach. “The game against Red Deer (the 6-2 win), that’s our hockey team. If we (play) that hockey (way) every night, we’re happy. In the other games, we saw bits and pieces of it. We need our guys (going) for 60 minutes and I don’t think that we’ve had 60 minutes this year.”

After finishing the round-robin portion of the tournament with a 3-1 record, the Bisons qualified for a wildcard berth in the Mac’s Playoffs. Another highlight for the Bisons was the announcement of the all-star team, which included goaltender George Merik and forward Kirby Ruzesky.

The team is now focusing on the remainder of their AMHL schedule and the 10 regular season games they have left.

The Bisone are currently in third place, just three points out of first in the South Division. According to Shockey, it is important for the team to earn one of the top two spots in the division and receive a first-round playoff bye.

“I don’t think that we should settle for anything less (than one of the top two spots),” said the coach. “If we settle for anything less, then we’re basically settling to not be successful. We came out of this (tournament) with a few bumps and bruises, but don’t have any real injuries, so we have … some time to get rested up, get recharged and be firing on all cylinders.”

The Bisons are back in league action this weekend, when they travel to Calgary to face the Buffaloes at Acadia Arena Jan. 8 (7:15 p.m.). Their next home game is Jan. 15 (5:30 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.