Making an impression over the Tigers

Times Editor

 

After a stint on the injury list, UFA Bisons forward Rylan Muenchrath made a difference in his return.

The Strathmore native chipped in a goal and an assist to lead the Bisons to a 3-0 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers Nov. 13 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

With some time away from the ice, Muenchrath was motivated to step up his game once he was fully recovered.

“It was (tough) sitting in the crowd and watching the games,” described Muenchrath. “You just want to play that (much more) when you get back – you enjoy it that much more. I just went out there and played my game.

“We’ve been hit with a lot of injuries lately – last weekend, between suspensions and injuries, we had seven guys out, so it was nice to get back out there.”

Mitch McAllister opened the scoring with a power play goal early in the first period, before Muenchrath scored his first goal of the season 17 seconds later. 

It was a ‘huge relief’ to finally get on the score sheet, but much more important to secure the win and the two points.

“We’re right in the middle of the pack right now, which isn’t too bad, but we know we can do better,” he said. “We should be at the top of the league, or near the top of the league, so every point is going to count.

“When it comes to the end of the year, we’re going to need these points.”

Goaltender Wilson Sproule made 25 saves to record the win, while Markson Bechtold iced the game with an empty net goal.

The Bisons will now hit the road for a pair of games versus North Division teams. The Herd will take on the Grande Prairie Storm on Nov. 19, before taking on the United Cycle Maple Leafs the following day.

“In the north, they’re a lot more bigger and a lot more physical, so we just have to stick to our game plan,” said Muenchrath. “It’s a completely different game when you go north; the refereeing, the size. It’s more of a bump and grind game.”