Bisons start 2012 on slide

Times Editor

 

The UFA Bisons remained without a win to start 2012 after losing a pair of home games this past weekend at the Strathmore Family Centre.

The local triple-A midget team was defeated 4-2 by the Calgary NW Flames on Jan. 13, before losing 3-2 to the St. Albert Raiders the following day, extending their losing streak to five games (including the Mac’s Midget championship game).

“We’re just taking shortcuts  – our intensity and attention to detail were a little bit better, but we’re still not where we need it to be,” said Bisons head coach Jeremy Friesen. “Both games we had a lead, both games we had it tied 2-2 going into the third period … and we didn’t have a push back like we needed to.

“When you cheat a little bit … that is the end result.”

By starting the New Year with four straight regular season losses, the Bisons dropped to 12-9-6 on the season, essentially eliminating a chance at a first round playoff bye.

“I think we can cancel one of those (two spots) out,” said Friesen. “To be honest with you, I’m not sure we wanted one of those (byes). We’re a team that likes to play and like to get some momentum built up. You’re going to have to give your best eventually, so may as well start in the first round.”

The Bisons look to get back on track this weekend, when they play a couple of division opponents. The Herd will travel to Calgary to take on the Northstars on Jan. 19, before returning home to host the Calgary Buffaloes on Jan. 22 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

“It’s another big test. We’ve talked about this stretch run for a long time,” said the coach. “It doesn’t get any easier – we’ve got the Northstars twice, the Buffs, Red Deer, St. Albert, Leduc – those are top, top teams in this league and teams that are ahead of us in the standings. It’s a great test to see where we’re at – it is a great challenge for the guys.”