Bisons fall in round robin

Times Editor

 

UFA Bison vs Lethbridge Pronghorns

Dec. 29 

@ Max Bell Centre

Instead of focusing on their own game, the UFA Bisons were dragged into a penalty-filled game versus the Lethbridge Pronghorns.

Turns out that type of game cost them two points and a playoff berth in the playoffs at the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament.

“We talked a lot about the way that they play and how they are and we fell victim to it,” said Bisons head coach Jeremy Friesen. “I didn’t think the officials helped us out much in the third period there … anytime we got (some) momentum or zone time, we seemed to be going to the box.”

Despite outshooting the Pronghorns, the Bisons allowed a power play goal in the first and second periods en route to a 2-0 loss.

“We didn’t play the way we need to get rewarded,” said Friesen. “The fact we had to leave it to the third period to chance poor officiating isn’t acceptable either.

“We didn’t dictate any part of that hockey game, whether it be on the power play or not. We just played the way they wanted us to. That’s the frustrating part.

“I don’t know if we can play any worse than that and I honestly don’t think they can play any better than that. It’s a 2-0 hockey game on two bounces. If we play anything any thing like the third period of our first two games against those guys, it’s probably seven or eight nothing. That’s the frustrating part too because we know we are a much better hockey team than them.”

 

 

UFA Bisons vs Okanagan 

Rockets Dec. 30 

@ Father David Bauer

During the first two games of the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament, the UFA Bisons had great third period performances.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t continue the trend in the remaining round robin games of the tournament.

After a back and forth battle with the Rockets, tied at three going into the third period, the Bisons allowed two power play goals against en route to a 5-3 loss.

“I thought we responded well after yesterday, (but) we got into some penalty trouble in the third period,” said Friesen. “The first and second period (the ref) let us play and all sudden in the third period it was penalty after penalty … the guys can’t find that line either to what is okay and what isn’t okay.”

Kurt Fraser tied the game at one in the first period when he converted a feed from Mark McLeod and Brayden Biccum. After falling 2-1, the Bisons responded when Brady Reagan took a pass from Connor Tudor.

Markson Bechtold then scored with no time left in the clock, after firing home a shot milli-seconds before the horn sounded to end the second period tied at three.

“We took some bad penalties and those are things that have been addressed,” said the coach. “Maybe they need to be addressed more significantly here (in the New Year).”