Bisons lead AMHL

Times Reporter 

 

The UFA Bisons added two more wins to their record, with victories over the Calgary Northstars on Dec. 13 by a score of 3-1, and the Knights of Columbus Pats on Dec. 14, 5-0. The Bisons are now not only ahead of the Calgary Royals in the Chrysler Division, but are also tops in the league with 34 points.

“We found real good ways to win. We’re becoming very confident in what we do, and a lot of it has to do with the way our goaltending has been,” said Bisons head coach Dan MacDonald. “When the goaltenders give you that confidence, you can take more chances and you can be more creative. They’re allowing us to be successful.” 

Carter Seminuk made 23 saves against the Northstars and 22 saves against the Pats; he’s also now first in the league with a .934 save percentage and 1.83 goals against average.

“It’s just been outstanding. What he does, is he gives confidence to everyone,” MacDonald said. “Our defense can take all kinds of risks, and it’s not a concern. Especially at this level, taking risks is how you learn. He’s really helped those guys out by playing so strong.”

In the Northstars matchup, Mason McCarty had an assist and a powerplay goal that proved to be the game winner. With Connor Boyd following close behind with 24 points, McCarty has 30 points in 22 games, placing him third in league scoring.

The Bisons had played the Northstars earlier in the year, winning 4-1 on Oct. 30.

“They just play a different kind of game. We have to adjust to their different style of play,” MacDonald said. “I think we were doing really good and sometimes we fall off and get involved in tactics that we have to walk away from. They’re not as good as we are. They try to slow you down by hooking you, and grabbing at you. I think we retaliated a few more times than we should have.”

The next night against the Knights of Columbus Pats, the Bisons had three powerplay goals, and one shorthanded. Zachary Giroux added a goal and an assist, as did McCarty (including another game winner).

“He’s such a competitive guy,” MacDonald said of McCarty. “He wants to win. It’s not uncommon for him to get the winning goal or set the stage for the winning goal. He plays harder as you need him more. He’s a pretty valuable player to us.”

Team captain Mackenzie Bauer is in the fourth week of his six week recovery process for a sports hernia, and may rejoin the team in a couple weeks.

“Maybe he can play at the Mac’s Tournament, but maybe not,” MacDonald said. “If he doesn’t play there, he’ll start full time with us in January.”

Clay Murray is still sidelined with a broken foot, though Joshua Bishop is expected to return to the lineup next week after suffering a concussion.

The Bisons next game is against the Calgary Flames (of the AMHL) on Dec. 21.