Bisons sit 2-0

Aryssah Stankevitsch     

Times Reporter   

 

The UFA Bisons had a successful opening weekend, victorious over the Calgary Buffaloes on Sept. 27, 4-1, and inching out the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Sept. 29, 3-2.

The Bisons were tied with Calgary after the first period, but scored three goals in the second – the score stuck until the end of the game. Carter Seminuk took the net against the Buffaloes, while Garrett Mason defended the crease against Lethbridge.

“We’ve had very good goaltending,” said Coach Dan MacDonald. “They’ve both played well. They give us every chance to win.”

Though proud of two wins to start the season, penalties were of high concern for both games. Against Calgary, there were two instances where the Bisons were down 5 on 3. It was a similar case against Lethbridge.

“We have to teach them better, how to keep their stick down when they go into their hits,” MacDonald said. “As soon as you touch the helmet with your hands, you get two or four minutes.” 

The Bisons have been working really hard, individually and as a team, MacDonald said.

“They all had their moments. It’s really been a team effort,” he said. “We’re just working on fundamentals right now. If you work hard, you’ve got a chance.”

Speaking to that team effort, defenseman Philip Anderson left the game against Lethbridge, stating he had a headache following a hit in a scrum. Fraser, a forward, took over for Anderson.

“That really helped – to just switch and make that change,” MacDonald said. “Guys are doing what they have to do to be successful right now.”

It’s presumed Anderson has a concussion.

“Everyone’s very careful these days for hits to the head. So we’ll see how he does this week,” MacDonald said.

In the next few days, athletic therapists will see how to proceed with their fallen defenseman, and when he’ll be ready.

The Bisons are back in action this weekend when they host the Sherwood Park Kings (Oct. 5, 8 p.m.) and the MLAC Maple Leafs  (Oct 6, 2 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.