Bisons split on the road

Times Reporter

 

After a 4-1 away victory against the Calgary Royals on Oct. 11, the UFA Bisons travelled to Red Deer Oct. 12 to play the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs. This was the team’s first weekend away from Strathmore, and the travel proved to be too much en route to a 4-2 loss to the Chiefs.

“These were two tough teams,” said Bisons coach Dan MacDonald. “If we could have won both, we would have been really happy, but to at least get a split is a good thing when you’re playing good teams in their rinks.”

MacDonald coached the Chiefs for five years over a decade ago, and knew they were going to be a challenge.

“We did our best. It’s just one of those things. They’re a little bit more advanced than we are right now,” MacDonald said. “There wasn’t much of a turnaround; it was easier for them, being at home waiting for us. At the same time, it was still a good game.”

The Bisons sit 4-2 on the season, and are second in the Chrysler Division with eight points – only one point behind the Red Deer Chiefs.

“We have to counter some of the things they do,” MacDonald said. “We have to be better defensively, is one thing. We had a weak start, and that’s being on the bus – perhaps tired a little bit. But at the same time, you have to start your game and push pace better than we did. We let them come to us.”

The Bisons’ power play continues to improve as the season progresses, as they scored goals with the man advantage in Calgary and in Red Deer.

“Well, we’re very good that way,” MacDonald said. “It’s just helping with the cause. It’s really helpful when you score on the power play.”

Bison forward Mackenzie Bauer is tied for first in league scoring with nine points, with defenseman Tristan Thompson not far behind with seven. Both scored each night this weekend.

“They’re both leading us. Tristan’s leading the defense with his play, and Mackenzie is one of our best offensive players. They’re playing really well,” MacDonald said.

The Bisons travel to Grand Prairie to play Ernie’s Sports Storm on Oct. 19, then follow up in Edmonton Oct. 20 against Gregg Distributors.