Bisons to battle Canadian Women’s Team

Times Reporter   

 

As part of their preparation for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team will be facing off against the UFA Bisons in an exhibition matchup on Dec. 2 at the Family Centre. Having lost to the women twice before this season, the Bisons are looking to make a mark against the nation’s best ladies.

“We played in their preseason tournament, and we were very competitive against them,” said Bisons’ general manager Wayne Hansen. “They play a very similar style to what we do, which is puck possession, speed – that sort of thing. One of the reasons that the ladies like to play us is because it really tests them. It’s a good test for our boys too.”

Throughout the AAA Alberta Midget Hockey League, teams play games to help support the development of the ladies squad. 

“Every four years when they centralize, our league sets it up,” Hansen said. “We play one that counts in our standings, and then as an additional assistance, we’re asked to play an exhibition game against them.”

With 24 ladies left in Team Canada’s training camp the Dec. 2 game will help determine which players make the team for Sochi’s Olympic Games. Three more must be cut.

“Twenty one of these ladies will actually be playing on the Canadian Women’s Team, like Hayley Wickenheiser,” Hansen said.

Hansen mentioned his Bisons are looking forward to the challenge, especially in front of a home crowd.

“You’re always excited about the opportunity to play against the best of the best,” he said. “They’ll know what to expect and they know that they’re good hockey players. They lost twice to them, and I’m sure they’ll want to send a statement.” 

The Bisons will play the National Women’s Team once more on Jan. 17 at 9 p.m. at Calgary Olympic Park during the ladies’ Wrap Up Festival. The squad leaves for Sochi Jan. 21.

“We’re going to give them a good test just before they head out,” Hansen said.

On Dec. 2, warm up begins at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30. Admission is $10 as a donation to the Christmas Hamper Society.