W’s for the Bisons

Times Reporter   

 

The UFA Bisons narrowly pulled out the 5-3 win against the SSAC Boston Pizza Athletics at home on Dec. 7, but came back stronger the next day, with another victory over the Fort Saskatchewan Boston Pizza Rangers. The score was 4-1.

SSAC originally had a two-goal lead, but the Bisons had a five-goal effort in the third, including two from Shane Fraser. The Bisons only managed 17 shots on net, while they had 29 against them.

“We had quite a few injuries, and guys are sick right now, so I think we did really well under all the circumstances we were playing with,” said Bisons’ coach Dan MacDonald.

Two key players for the Bisons have been out for a couple of weeks: assistant captain Ryan Zeniuk and team captain Mackenzie Bauer.

“Those are two good players for us. It’s hard to replace them,” MacDonald said. “Zeniuk has an enlarged spleen and it just got better now. Mackenzie’s got a sports hernia. He won’t be able to play for another three weeks.”

In the Fort Saskatchewan victory, three of the Bisons’ four markers came on the man advantage. The team overall had a stronger offensive effort with 35 shots on net – not a surprise, however, as the Rangers are at the bottom of their division. Bisons’ defensemen Sebastian Kilcommons and Philip Anderson both had three point nights.

“Other guys have to step up and that’s what good teams do,” MacDonald said. “They fill the void. That’s what happened on the Saturday and Sunday, I thought other guys stepped up when they got their chance, and they played well.”

Bisons’ goaltenders Garrett Mason and Carter Seminuk were praised by their coach; the latter has a .927 save percentage and a 2.07 goals against average. Confident goaltending and effective defensive play have a substantial role in the Bisons’ success, MacDonald said.

“It’s a combination of both. I think we are playing better in the defensive zone but we are getting good goaltending. Both goaltenders are playing really well,” MacDonald said. “When you get that, it makes you look like you’re playing good defensively. Our goaltenders are really holding us and making some real good saves.”

The Bisons are tied for the lead in standings beside the Calgary Royals with 30 points in the South Division.