Bisons offence in high gear

Posted on: Staff Writer

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The UFA Bisons found their scoring touch en route to picking up four points and defeating Grande Prairie 4-2 and the Maple Leaf Athletic Club 7-4 on Nov. 1-2 respectively.
Head coach Dan MacDonald liked what he saw from his offence in both games but admits the defensive zone coverage needs some work.
“We got on the scoreboard early, in fact our first shift in both games we scored and that helped us create momentum throughout the game it seemed,” said MacDonald.
“Will Conley scored both the early goals, so he had a really good weekend for us, he got four points (a goal and assist each game). Their whole line with (Trygve) Many Guns and Jordan McConnell got three goals for us (versus MLAC) and got a couple of goals in the first game.”
Fast puck movement was effective in the win in Grande Prairie as the Bisons were able to capitalize off their chances.
“I think we were moving the puck really well, especially in the second period, when we did that we ended up with four goals and a direct result of us having the puck most of the time,” said MacDonald.
“In the third period we gave up two goals but it was more to do with us feeling it would be an easier third period and they didn’t give up.”
Goals in Grande Prairie came from Will Conley, Cameron Shorrock, Markus Lavallee and Trygve Many Guns.
In the second game of the weekend in Edmonton, the goal scoring came from everywhere in the victory.
“We got some good scoring from everywhere, all the lines were in on it. The McConnell line got three goals, the Lavallee’s line got two goals and two goals were scored by other lines,” said MacDonald.
Now it seems that the offence is clicking, but the defensive zone needs some work before the Bisons are effective in every aspect of their game.
“Now we have to shore up our defense – we have to get better in the defensive zone. That’s what we’re going to do this week is the defensive end and really the next two weeks we have to have size and being better there and reducing the quality chances,” said MacDonald.
It was Conley, Many Guns, Lavallee, Jordan McConnell, Austin Cameron, Zachery Vinnell and Davis Sheldon who supplied the offence in Edmonton.
The Bisons are back at home next weekend where they will take on the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers (5:15 p.m.) on Nov. 8 and the SSAC Athletics (2 p.m.) on Nov. 9.