Bisons ready for Mac’s tourney

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The CFR Bisons are prepared to put their skills to the test in the extremely competitive 38th annual Mac’s AAA Midget World Invitational Hockey Tournament in Calgary Dec. 26-Jan. 1.
The team is a co-host of the tournament, along with four Calgary men’s teams. While the event also offers the athletes a chance to play in front of their friends and families over the holidays, the team is keeping their eyes on the prize in hopes of winning the prestigious event.
“Don’t think for a second we’re not out there to win this tournament because we’d love to win this tournament,” said Bisons General Manager Wayne Hansen.
“But it’s not our end goal. Our end goal is to win a Telus Cup and that’s still a few months away. But at the same time, we tell our guys to come into this, have fun, treat it for what it is. It’s a tournament, it’s an exhibition, it’s a chance to show your skills and team skills to hundreds of scouts.”
Hansen said that for some of the veterans it’s a big Christmas gift to see the pool of teams and expects them to lead the rookies through the tournament.
“It does a lot for their confidence,” said Hansen. “It shows where they stack up against some of the best competition in Western Canada. Add on top of the exhibition games that we get to play against Europe shows where you stand skill wise. It should let you know that you’re on the right path.”
Head coach Sandy Henry has had a long history at the Mac’s, with both his boys having played in it and being behind the bench himself for the last few seasons as an assistant.
“It’s an honour,” said Henry. “I know what it means to the guys because I’ve had my guys in it. I’m enthused for myself but I’m more enthused for the guys. They’re going to be on the front line. They get their opportunities; there are lots of eyes on them. The Mac’s in that respect is honestly about the players. I hope they have fun. We want to be successful as we can be and we want to gain some momentum coming out the other side.”
With limited time to prepare for this tournament, Henry wants the players to come as fresh as they can and just play their game, sticking to what they’re used to by playing fast through neutral zone and attacking with speed.
Assistant Captain Quaid McBean is in his second straight tournament and said while it’s a great experience for the players involved, the team needs to be well rested in such a short tournament.
“I remember from last year at the end of it, all of us were pretty tired,” said McBean. “I think definitely (what) we can take from last year is getting good rest, good hydration. It’s a fun time, it’s right around the holidays, and you’re with your family a lot.”
He said communication will be their biggest ally in the tournament since most teams are unfamiliar with each other and play different systems.
“We don’t know their systems,” said McBean. “I think if we stick to our systems and our communication, I think we’ll have a real solid chance.”
As one of the veterans on the team, the key for him will be to explain to the younger players to not let scouts and fans get in their heads at all, and make sure they have fun.
The Bisons will open up the tournament against the Yorkton Maulers on Dec. 26 with puck drop going at 12:45 p.m. at Father David Bauer Arena. They will play their feature game against the Ontario Avalanche at Max Bell Centre on Dec. 27 (2:30 p.m.).
They will play the Lloydminster Bobcats on Dec. 28 (11:45 a.m.) at the Max Bell, while they conclude the round robin against the Cariboo Cougars on Dec. 29 with face-off going at 5:15 p.m. from the Max Bell.