Bisons shutout Northstars

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The UFA Bisons came back after a lengthy three week break showing signs of rust but started to find their rhythm in the third period to beat the Calgary Northstars 3-0 on Feb. 7 at the Max Bell Centre.
“It took a while to adjust to get things rolling again because of that break, that’s just a little bit too long to be at your best. I thought the goals that were scored were very good goals and our goaltending was very good,” said head coach Dan MacDonald.
“We killed penalties well – in fact we scored a goal while we were shorthanded. We got a ways to go yet to get back in that real groove that we had going there, just because we haven’t played enough games recently, but we’ll get there.”
The boys were able to gain momentum off the win and gain a sense of what the last two games will mean heading into the playoffs.
“The fact that we shut them out, that’s a real plus right now. In the playoffs, you have to play good defence in your own end and you have to have strong goaltending and we had that, so that’s something we’ve been trying to get better at,” said MacDonald.
The game against the Northstars was a good way for the Bisons to get back into the intense atmosphere that they will see for the rest of the season.
“I think the biggest thing is to get back in there and play with the pressure of the game,” said MacDonald. “Guys are tighter and will check you harder and it took us awhile to get sorted out again.”
The Bisons coaching staff are going to use these next two games to instill the playoff mentality in the players.
Gary Haden had two goals, while Barrett Sheen added one in the victory.
To conclude the regular season, the Bisons will play in Red Deer on Feb. 13 (8 p.m.) and in Calgary against the Flames on Feb. 15 (2:30 p.m.).