All-star experience
mario prusina – Times Editor
Two forwards from the UFA Bisons were ‘thrilled’ to share the ice with the best players in the Alberta Midget Hockey League this past weekend.
Cody Fowlie and Captain Jason Swyripa took part in the 21st annual AMHL All-Star Game Jan. 24 at the Centennial Arena in Calgary.
Fowlie leads the team with 35 points (15 goals and 20 assists) in 28 games, while Swyripa leads the Bisons with 19 goals in 22 games. He also has 15 assists. “It was a blast,” said Fowlie. “Playing against the top kids in league is a good experience.
“I’m going to remember this for sure.”
Despite having the lead for the majority of the game, the Chrysler South team gave up the tying goal late in the third period, before losing 6-5 in overtime.
“It was obviously pretty thrilling to be a part of,” said Swyripa. “It was just like any other game – tried to (anyway). There is a bit of a rivalry between the North and the South, so it was a fun game to be a part of.”
Bisons make a point
The UFA Bisons took a big point from the Calgary Buffaloes Jan. 22 at the Strathmore Family Centre.
The Herd scored the equalizing goal with under a second remaining in regulation, earning a crucial point in the standings, in the 3-3 tie.
“Obviously it’s a big point with the Buffaloes, who are a couple points up on us,” said Swyripa, who netted the tying goal. “We’ve been gaining some momentum the last three games.”
With the tie, the Bisons improved to 11-12-6 on the season and remain one point ahead of the Calgary Royals for the last playoff spot in the South Division.
However, despite their mediocre record, the team is just six points out of second place and a first-round playoff bye.
According to Swyripa, the team is taking things game-by-game.
“We don’t want to look too far ahead of ourselves,” he said. “Making the playoffs is the first goal we’ve set for ourselves.”