2022-23 Manitoba Bisons/CW

[MeHateHe]

NOTE: This has been an unusual season in the ACAC. The league is much more competitive than usual. Briercrest has gone from perennial doormat to home ice advantage in the quarter-finals, against NAIT which at one time waltzed through unbeaten. Portage College, though in last, were quite competitive in comparison to past seasons.

It's really a strange season when NAIT finishes fifth. You have to go back to 2006 to find the last time when they finished below 4th.

But yeah, very competitive year. Red Deer seems to have the best team, but any one of the playoff teams could wind up on top.

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: March 3-5: EVIL MONKEYS TRAVEL TO THE TOWN OF BEDROCK

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (20-5-3, 2-1, 29-7-5, OHT35 #5)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (25-3-0, 2-1, 31-8-0, OHT35 #1)

Live Links:
➤ Video: CanadaWest TV
➤ Friday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech
➤ Saturday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech
➤ Sunday: Live Stats ∞ Hockey Tech

Alberta Links:
➤ UofA (Sunday late): Bears complete series comeback with 6-3 win over UBC (with boxscore and video)
➤ UofA: Bears, Dinos to clash for 13th time in Canada West Final
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Calgary Links:
➤ UofC: Dinos on home ice for CW Championship series
➤ CW: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links
➤ LeagueStat: Stats ∞ Schedule/Results/Links

Other Links:
➤ USports: Schedule/Links ∞ Standings
➤ CW: Home Page ∞ Season Schedule ∞ Daily Schedule
➤ LeagueStat: Media Stats ∞ Daily Schedule

Here‛s the schedule:
Fri Mar 3 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sat Mar 4 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sun Mar 5 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)*

These teams played just twice in regular season, with Bedrock U taking both, 4-0 and 3-2. This series is a rare opportunity for the Dinos to beat the Evil Monkeys in the playoffs. The Dinos have met the end of the road many times in Edmontown, but this time they are the home team. Fortunately, both sides are assured berths in the U-Cup.


OUT EAST

Wed Mar 1 Lakehead 0 Windsor 4 (Windsor leads series 1-0)
Fri Mar 3 Windsor at Lakehead (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)
Sat Mar 4 Windsor at Lakehead (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)*

Wed Mar 1 Concordia 5 U.Q.T.R. 1 (Concordia leads series 1-0)
Fri Mar 3 U.Q.T.R. at Concordia (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia at U.Q.T.R. (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)*

Tue Feb 28 New Brunswick 1 Moncton 4
Wed Mar 1 New Brunswick 4 Moncton 1 (UNB wins series 3-1)

Mon Feb 27 Saint Mary's 1 Acadia 2 (ot)
Tue Feb 28 Saint Mary's 3 Acadia 0 (SMU wins series 3-1)

Sun Mar 5 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Tue Mar 7 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Thu Mar 9 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)*

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Playoff Schedule
➤ 49 Sport: What we’ve learned in the OUA Queen’s Cup Playoffs
➤ 49 Sport: Windsor seeks U CUP berth as OUA Queen’s Cup semifinals begin
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Playoff Schedule


OUT WEST

Quarter-Finals
Fri Mar 3 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest (6:30 MST/7:30 CST)
Fri Mar 3 Concordia-Edmonton at S.A.I.T. (7:15 MST/8:15 CST)
Sat Mar 4 S.A.I.T. at Concordia-Edmonton (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)
Sat Mar 4 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest (6:30 MST/7:30 CST)
Sun Mar 5 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest * (2:00 MST/3:00 CST)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia-Edmonton at S.A.I.T. * (6:15 MST/7:15 CST)

Byes: Red Deer Poly and UA-Augustana

Fri Mar 3 Simon Fraser at Victoria
Fri Mar 3 Okanagan Lakers at Logan Lake
Sat Mar 4 Simon Fraser at Vancouver Island
(end of regular season)

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 3: DINOS WIN IN OVERTIME

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 2
CALGARY DINOSAURS 3
(in overtime)
(Calgary leads series 1-0)

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofA: Dinos take 1-0 series lead with OT win over Alberta (with boxscore and video)
➤ UofC: Maser's OT winner sends Dinos past Bears (with boxscore and video)
➤ CW: MHKY: Maser's OT winner sends Dinos past Bears

Quick Summary
Alta: C. Trolley (11:50 1st), J. Prokop (11:37 2nd)
Calg: J. Joseph (02:36 2nd), M. Patterson (10:59 2nd), J. Maser (05:41 1st OT)
Goal: Alta: Kruger (41 shots, 38 saves), Calg: Tetachuk (33 shots, 31 saves)

This was classic playoff hockey, with Bedrock U holding the edge most of the night. The game was 2-2 entering the 3rd, and the Dinos outshot the Evil Monkeys 16-7 in the 3rd and appeared to be on the verge of victory. The Apes turned the tables in OT, with 5 shots in 5 minutes. However, the Dinos scored on their one and only shot.

NEXT UP

Sat Mar 4 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sun Mar 5 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)*


OUT EAST

Fri Mar 3 Windsor 1 Lakehead 2 (ot) (Series tied 1-1)
Sat Mar 4 Windsor at Lakehead (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)

Fri Mar 3 U.Q.T.R. 5 Concordia 3 (Series tied 1-1)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia at U.Q.T.R. (7:00 EST/6:00 EST)

Sun Mar 5 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Tue Mar 7 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Thu Mar 9 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)*

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Playoff Schedule
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Playoff Schedule


OUT WEST

Fri Mar 3 N.A.I.T. 5 Briercrest 6 (Briercrest leads series 1-0)
Sat Mar 4 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest (6:30 MST/7:30 CST)
Sun Mar 5 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest (2:00 MST/3:00 CST)*

Fri Mar 3 Concordia-Edmonton 6 S.A.I.T. 2 (Concordia leads series 1-0)
Sat Mar 4 S.A.I.T. at Concordia-Edmonton (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia-Edmonton at S.A.I.T. (6:15 MST/7:15 CST)*

Fri Mar 3 Simon Fraser 8 Victoria 1
Fri Mar 3 Okanagan Lakers 2 Logan Lake 1
Sat Mar 4 Simon Fraser at Vancouver Island
(End of regular season.)

NOTE: Logan Lake finishes a 0-20-0 first season. At least this was their closest game of the year! All five positions were decided before this finale weekend.

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 4: MONKEYS WIN IN OVERTIME

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 5
CALGARY DINOSAURS 4
(in overtime)
(Series tied 1-1)

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofA: Team Website
➤ UofC: Bears spoil Dinos' comeback to force Game 3 (with boxscore and video)
➤ CW: Bears spoil Dinos' comeback to force Game 3

Quick Summary
Alta: A. Hall (14:33 1st), D. Davidson (19:58 1st), J. Prokop (07:16 2nd), D. Davidson (13:38 2nd), J. Prokop (01:47 1st OT)
Calg: B. Schoonbaert (04:48 3rd), C. Gutenberg (07:30 3rd), R. Stotts (12:25 3rd), B. Schoonbaert (19:39 3rd)
Goal: Alta: Kruger (28 shots, 24 saves), Calg: Tetachuk (9 shots, 5 saves), Stankowski L (9 shots, 8 saves)

This was a crazy game. The Evil Monkeys were leading 4-0 after two periods, and chased the Dinos‛ #1 goaltender. However, in a wild 3rd period Bedrock U scored four goals, the last with 20 seconds left, to force overtime. So each side as an OTW to force game 3 on Sunday night in the Town of Bedrock. It‛ll be a Yabba Dabba Doo time for somebody.

NEXT UP

Sun Mar 5 Alberta at Calgary (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)


OUT EAST

Sat Mar 4 Windsor 4 Lakehead 2 (Windsor wins series 2-1)

(Series tied 1-1)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia at U.Q.T.R. (7:00 EST/6:00 CST)

Sun Mar 5 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Tue Mar 7 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Thu Mar 9 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)*

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Playoff Schedule
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Playoff Schedule


OUT WEST

Sat Mar 4 N.A.I.T. 2 Briercrest 1 (Series tied 1-1)
Sun Mar 5 N.A.I.T. at Briercrest (2:00 MST/3:00 CST)

Sat Mar 4 S.A.I.T. 4 Concordia-Edmonton 3 (Series tied 1-1)
Sun Mar 5 Concordia-Edmonton at S.A.I.T. (6:15 MST/7:15 CST)

Sat Mar 4 Simon Fraser 5 Vancouver Island 4
(End of regular season.)

Fri Mar 10 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (7:00 PST/9:00 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (3:45 PST/5:45 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (7:00 PST/9:00 CST)*

Thu Mar 9 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:15 PST/9:15 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:30 PST/9:30 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:15 PST/9:15 CST)*

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 5: BEDROCK U TAKES TITLE

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 1
CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
(Calgary wins series 2-1)

Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofA (Saturday late): Bears force Game 3 with thrilling 5-4 OT win (with boxscore)
➤ UofC: CHAMPS! Dinos bring home Canada West title (with boxscore and video)

Quick Summary
Alta: R. Hughes (16:19 1st)
Calg: T. Upper (10:34 3rd), J. Maser (16:44 3rd)
Goal: Alta: Kruger (23 shots, 21 saves), Calg: Tetachuk (19 shots, 18 saves)

This was another great game. After two overtime games, this 3rd game in three nights had both teams looking a bit tired. The shot clock had a bit of rest. The Evil Monkeys held a 1-0 lead heading into the 3rd, and the Dinos did pour it on. The winning goal came with just over three minutes left.

NEXT UP

Thu Mar 16 or Fri Mar 17 Calgary v TBA
Thu Mar 16 or Fri Mar 17 Alberta v TBA

The U-Sports rankings are usually gerrymandered to boost the teams to have qualified. Also, the rules state that the conference champions MUST be seeded #1 to #3 and the OUA runner-up must be #4.

Based on the foregoing, I expect Calgary to be the #1 seed (and face U.P.E.I., destined to be #8 regardless). I also expect Alberta to be #5 or #6 and the OUA bronze team to be #7. Here are my expected outcomes for the four possible scenarios:

New Brunswick and U.Q.T.R. win:
#2 New Brunswick v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 U.Q.T.R. v #6 Saint Mary‛s
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 Windsor v #5 Alberta

New Brunswick and Windsor win:
#2 New Brunswick v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 Windsor v #6 Saint Mary‛s
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 U.Q.T.R. v #5 Alberta

Saint Mary‛s and U.Q.T.R. win:
#2 U.Q.T.R. v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 Saint Mary‛s v #6 Alberta
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 Windsor v #5 New Brunswick

Saint Mary‛s and Windsor win:
#2 Saint Mary‛s v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 Windsor v #6 Alberta
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 U.Q.T.R. v #5 New Brunswick

I would also not be surprised to see a further gerrymander in the first two scenarios where Saint Mary‛s and Alberta would switch places so that they would be on the opposite side of the draw from the conference champion. I don‛t tink they‛d switch U.P.E.I. and the OUA bronze team in the #7 and #8 slots.

Given the closeness of the OUA series so far, the choice of opponent may not make much difference.


OUT EAST

Sun Mar 5 Concordia 4 U.Q.T.R. 5 (UQTR wins series 2-1)

Bronze Game: Sat Mar 11 Concordia at Lakehead (7:00 EST/6:00 CST)
Gold Game: Sat Mar 11 U.Q.T.R. at Windsor (7:30 EST/6:30 CST)

Sun Mar 5 Saint Mary's 2 New Brunswick 4 (UNB leads series 1-0)
Tue Mar 7 New Brunswick at Saint Mary's (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)
Thu Mar 9 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)*

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Playoff Schedule
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Playoff Schedule


OUT WEST

Sun Mar 5 N.A.I.T. 2 Briercrest 1 (NAIT wins series 2-1)

Sun Mar 5 Concordia-Edmonton 4 S.A.I.T. 3 (ot) (Concordia wins series 2-1)

Semi-finals to be confirmed, but should be #1 Red Deer v #6 Concordia and #2 UA-Augustana v #5 NAIT

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[AUS Fan]

Great synopsis. copied this to the U-Cup thread.

 

[MeHateHe]

Semi-finals to be confirmed, but should be #1 Red Deer v #6 Concordia and #2 UA-Augustana v #5 NAIT

Yup. Home-and-home-and-home best of three series runs Friday to Sunday, with the first games at Red Deer and Augustana respectively.

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference

acac.ab.ca

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: March 9-12: USPORTS ENDS, ACAC & BCIHL SEMIS BEGIN

The CW is done, but the rest continue to battle on. Calgary and Alberta are patiently waiting for the U-Cup schedule to be announced. Four OUA teams are fighting over three U-Cup berths, the AUS final is all square, and the ACAC and BCIHL are down to four teams each.


OUT EAST

CONCORDIA STINGERS (19-7-0, 3-1-1, 28-9-1, OHT35 #9)
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES (18-6-3, 3-2-0, 25-11-5, OHT35 #7)

Links:
➤ Concordia: Team Website
➤ Lakehead: Team Website

This is a one-game bronze medal playoff for the USports wild-card berth in the nationals. Usually this game has at least one slightly-above-mediocre participant. This year, however, both sides would be credible U-Cup teams and a threat to whomever they may play. Lakehead will host this game Saturday night at 7:00 EST (6:00 CST).

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES (21-4-1, 4-1-0, 29-8-2, OHT35 #4)
WINDSOR LANCERS (18-7-2, 4-0-1, 27-9-2, OHT35 #10)

Links:
➤ UQTR: Team Website
➤ Windsor: Team Website

Windsor‛s series wins over Brock and Lakehead have boosted them to where they would be #6 in the OHT35 if a full re-ranking were to be done. Of note, of the nine teams still alive all but the host UPEI are in the top 10, and UPEI is #12. Windsor gets to host because the gold medal Queen‛s Cup game must be held in Ontario. Hopefully the RSEQ will get a men‛s league going soon with UQAM wanting in. Windsor starts their games at 7:30 EST (6:30 CST).

SAINT MARY‛S HUSKIES (20-9-1, 4-1-1, 26-11-2, OHT35 #8)
NEW BRUNSWICK REDS (24-4-2, 4-1-1, 33-9-2, OHT35 #3)

Links:
➤ SMU: Team Website
➤ UNB: Team Website

Like the CW, and unlike the OUA, this is a best-of-three series and here‛s the schedule & results:
Sun Mar 5 Saint Mary's 2 New Brunswick 4
Tue Mar 7 New Brunswick 5 Saint Mary's 6 (ot)
Thu Mar 9 Saint Mary's at New Brunswick (7:00 PM AST/5:00 CST)

Of note, the SMUskies held a 3-2 edge over the Squirrels in the regular season, so this series going to the limit is not a shock.

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results



OUT WEST

N.A.I.T. OOKS (10-7-7, 2-1, #5)
UA-AUGUSTANA VIKINGS (14-6-4, #2)

Fri Mar 10 N.A.I.T. at Augustana (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Augustana at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)
Sun Mar 12 N.A.I.T. at Augustana (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)*

I was hoping that the Ooks would lose to Briercrest last week, because it has been years since Briercrest won a playoff series. Although it was close, the Ooks are where they always are. It‛s not that long ago that they went unbeaten all season. In the last 9 seasons where playoffs were finished, NAIT has four championships and five runners-up. The Vikings last won a title in 2012.

CONCORDIA THUNDER (9-12-3, 2-1, #6)
RED DEER POLY KINGS (17-6-1, #1)

Fri Mar 10 Concordia-Edmonton at Red Deer Poly (8:00 MST/9:00 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Red Deer Poly at Concordia-Edmonton (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Concordia-Edmonton at Red Deer Poly (4:30 MST/5:30 CST)*

Concordia racked up a mild upset by defeating SAIT. They last won a title in 2003 and lost the final in 2010 and 2022. Since re-entering the ACAC in 2013-14 Red Deer has not qualified for a final, but did win 11 championships between 1970 and 1994.

VICTORIA VIKINGS (11-8-1, #3)
VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS (13-6-1, #2)

Thu Mar 9 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:15 PST/9:15 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:30 PST/9:30 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:15 PST/9:15 CST)*

The Mariners just started operations in 2017-18 but were runners-up in 2019 and 2022. Since the 2020 and 2021 playoffs were cancelled that represents a great deal of playoff success. The Vikings have four BCIHL titles, the most recent being in 2017. They also operated in the WCIAA from 1969-70 until 1972-73 (when it split in two, they went to the CW). In four years, three seasons were winless and in the other they went 3-17-0. (Total record: 3-75-0.)

OKANAGAN LAKERS (7-9-4, #4)
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS (19-1-0, #1)

Fri Mar 10 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (7:00 PST/9:00 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (3:45 PST/5:45 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (7:00 PST/9:00 CST)*

The Lakers are in just their 2nd season. They finished 4th both times. Last year the league had a page playoff tournament. Okanagan beat Victoria in the quarter-final and lost to Vancouver Island in the semi-final, to finish 3rd. The Red Leafs (dumb name!) broke an 11-year drought by winning the title last year. They‛ve only lost one game in the last two years, albeit in a weaker league that lost Holy Trinity and Selkirk College, who combined for 6 of 7 championships before Covid cancelled two playoffs.

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 9: SQUIRRELS WIN AUS TITLE, BCIHL PLAYOFFS START

OUT EAST

SAINT MARY‛S HUSKIES 1
NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 4
(New Brunswick wins series 2-1)

Links:
➤ SMU: Team Website
➤ UNB: Team Website
➤ AUS: Boxscore

This win for the Squirrels gives them the AUS title, to go along with a 1st place finish. This was a pretty decisive win. Especially in comparison to the battles in the CW and OUA.

Still, in the OHT35 they could be pipped for 2nd by UQTR. The SMUskies slide down to 11th, but are still ahead of U-Cup hosts UPEI. I usually don‛t add in playoffs. But this year I‛ll put out a new ranking after the OUA is finished. There are just two games left, the OUA gold and bronze games. Windsor is set for a big jump, but still will finish 5th or 6th, up from 10th a the start of the playoffs. As mentioned, UQTR could jump into 2nd, but they could also fall into 5th.

The U-Sports rankings may not use the OHT35 rankings for some reason. I expect the U-Cup rankings and draw to look like this:

If U.Q.T.R. wins:
#2 New Brunswick v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 U.Q.T.R. v #6 Saint Mary‛s
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 Windsor v #5 Alberta

If Windsor wins:
#2 New Brunswick v #7 OUA Bronze
#3 Windsor v #6 Saint Mary‛s
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.
#4 U.Q.T.R. v #5 Alberta

They will want the OUA bronze team to face UNB and Saint Mary‛s to face the OUA gold medal team.

Links:
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ OUA: Playoff Schedule
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results
➤ AUS: Playoff Schedule


OUT WEST

VICTORIA VIKINGS 1
VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS 5
(VIU leads series 1-0)

Links:
➤ UVic: Team Website
➤ VIU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore

This series started a day early. Friday is an off day and then it continues Saturday and, if necessary, Sunday. The odds are heavily in favour of a Simon Fraser v Vancouver Island rematch in the final. To their credit, Victoria was 10-5-0 in the new year after a shaky start.

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 10: SLOWEST FRIDAY NIGHT SINCE AUGUST

OUT EAST

No games.

OUT WEST

N.A.I.T. OOKS 4
UA-AUGUSTANA VIKINGS 2
(NAIT leads series 1-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Team Website
➤ UAA: Team Website
➤ ACAC: Boxscore

Augustana held a 2-0 lead into the 3rd period, but NAIT rallied with a 4-goal period, capped with an empty-netter. Maybe the traditional powerhouse will overcome a 5th place finish with a big playoff run.

CONCORDIA THUNDER 5
RED DEER POLY KINGS 4
(in double overtime)
(Concordia leads series 1-0)

Links:
➤ CUE: Team Website
➤ RDP: Team Website
➤ ACAC: Boxscore

This was a playoff marathon, of sorts. The shots were 46-26 in favour of Red Deer Poly, but Concordia clearly had the playoff goaltending in their favour. As a result, the 5th and 6th seeds both lead their series.

Next up:
Sat Mar 11 Red Deer Poly at Concordia-Edmonton (7:00 MST/8:00 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Augustana at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Concordia-Edmonton at Red Deer Poly (4:30 MST/5:30 CST)*
Sun Mar 12 N.A.I.T. at Augustana (6:00 MST/7:00 CST)*

OKANAGAN LAKERS 0
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS 4
(Simon Fraser leads series 1-0)

Links:
➤ Okanagan: Team Website
➤ SFU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore

StFU jumped on the Lakers with 3 goals in the 1st period, while outshooting them 15-2. There would be shockwaves in British California if Okanagan wins a game in this series.

Next up:
Sat Mar 11 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (3:45 PST/5:45 CST)
Sat Mar 11 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:30 PST/9:30 CST)
Sun Mar 12 Okanagan at Simon Fraser (7:00 PST/9:00 CST)*
Sun Mar 12 Victoria at Vancouver Island (7:15 PST/9:15 CST)*

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 11: U-CUP FIELD IS SET ON OVERTIME NIGHT

OUT EAST

CONCORDIA STINGERS 4
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES 0

Links:
➤ Concordia: Team Website
➤ Lakehead: Team Website
➤ LeagueStat: Boxscore

This win gives Concordia the OUA bronze medal and the final berth at stake in the U-Cup. Although the 1st period was scoreless, the Stingers outshot their hosts 20-5. The Thundermutts couldn‛t rely on their goaltender forever, though, and after being outshot 18-7 in the 2nd, were down 3-0. It is good to see the way the people of Thunder Bay rallied to support the team. I admit it, I was cheering for them.

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES 3
WINDSOR LANCERS 2
(in triple overtime)

Links:
➤ UQTR: Team Website
➤ Windsor: Team Website
➤ LeagueStat: Boxscore

This win gives the Pats the OUA gold medal and the RSEQ a weekend sweep of the medal games. However, looking at the closeness of the games one has to conclude that there is little to choose between these teams when it comes to U-Cup expectations.

Interesting stats on this one. After the 1st period it was 2-2 and UQTR outshot Windsor 17-15. Then they went four full periods without a goal. In those four periods each goaltender had 41 saves.

Next up:

This is guesswork, but IMO the seedings for the U-Cup and resulting matchups will look like this:
#2 New Brunswick v #7 Concordia
#3 U.Q.T.R. v #6 Saint Mary‛s
#4 Windsor v #5 Alberta
#1 Calgary v #8 U.P.E.I.

They might switch #5 and #6 to split the AUS and CW first and second place teams.

OUT WEST

UA-AUGUSTANA VIKINGS 1
N.A.I.T. OOKS 3
(NAIT wins series 2-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Team Website
➤ UAA: Team Website
➤ ACAC: Boxscore : Recap

The last time the Ooks did not make the ACAC final was 2011. Even though they finished 5th, and Briercrest had them on the ropes last weekend, the streak remains alive. This was a tight game, put away with an empty-netter.

RED DEER POLY KINGS 5
CONCORDIA THUNDER 4
(in triple overtime)
(Series tied 1-1)

Links:
➤ CUE: Team Website
➤ RDP: Team Website
➤ ACAC: Boxscore

Each side now has an OTW. These teams basically played a double-header, to be followed in less than 24 hours with yet another game. Red Deer could become the first higher seeded team to win a series in this year‛s ACAC playoffs.

Next up:
Sun Mar 12 Concordia-Edmonton at Red Deer Poly (4:30 MDT/5:30 CDT)

OKANAGAN LAKERS 0
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS 5
(Simon Fraser wins series 2-0)

Links:
➤ Okanagan: Team Website
➤ SFU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore

This was the expected dominant sweep for StFU. With Selkirk College folding and Holy Trinity moving to the CW, the former Clan is coasting.

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS 5
VICTORIA VIKINGS 4
(in overtime)
(VIU wins series 2-0)

Links:
➤ UVic: Team Website
➤ VIU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore

This game was the 3rd of six games on the night to go into overtime. This was a wide-open affair. Shots were 45-43 for the Mariners. This sets up a rematch of last year‛s final between the top two seeds.

Next up:
TBD Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 12: RED DEER IN ACAC FINAL

CONCORDIA THUNDER 3
RED DEER POLY KINGS 5
(Red Deer wins series 2-1)

Links:
➤ CUE: Team Website
➤ RDP: Team Website
➤ ACAC: Boxscore : Recap

This series was a close as possible. The shots wound up 39-38 and, although this game never hit overtime, it was still hanging in the balance when the KIngs sewed it up with an empty netter. Red Deer built a 3-0 lead early in the 2nd period before CUE thundered back to tie it up. Red Deer becomes the only higher seeded team to win an ACAC series so far.

Red Deer has not qualified for a championship series since their program returned in 2013-14. Their last championship was in 1994.

Next up:
Fri Mar 17 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (TBD)

Note: Game times and home-away designations are TBA. However, the games are supposedly on March 17th and 18th (likely in Red Deer) and then March 24th and 25th (likely in Edmontown) and March 26th (likely back in Red Deer).

Note: The BCIHL schedule is also yet to be posted. I presume that for travel reasons, Simon Fraser will host Vancouver Island for the entire best-of-three series.

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

USports' website has released the official schedule:

Quarter-Finals
Thu March 16 Saint Mary's v U.Q.T.R. (12:00 PM ADT/10:00 AM CDT)
Thu March 16 Concordia v New Brunswick (7:00 PM ADT/5:00 CDT)
Fri March 17 Alberta v Windsor (12:00 PM ADT/10:00 AM CDT)
Fri March 17 Calgary v U.P.E.I. (7:00 PM ADT/5:00 CDT)

Semi-Finals
Sat March 18 Semi-final #1 (1:00 PM ADT/11:00 AM CDT)
Sat March 18 Semi-final #2 (7:00 PM ADT/5:00 CDT)

Finals
Sun March 19 Bronze Game (1:00 PM ADT/11:00 AM CDT)
Sun March 19 Gold Game (7:00 PM ADT/5:00 CDT)

Links:
➤ USports: Playoff Schedule/Results
➤ USports: History

 

[Hollywood3]

Preview: March 16-19: UNIVERSITY CUP

SCHEDULE

Thu March 16 Saint Mary's v U.Q.T.R. (12:00 ADT/10:00 CDT)
Thu March 16 Concordia v New Brunswick (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)
Fri March 17 Alberta v Windsor (12:00 ADT/10:00 CDT)
Fri March 17 Calgary v U.P.E.I. (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)
Sat March 18 Semi-final #1 (1:00 ADT/11:00 CDT)
Sat March 18 Semi-final #2 (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)
Sun March 19 Bronze Game (1:00 ADT/11:00 CDT)
Sun March 19 Gold Game (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Presto Schedule & Results ∞ Standings
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information
➤ CW: Home Page
➤ CW: LeagueStat ∞ Season Schedule
➤ OUA: LeagueStat Daily
➤ AUS: Schedule & Results


PREVIEWS

SAINT MARY’S HUSKIES (20-9-1, 4-2-1, 26-12-2, OHT35 #11)
U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES (21-4-1, 5-1-0, 31-8-1, OHT35 #2)

Links:
➤ UQTR: Team Website
➤ SMU: Team Website
➤ 49 Sport: UQTR tops Windsor in 3OT thriller, defending OUA title

This is the curtain-raiser on what might be the best field of U-Cup teams in ages. UQTR was climbing and the SMUskies were falling in the rankings. However, the gap between teams is very slight.

Notable numbers:
Record v. A & B teams in the OHT35: UQTR 6-2-0, SMU is 6-7-0.
U-Cups in 2000s:
UQTR has won the title in 2001, 2003, and 2022 and have made eight additional U-Cup appearances.
The SMUskies last won the title in 2010 and have five additional appearances.

CONCORDIA STINGERS (19-7-0, 4-1-1, 29-9-1, OHT35 #8)
NEW BRUNSWICK REDS (24-4-2, 5-1-1, 34-5-3, OHT35 #3)

Links:
➤ Concordia: Stingers men's hockey team seeded No. 6 for U Sports nationals
➤ UNB: REDS No. 3 Seed At U Cup

The Stinkers have been impressive in the playoffs. However, the Squirrels cruised through the AUS, which still must be considered the top conference in USports. And they have the pedigree.

Notable numbers:
Record v. A & B teams in the OHT35: UNB 8-3-2, Concordia 4-11-1.
U-Cups in 2000s:
UNB has seven titles (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019) and seven additional U-Cup appearances.
Concordia has just once appearance, in 2018. They and their predeccessors (Loyola and SGW) qualified for every U-Cup from 1964 to 1984.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS (20-5-3, 3-2-1, 30-8-5, OHT35 #4)
WINDSOR LANCERS (18-7-2, 4-0-2, 27-9-4, OHT35 #6)

Links:
➤ UofA: Bears seeded 5th, to play Windsor in national quarter-final
➤ CW: Prokop named WHL Grad of the Month for February
➤ 49 Sport: Young faces lead Alberta’s U SPORTS hopes after 2022 heartbreak
➤ Windsor: Men's Hockey seeded No. 4 heading into National Championships

Speaking of pedigree, here come the Evil Monkeys. They had to scramble to get 2nd place, a quarter-final bye, and home ice in the semi-finals. But they did it whilst showing flashes of their primate nature. Windsor’s record against good teams cannot be over-looked. Their only playoff losses were in overtime and a schedule of Brock, Lakehead, and UQTR was much tougher than the usual OUA path to the nationals.

Notable numbers:
Record v. A & B teams in the OHT35: Alberta 9-7-2, Windsor 8-3-4.
U-Cups in 2000s:
Alberta has seven titles (2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2018) and 12 additional U-Cup appearances.
Windsor has two appearances, in 2014 and 2015.

U.P.E.I. PANTHERS (17-10-3, 1-2-0, 20-13-3, OHT35 #12)
CALGARY DINOSAURS (25-3-0, 4-1-1, 33-8-1, OHT35 #1)

Links:
➤ UPEI: UPEI hosts 2023 Cavendish Farms University Cup Men’s Hockey Championship
➤ 49 Sport: Brassard’s return buoys Panthers ahead of U SPORTS
➤ UofC: Top-seeded Dinos get hosts at U Cup
➤ USports: Calgary named top seed going into 2023 Cavendish Farms University Cup

Bedrock U has had a regular season which far exceeded expectations. They were just 3-3-0 in pre-season, and 2-3-0 to start the season. Then came 23 consecutive wins and two 3-game playoff series victories. Will this intimidate Bud the Spud in the Bright Red Mud? UPEI faded as the season went on. They’ll need their best effort in a long time to win this. However, this is the closest 1-8 matchup on paper in quite some time.

Notable numbers:
Record v. A & B teams in the OHT35: UPEI 4-5-1, Calgary 15-4-1.
U-Cups in 2000s:
Calgary has never won a U-Cup but has appeared in 2000, 2011, and 2015 where they went an accumulative 0-5.
UPEI has no appearances since 1991.


OUT WEST

N.A.I.T. OOKS (10-7-7, 4-1-0, #5)
RED DEER POLY KINGS (17-6-1, 2-0-1, #1)

This is a best-of-five series spread over two weekends. The Ooks’ streak of 9-straight 1st place finishes came to an end this year. They also won the playoff championship four times. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 they finished 1st but lost to 2nd place MacEwan in the final every season. There are no recent titles for Red Deer Poly. The program came back to life in 2013 and has been building.

Fri March 17 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)
Sat March 18 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MDT/7:00 CDT)
Fri March 24 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)
Sat March 25 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MDT/7:00 CDT)*
Sun March 26 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)*

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS (13-6-1, 2-1-0, #2)
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS (19-1-0, 2-0-0, #1)

This is a rematch of last year’s final. It was a 4-team tournament with a sudden-death final. SFU won 2-0. SFU held a 4-1 edge over VIU this season. That was their only loss. This is not a foregone conclusion, but the Red Leafs are heavy favourites.

Fri March 17 Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser (7:00 PDT/9:00 CDT)
Sat March 18 Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser (3:45 PDT/5:45 CDT)
Sun March 19 Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser (7:00 PDT/9:00 CDT)*

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 16th: UQTR & NEW BRUNSWICK ADVANCE

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES 4
SAINT MARY’S HUSKIES 1

NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 2
CONCORDIA STINGERS 1

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information
➤ USports: Defending champion UQTR cruises past Saint Mary's into semifinals : Boxscore
➤ USports: UNB defeats Concordia, advances to semifinals : Boxscore

I saw bits of the morning game and had to miss the afternoon game. UQTR was quite impressive, although the shots were comparable. The UNB game was very low in shots (25-14 for UNB). That would indicate overtly defensive play.

 

[AUS Fan]

March 16th: UQTR & NEW BRUNSWICK ADVANCE

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES 4
SAINT MARY’S HUSKIES 1

NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 2
CONCORDIA STINGERS 1

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information
➤ USports: Defending champion UQTR cruises past Saint Mary's into semifinals : Boxscore
➤ USports: UNB defeats Concordia, advances to semifinals : Boxscore

I saw bits of the morning game and had to miss the afternoon game. UQTR was quite impressive, although the shots were comparable. The UNB game was very low in shots (25-14 for UNB). That would indicate overtly defensive play.

It was. CON just tried to hang around and did a good job of it. A different bounce and they could have won 2-1.

 

[Hollywood3]

March 17th: MONKEYS GO APE, DINOS BOW OUT

WINDSOR LANCERS 0
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 7

Links:
➤ USports: Alberta’s Preziuso goes off in 7-0 win over Windsor : Boxscore
➤ Windsor: Lancers' season ends with loss to Alberta
➤ Alberta: Preziuso powers Bears to 7-0 win over Windsor

This was my most anticipated quarter-final match-up. However, the Evil Monkeys made the Lancers look like one of those mediocre OUA sides that used to attend this event. In the end the shots were just 27-26 for Alberta. For a team that looked like an outsider to qualify they showed their pedigree here.

CALGARY DINOSAURS 2
U.P.E.I. PANTHERS 4

Links:
➤ USports: Panthers upset top-ranked Dinos 4-2 : Boxscore
➤ UPEI: Panthers upset top-ranked Dinos to advance to U CUP semifinals
➤ Calgary: Panthers stun Dinos in U CUP quarters

So Bedrock U is now on a Leaf-like 0-6 run at the U-Cup in the 2000s. Granted, this is their first trip in that era as a conference champion. And it’s always hard to beat a green team on St. Patrick’s Day. But the Dinos stunk. They only had 2 shots in the 1st period, and trailed 2-0. They did rally but that’s what happens when the opponent is nursing a lead.

Now the Green Gables Guys face the Evil Monkeys before what should be a packed house. That will be interesting. However, that UQTR v Squirrels game should also be good. They never faced each other last year.


NEXT UP

Sat March 18 U.Q.T.R. v New Brunswick (1:00 ADT/11:00 CDT)
Sat March 18 Alberta v U.P.E.I. (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)
Sun March 19 Bronze Game (1:00 ADT/11:00 CDT)
Sun March 19 Gold Game (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information


OUT WEST

N.A.I.T. OOKS 3
RED DEER POLY KINGS 5
(Red Deer leads best-of-five series 1-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Team Website
➤ RDP: Team Website
➤ ACAC: The Kings score five goals and Weersink stops 30 in Game 1 of the finals : Boxscore

This game was closer than the scoreboard indicates. It was a 2-1 game until the Kings went wild in the 3rd period, and the shots were 37-30 for RRP. This is the only conference which will still be playing next weekend no matter what happens in Saturday’s rematch.

Next up:
Sat March 18 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MDT/7:00 CDT)

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS 1
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS 7
(Simon Fraser leads best-of-three series 1-0)

Links:
➤ SFU: Team Website
➤ VIU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore
➤ YouTube: BCIHL TV

A win by SFU is not a surprise, but the margin is somewhat shocking. The games are being shown free on YouTube at the link.

Next up:
Sat March 18 Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser (3:45 PDT/5:45 CDT)
Sun March 19 Vancouver Island at Simon Fraser (7:00 PDT/9:00 CDT)*

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 18th: SQUIRRELS AND MONKEYS TO FACE OFF FOR GOLD

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES 3
NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 6

Links:
➤ USports: Reds to play for national title after 6-3 win over UQTR : Boxscore
➤ UQTR: Team Website
➤ UNB: REDS Advance With Win Over UQTR

After last year’s disappointment the Squirrels have bounced back and have shown that they can dominate teams from Quebec, if nothing else. They also beat McGill in non-conference play. To the best of my recall, they are the first team outside the OUA to beat all three Quebec teams in one season. (It’s quite possible that they are the first such team to play all three in the same season as well.)

This was decisive win by any measure. The shots were 34-19 for UNB and they held a 5-1 lead mid-way through the 3rd. The Squirrels have their D working through two games.

U.P.E.I. PANTHERS 1
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 4

Links:
➤ USports: Golden Bears advance to U SPORTS finals : Boxscore
➤ UPEI: Panthers to play for bronze after dropping semifinal game to Alberta 4-1
➤ Alberta: Bears advance to 24th University Cup Final with 4-1 win over UPEI

This edition of the Evil Monkeys is the least heralded U-Cup team they have had, yet they are picking apart their opponents at will. They got an early lead and never appeared to be at risk of giving it up. For some reason, the Cats of Green Gables thought running the goaltender would be fun. One charged the net with 15 minutes left, took a leap, and delivered an elbow to Ethan Kruger, the Alberta goaltender. His penalties basically ended any hopes of a Panther comeback. Matt Berlin came in to finish the game, and he was also run. The Monkeys just finished the game and walked off without handshakes, which is highly unusual at this event. Coach Herbers said in his post-game interview that there was a fear of post-game incidents which he wanted to avoid.


NEXT UP

Sun March 19 Bronze Game: U.Q.T.R. v U.P.E.I. (1:00 ADT/11:00 CDT)
Sun March 19 Gold Game: New Brunswick v Alberta (7:00 ADT/5:00 CDT)

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information


OUT WEST

RED DEER POLY KINGS 2
N.A.I.T. OOKS 1
(Red Deer leads best-of-five series 2-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Team Website
➤ RDP: Goaltender Arik Weersink stands tall, steers aside 37 shots for the win
➤ ACAC: Ooks fall 2-1 in game two : Boxscore

NAIT won the shot-clock battle 38-24 but on the scoreboard Red Deer Poly won again. The series is done for the weekend.

Next up:
Fri March 24 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)
Sat March 25 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MDT/7:00 CDT)*
Sun March 26 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)*

VANCOUVER ISLAND MARINERS 2
SIMON FRASER RED LEAFS 5
(Simon Fraser wins best-of-three series 2-0)

Links:
➤ SFU: Team Website
➤ VIU: Team Website
➤ BCIHL: Boxscore
➤ YouTube: BCIHL TV

This win gives Simon Fraser back-to-back titles, in very convincing fashion. SFU had a 4-0 lead before VIU mounted a desperation comeback with two 2nd period goals. So we now have our first team in Canada to end their playoffs with a victory.

Links:
➤ ACAC: Schedule & Results
➤ BCIHL: Schedule & Results

 

[Hollywood3]

March 19th: SQUIRRELS TAKE GOLD

U.Q.T.R. PATRIOTES 3
U.P.E.I. PANTHERS 2

Game Links:
➤ USports: Patriotes defeat Panthers 3-2 to win U SPORTS bronze : Boxscore
➤ UQTR: Team Website
➤ UPEI: “Let’s go Panthers!” Hometown fans show their support after tough loss in bronze medal game (with boxscore)
➤ AUS: Host Panthers come up short in U Cup bronze medal game (with boxscore)

Instead of jumping and sucker-punching goaltenders, the Green Gables Guys played nice and lost again. So the OUA still claimed a medal. UQTR managed to face nothing but AUS opposition in three games.

NEW BRUNSWICK REDS 3
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 0

Links:
➤ USports: Reds capture 2023 U CUP championship : Boxscore
➤ Alberta: Bears fall to Reds in University Cup Final (with boxscore)
➤ UNB: NATIONAL CHAMPS!!! (with boxscore)
➤ AUS: UNB REDS capture ninth national title with 3-0 win over Alberta in U SPORTS final (with boxscore)
➤ CBC: UNB shut out U of Alberta to win U Sports men's hockey title : Video Highlights

The Squirrels beat down the Evil Monkeys in a game where the Monkeys ran out of gas. After two periods it was just 1-0, but there were no bananas left for the 3rd period. Alberta got just two shots on goal. Both sides have enough players slated to return to make a rematch in next year’s final a distinct possibility.

Bedrock U had a great season but they can never seem to get it done at nationals. They should have a good squad again next year. Their last win at the U-Cup was 6-3 over Brandon in 1981. Since then they are on a 0-12 roll. A lot of those were by one or two goals, but still this is not good.

Of the other CW contenders, MRU, UBC, and Sask were all quite capable of doing well in this tournament. I do think that MRU will regret this year. They had a golden opportunity to lock down 2nd place and a bye to the semi-finals. If so, would the Evil Monkeys have even qualified for the U-Cup? I suspect that the Bluegars will be the most heavily hit by departures next year.

There were a load of stories from 49 Sport, both of the preview and recap variety. I linked them all!

Links:
➤ Video: CBC Player
➤ USports: Championships Men’s Hockey ∞ Broadcast Information
➤ 49 Sport: UNB Reds set platform for a new era with U SPORTS win in PEI
➤ 49 Sport: “Best decision of my life”: UNB returns to U SPORTS hockey summit
➤ 49 Sport: UNB Reds capture 9th U CUP, down Alberta in PEI
➤ 49 Sport: 49 Sports picks 2023 U CUP all-stars
➤ 49 Sport: “Tomorrow’s a new day”: Golden Bears down Panthers in emotional U SPORTS semifinal
➤ 49 Sport: “A big part of why we come”: UNB’s young core learning in U SPORTS run
➤ 49 Sport: Green Gables Miracle: How UPEI knocked off U SPORTS’ top team
➤ 49 Sport: ‘Safe is Death’: UPEI Panthers upset Calgary Dinos for first U SPORTS win since 1987
➤ 49 Sport: “It’s not over for us”: U CUP turning point critical as Alberta oust Windsor
➤ 49 Sport: UNB draws on 2022 heartbreak to “survive and advance” at U CUP
➤ 49 Sport: Windsor Lancers seek an upset in U SPORTS return
➤ 49 Sport: UQTR’s resilience shines through in era-ending U CUP
➤ 49 Sport: UNB remain U SPORTS contenders despite 2022’s early exit
➤ 49 Sport: SMU brings depth to U SPORTS Men’s Hockey championship
➤ 49 Sport: Calgary’s patient game seeking a U SPORTS men’s hockey gold
➤ 49 Sport: Brassard’s return buoys Panthers ahead of U SPORTS
➤ 49 Sport: Young faces lead Alberta’s U SPORTS hopes after 2022 heartbreak

OUT WEST

There were no games in the ACAC on Sunday night. The series will continue next Friday, with the Ooks needing a 3-game sweep to take the gold.

Next up:
Fri March 24 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)
Sat March 25 Red Deer Poly at N.A.I.T. (6:00 MDT/7:00 CDT)*
Sun March 26 N.A.I.T. at Red Deer Poly (7:00 MDT/8:00 CDT)*

 

[AUS Fan]

Thanks Holly for all your good updates

 

[Hollywood3]

March 24th: RED DEER WINS FINAL TITLE OF THE SEASON

N.A.I.T. OOKS 1
RED DEER POLY KINGS 2
(Red Deer wins best-of-five series 3-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Weekend Preview March 24-26
➤ RDP: The Kings are Champions for the first time in 29 years, defeating the Ooks 2-1
➤ ACAC: The Kings are champions for the first time in 29 years, defeating the Ooks 2-1 in Game 3 : Boxscore

The first place team was also the playoff champion in every league but the OUA West, where #2 Windsor beat #1 Lakehead in the final. That is a rather unique occurrence. The Ooks have the pedigree, which makes the win for Red Deer that much more satisfying.

It would be nice if there was still a national college tournament. But the ACAC is now all there is. The BCIHL is a mixed format. Vancouver Island is still a PacWest/CCAA team and would be fully eligible. Briercrest is the only team in Saskatchewan. Manitoba’s league has been gone since 2010 when the Assiniboine Cougars beat the CMU Blazers in the final. Ontario went dormant in 2004, after the Humber Hawks beat the St. Clair Saints in the final. Quebec has a league, but it is mostly CEGEP teams. The Atlantic league folded way back in 1987, but Holland College played in a Junior B league until 2015.

 

[dale1919]

March 24th: RED DEER WINS FINAL TITLE OF THE SEASON

N.A.I.T. OOKS 1
RED DEER POLY KINGS 2
(Red Deer wins best-of-five series 3-0)

Links:
➤ NAIT: Weekend Preview March 24-26
➤ RDP: The Kings are Champions for the first time in 29 years, defeating the Ooks 2-1
➤ ACAC: The Kings are champions for the first time in 29 years, defeating the Ooks 2-1 in Game 3 : Boxscore

The first place team was also the playoff champion in every league but the OUA West, where #2 Windsor beat #1 Lakehead in the final. That is a rather unique occurrence. The Ooks have the pedigree, which makes the win for Red Deer that much more satisfying.

It would be nice if there was still a national college tournament. But the ACAC is now all there is. The BCIHL is a mixed format. Vancouver Island is still a PacWest/CCAA team and would be fully eligible. Briercrest is the only team in Saskatchewan. Manitoba’s league has been gone since 2010 when the Assiniboine Cougars beat the CMU Blazers in the final. Ontario went dormant in 2004, after the Humber Hawks beat the St. Clair Saints in the final. Quebec has a league, but it is mostly CEGEP teams. The Atlantic league folded way back in 1987, but Holland College played in a Junior B league until 2015.

Holly
like AUS fan said nobody covers USPORTS especially CAN WEST like you do Thanks!!
Question! Any update of U of Manitoba Bison"s coaching position?

Recruiting season is upon everyone in USPORTS and a head coach is critical in that process unless you have a full time GM.
Have a great spring!

 

[Hollywood3]

Holly
like AUS fan said nobody covers USPORTS especially CAN WEST like you do Thanks!!
Question! Any update of U of Manitoba Bison"s coaching position?

Recruiting season is upon everyone in USPORTS and a head coach is critical in that process unless you have a full time GM.
Have a great spring!

I haven't heard about a coach. My guess is he will come from the MJHL, which is in the quarter-finals now.