2018-19 Bison/USports Hockey

The regular season schedule has been posted, but the exhibition/non-conference/pre-season games are being updated one team at a time. Alberta, Manitoba, and UBC are the only teams updated so far.

CW SUMMARY

University of Alberta

Sep 07 Alberta v U.B.C. (in Penticton)
Sep 08 Alberta v U.B.C. (in Penticton)
Sep 14 Calgary at Alberta
Sep 15 Mount Royal at Alberta
Oct 06 Alberta at Denver (NCAA)
Oct 07 Alberta at Air Force (NCAA)

University of Calgary Athletics - 2018-19 Men's Hockey Schedule

2018-19: none

University Of Lethbridge - 2018-19 Men's Hockey Schedule

2018-19: none

2018-19 Men's Hockey Schedule - The Official Site of University of Manitoba Bisons Athletics

Aug 21 Manitoba at Manchester Storm (EIHL)
Aug 23 Manitobe at Fife Flyers (EIHL)
Aug 25 Manitoba at Belfast Giants (EIHL)
Aug 26 Manitoba at Belfast Giants (EIHL)
Sep 14 Manitoba v TBD (in Regina)
Sep 15 Manitoba v TBD (in Regina)
Sep 21 Regina at Manitoba (MTS Iceplex)
Sep 22 Regina at Manitoba
Oct 06 Manitoba at North Dakota (NCAA)
Oct 07 Manitoba at Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

http://www.mrucougars.com/sports/mice/2018-19/schedule

2018-19: none

Regina - 2018-19 Men's Hockey Schedule

2018-19: none

University of Saskatchewan

2017-18

The University of British Columbia Athletics

Sep 14 N.A.I.T. (ACAC) at U.B.C.
Sep 15 N.A.I.T. (ACAC) at U.B.C.
Sep 21 Simon Fraser (BCIHL) at U.B.C.

Note: The UBC schedule does not include the Sep 7-8 games in Penticton included in Alberta's schedule.

COMPLETE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Aug 21 Manitoba at Manchester Storm (EIHL)
Aug 23 Manitoba at Fife Flyers (EIHL)
Aug 25 Manitoba at Belfast Giants (EIHL)
Aug 26 Manitoba at Belfast Giants (EIHL)

Not scheduled: Manitoba, Regina, Saskatchewan, Mount Royal.
Sep 07 Alberta v U.B.C. (in Penticton)
Sep 07 MacEwan (ACAC) at Calgary
Sep 07 Red Deer (ACAC) at Lethbridge
Sep 08 Alberta v U.B.C. (in Penticton)
Sep 08 Calgary at MacEwan (ACAC)
Sep 08 Red Deer (ACAC) at Lethbridge

Not scheduled: Lethbridge, Saskatchewan.
Sep 14 Calgary at Alberta
Sep 14 Manitoba v TBD (in Regina)
Sep 14 N.A.I.T. (ACAC) at U.B.C.
Sep 15 Manitoba v TBD (in Regina)
Sep 15 Mount Royal at Alberta
Sep 15 N.A.I.T. (ACAC) at U.B.C.

Not scheduled: Alberta, Calgary, Mount Royal, Saskatchewan.
Sep 21 Lethbridge at Lakehead
Sep 21 Regina at Manitoba (MTS Iceplex)
Sep 21 Simon Fraser (BCIHL) at U.B.C.
Sep 22 Lethbridge at Lakehead
Sep 22 Regina at Manitoba

Note: Regular season games to be played Sep 28-29.

Not scheduled: UBC, Calgary, Regina, Saskatchewan.
Oct 06 Alberta at Denver (NCAA)
Oct 06 Lethbridge at Western Michigan (NCAA)
Oct 06 Manitoba at North Dakota (NCAA)
Oct 06 Mount Royal at Minnesota State (NCAA)
Oct 07 Alberta at Air Force (NCAA)
Oct 07 Lethbridge at Ferris State (NCAA)
Oct 07 Manitoba at Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Oct 07 Mount Royal at St. Cloud State (NCAA)

Hollywood · August 2, 2018, 4:39am

Although not confirmed on the team webpage, Elite Prospects and junior team sources have sourced out confirmation of seven acquisitions.

Jeremey Leipsic - Portage Terriers (MJHL) - LW

At 5’8", Leipsic may not be a prototypical Bison. However, a player capable of winning a scoring title is an eye-opener. In 2017 he led the MJHL (33-67-100) and in 2018 as assistant captain he was 28-53-81. In 2017 he was runner-up in the selection for top forward in all Canadian Junior A hockey. Generally there is a season of adjustment from Junior A, especially for goalscorers. He will also be the 3rd Bison with a brother in the NHL. (Brendan Leipsic of the Vancouver Canucks is his sibling.)

Links:
► [Jeremey Leipsic at eliteprospects.com]
► [20 Questions with Jeremey Leipsic]
► [Terriers’ Leipsic runner-up for CJHL Top Forward]

Mitch Dyck - Winkler Flyers (MJHL) - D

The Bisons were short-staffed on the blue line last year so any announcement of a new defenceman makes me happy. Here we have 6’4", 220 lbs of solid southern Manitoba country boy. He was a 2nd team MJHL all-star. I’ll take it. His dad played for the Bisons under coach Barry Trotz.

Links:
► [Mitch Dyck at eliteprospects.com]
► [MITCH DYCK AWARDED RBC JUNIOR A SCHOLARSHIP – APRIL 24]
► [Flyer’s Mitch Dyck Commits to University of Manitoba]
► [Dyck Joins U of M Bisons]

Thomas Lenchyshyn - Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) - LW/D

Now here’s a player who has been around. When he came out of midget he had one game in the Dub with Lethbridge and then played for 5 different teams in the MJHL. Midway through the 2017 season he landed in Nipawin, where he finished his junior career as assistant captain and with a provincial title. He is much better known for toughness than finesse. His best offensive season in juniors was 5 goals, and he had 215 pims last year. The links have two unique stories. First, the Hawks were scheduled to play the Humboldt Broncos the night of the fateful crash. Also, his brother Jack played for Steinbach (MJHL champs) and they faced each other in the Anavet Cup.

Links:
► [Thomas Lenchyshyn at eliteprospects.com]
► "[A Nightmare You Couldn’t Wake Up From"]
► [“You Guys Got To Go Win It For Us Now” - Steinbachonline.com]
► [Sibling rivalry: Steinbach brothers face off on opposing teams in battle for ANAVET Cup | CBC News]

Tyler Brown - Saskatoon Blades (WHL) - G

The rumours of a new blue-chip goaltender prospect have been around since reported at [CUSN] at the end of March. The Bisons have had the same set of 3 goaltenders for 3 years now. I’m not sure if Byron Spriggs is returning. If so, great. If not, a new recruit is a must. Brown is a Winnipeg boy who pursued a major junior career in Regina before a mid-season deal sent him to Saskatown. So I have a photo in each jersey.

Last year, Brown was 19-17, .889 S%, 3.44 GAA, and the Blades missed the playoffs. In past seasons his playoff numbers were better, i.e. .915 save percentage.

The other potential goaltenders are Justin Paulic and Dasan Sydora. At one time Paulic and Spriggs both spent stretches as starter. However, last year Paulic seldom dressed. Sydora is a reasonable #3. I look forward to seeing the roster page in August.

[i]Links:
► [Tuesday Morning Skate Offseason Week 1: March, 29th 2018 | Canadian University Sports Network]
► [Tyler Brown at eliteprospects.com]
► [WHL Network]

[/i]

Mackenzie Dwyer - Portage Terriers (MJHL) - Everett Silvertips (WHL) - D

Another defenceman! Good. One year the Bisons finished first when forced to dress 7 to 9 d-men almost every game due to injuries. The reverse would have been impossible.

And Dwyer has some credentials. He bounced between the MJHL and WHL, so he’ll have some scholarship money to cash in. He’s a Winnipeg boy returning home, as is fairly common. At 6’3’ and 194 lbs he will have the size the Bisons need. He also wore an “A” for Portage. In his last two seasons in Portage he was getting close to point-per-game as well.

Links:
► [Mackenzie Dwyer at eliteprospects.com]
► [20 Questions with Mackenzie Dwyer]
► [Dwyer to Join Leipsic at U of M] & [rp @ MJHL]

Devon Skoleski - Winnipeg Blues(MJHL) - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) - RW

The Bisons have another decent forward on the way. Devon Skoleski split last season (his overage season) between P.A. and the Blues, after having spent two seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. He is a smaller (5’11" 161 lbs) winger from St. Adolphe, Manitoba. In the WHL he had 70 points in 169 games, but in 17 MJHL games he was 12-13-25.

Links:
► [Devon Skoleski at eliteprospects.com]
► [MJHL Player Page]
► [Skoleski commits to Bisons]

Keaton Jameson - Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL) - F

I stumbled upon notice of this signing via Twitter. Jameson was the Swan Valley captain last year. He is 6’, 190 lbs. and is a Brandon native.

Along with fellow Bison recruit Jeremey Leipsic, Jameson was one of three nominees for the MJHL’s Frank McKinnon Memorial Trophy, awarded for hockey ability and sportsmanship. He was apparently a popular player. In the linked story from the Star & Times, coach/GM Taurean White said this:

I can’t say enough good things about him – he’s a special young man. He’s very driven and was committed to this program.

On the numbers front, Jameson's numbers through three MJHL seasons have been trending upwards. He's gone from 7 points in 2016, to 44 points in 2017, and then 70 points (22 G 48 A) in 59 games in 2018.

Links:
► [UofM Tweet] : [Player’s Tweet]
► [Keaton Jameson at eliteprospects.com]
► [MJHL Player Page] : [Swan Valley Player Page]
► [YouTube Highlight Video]
► [GX104: Stampeders’ Jameson and Osadick among 2018 MJHL League Awards Nominees]
► [Star & Times: White Busy Despite Hockey Season’s End]

Hollywood · August 2, 2018, 4:52am

June 26: FROM THE UK

The Belfast Giants have a press release for their series against the Bisons. The online release also has video highlights of the 2nd game from a year ago.

The Giants once had the Boston Bruins over for an exhibition game, and here are those videos:

One team the Bisons will not be facing is the Edinburgh Capitals. Their EIHL team folded, although they will continue to operate a team in the SNL, a lower league. Their site has a linked story from the EIHL press release.

The Capitals were in last place a year ago and were last in 4 of the last 5 years, and 2nd from last the other. Another local team (Murrayfield Racers) also acquired the lease on their arena. The Racers applied for but were denied membership in the EIHL. Must be a lot of behind the scenes stuff going on there.

As a result, there exists room for another game for the Bisons. There are two other Scottish teams in the EIHL, the Dundee Stars and the Fife Flyers. The Flyers have been around a long time and returned to the UK big leagues the same year the Jets returned to the NHL.

Links:
► [Giants Take On Manitoba Bisons In August Double Header — BelfastGiants.com]
► [Edinburgh Capitals]
► [Edinburgh Capitals - Wikipedia]
► [THE EIHL | Elite Ice Hockey League - Pointstreak Sites]

July 1: U.K. TOUR: BELFAST SIGNED TWO HUSKIES

In their upcoming tour of the U.K., the Bisons will play twice against the Belfast Giants. Ironically, two new recruits for the Giants this season are graduated Banjo Mutts: Kendall McFaull and Josh Roach. Both played their full five seasons for the Mangy Ones.

McFaull (defenceman) is 26 years old and in 2010 was drafted in the sixth round by the Atlanta Thrashers.

Roach (forward) is 25 years old and last year was a CW all-star. In 27 games he had 13 goals and 24 assists. He previously played three seasons for the Humboldt Broncos (from 2009-10 through 2011-12).

Returning to coach the Giants is former Manitoba Moose Adam Keefe. He was kind of a useless player but found his niche in Belfast. He was a popular player over there and so they kept him on as a coach.

The links include a couple of news stories, plus Giants' pages at various web sites. So those can be checked periodically for updates as the series draws closer.

Links:
► [Belfast Giants] : [Kendall McFaull] : [Josh Roach] : [Adam Keefe]
► [Belfast Live] : [Belfast Giants announce signings of Josh Roach and Kendall McFaull]
► [Wikipedia] : [Twitter] : [Facebook]
► [YouTube]
► [Elite Prospects] : [PointStreak]
► [SSE Arena] : [Eurohockey.com]
► [Rosetown's Kendall McFaull Signed with Belfast Giants on One Year Contract]
► [Dog Watch: Josh Roach]

Kendall McFaull - Putting away his banjo in order to move to Belfast.

Josh Roach - Also giving up the moonshine of Saskatown.

The fancy digs in Belfast sure are a step up from The Rutherdump!

July 15: UK TOUR: BACKGROUND ON FIFE FLYERS

With the schedule changes on the Bison UK Tour, I posted a few links last week. Now it's time to give some more background on the newly announced Bison opponents, starting with the Fife Flyers.

As mentioned, they are celebrating 80 years of operation this year and are the UK's oldest franchise. They also returned to the upper echelons of UK hockey in 2011, the same season as the Winnipeg Jets returned to the NHL.

Also, two former Jets, Doug Smail and Laurie Boschman, also played for the Flyers. In almost 2 seasons (1993-94 and 1994-95) Smail had 82 goals and 89 assists in 56 games before being dealt to Cardiff. Meanwhile, Boschman played just 7 games in 1994-95 and scored 9 goals and 9 assists. In those seasons, the Flyers were in the BHL, a forerunner league to the new and improved EIHL.

You might think Smail dominated the league. But he was second on his team in scoring, and 8th in the league. British legend Tony Hand won the scoring title with 72 goals and 150 assists in 44 games. On the Flyers, Mark Morrison had 78 goals and 77 assists. (He played 10 games over two seasons with the Rangers.) Current EIHL stats numbers are no longer so gawdy. The scoring leader last year had 83 points in 56 games.

This is also their arena's 80th season. It is used for all hockey, curling, and ice skating in the area. I saw pictures of the ice and it has curling houses painted onto it. There are some interesting vintage photos out there. One I liked is the one of their old clock (below). Anybody remember the old Chicago Stadium?

British hockey is a hodge-podge of different competitions. Although the Flyers were mid-pack a year ago (7th of 12 teams, 33-21-2 record), they did win the "Gardiner Conference", in which the Scottish teams played. They also consider the "champion" to be the best team over the regular season. The Flyers came on in the less-prestigious playoffs and finished 4th in the final tournament where they end with something like the Frozen Four or Memorial Cup.

I also found some video highlights of past games between the Manchester Storm and Fife Flyers.

Links:
► [Fife Flyers Team Site]
► [Wikipedia]
► [Facebook]
► [Twitter]
► [Elite Prospects]
► [Fife Flyers EIHL Stats Page]
► [YouTube Channel]
► [Highlights; Manchester v Fife (2018)]
► [Highlights; Manchester v Fife (2016)]
► [Doug Smail - Elite Prospects]
► [Laurie Boschman - Elite Prospects]

July 18: UK TOUR: BACKGROUND ON MANCHESTER STORM

The Bisons will start their exhibition schedule in the home of more top-notch bands than any city in the world. When you think of Manchester you think of the Buzzcocks, Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses. And if that isn't enough there's always James, Inspiral Carpets, Happy Mondays, and The Charlatans. I could post a video link for a classic Manchester tune every day until the game!

There are/were a lot of USports/CIS grads on the Storm roster. Shane Bakker (C) and Matt Stanisz (D) were with Carleton (Bakker from 2008-09 to 2012-13 and Stanisz from 2011-12 to 2014-15). Felix-Antoine Poulin (D) was with St. Thomas from 2011-12 through 2014-15. Linden Springer (D) was with Lakehead in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Former Bison Taylor Dickin also played for the Storm in 2016-17, but split last year between the Dundee Stars (EIHL) and Birmingham Bulls (SPHL).

Hockey in Manchester has been up and down, going back and forth between Britain's first and second tier leagues, and rotating between the Storm and Phoenix franchises. At one time, they drew a crowd of over 17,000 to a game, then had to fold a couple years later. Seems expense management is the problem. They now play in a small rink of 2,400 capacity, called the Altrincham Ice Dome.

Altrincham Ice Dome - current home holds 2,400.

Manchester Arena - over 17,000 fans at this game.

Links:
► [Manchester Storm Team Site]
► [Wikipedia]
► [Facebook] : [Event]
► [Twitter]
► [Elite Prospects]
► [Manchester Storm EIHL Stats Page]
► [YouTube Channel]
► [Highlights; Manchester v Fife (2018)]
► [Highlights; Manchester v Fife (2016)]
► [Manchester Hockey History]

Hollywood · August 4, 2018, 6:22am

Aug 3: THE HŎRNY ONES NEED A COACH

I wasn't expecting much in new news as we head into the long weekend, but instead there is shocking news from Lethbridge. The Hørny Ones are in the market for a new head coach because Spiros Anastas has tendered his resignation. Despite hosting the University Cup this year, the team is now having to find a new coach at the last minute. This might also explain the slow rumour mill on new acquisitions for the Hørny Ones.

I have searched high and low but don't see where Anastas is going. Before Lethbridge, he was an assistant with Grand Rapids in the AHL.

In four seasons since taking the helm from Greg Gatto, Anastas had a spotty record. They were in a prime position to make a playoff run last year but folded in sthe stretch to finish 7th yet again. Anastas has not devoted full time to the Horns. In his first two seasons, he also worked with South Korea and in the last two seasons he has helped out with Estonia, not to mention Alberta youth squads.

Here's Anastas's record with Lethbridge:

2015 05-23-0 10 8th
2016 11-15-2 24 7th
2017 11-14-3 25 7th
2018 09-16-3 21 7th (got 2 points for Calgary forfeit)

So was Anastas mailing it in this off-season? Does that explain the lack of recruits for the U-Cup host team? Or did he jump ship after failing to land some quality recruits he wanted? Did the UofL issue an ultimatum? Did the UofL try to convince him to stay? Or are they ticked off? Lots of questions and speculation.

Meanwhile, the Regina Cougars have added their pre-season games. The games are:

Sep 14 Saskatchewan at Regina
Sep 15 S.A.I.T. (ACAC) at Regina
Sep 20 York v Regina (in Lumsden)
Sep 22 Regina at Manitoba

Since the Bisons are in Regina for the tournament on Sep 14-15, I infer that the Bisons will be facing S.A.I.T. on Sep 14 and Saskatchewan on Sep 15. Unless, of course, somebody like Lethbridge is also included in the tournament.

The York game on Sep 20 is odd. What's happening for the previously announced Bison home game against Regina on Sep 21? The Banjo Cats likely won't be coming. Will York come instead? They have yet to announce a schedule.

The Belfast Giants announced two signings of AHLers, Kyle Baun and Francis Beauvillier. Baun was with the Toronto Marlies and Berauvillier was with the Manitoba Moose. Previously, Beauvillier played for the UNB Varsity Reds of the AUS.

Also, Kendall McFaull (recruited from Sask) will be wearing #27 in honour of the late Troy Gasper, deceased in a vehicle collision.

Over at CUSN the Tuesday Morning Skate was delayed to Thursday. It runs down the recruiting news, including the blue-chip 6-pack of recruits at St. F.X. The only new part from a CW perspective is the news that Colton Bobyk will not be on his way to the Town of Bedrock. The Dinos announced him a year ago and he had to red-shirt last year.

Links:
► [UofL: Anastas resigns as Pronghorns coach]
► [Victor Findlay's Tweet]
► [Wikia: Lethbridge Pronghorns Page]
► [Elite Prospects: Spiros Anastas]
► [Elite Prospects - Greg Gatto]
► [Regina Cougars Schedule]
► [Belfast Giants announce double signing as Kyle Baun and Francis Beauvillier agree deals]
► [Giants #27 Jersey To Be Worn In Memory Of Troy Gasper]
► [Thursday Morning Skate: August 2nd, 2018]

Hollywood · August 8, 2018, 12:52am

Spiros Anastas is off to be the head coach of the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL, farm team to the Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears. They had been coached by Ryan Warsofsky, who got an AHL job in Charlotte.

No further word on a replacement for the Hørny Ones.

Links:
► [SCS Press Release: Spiros Anastas Named Stingrays Head Coach]
► [Post & Courier: South Carolina Stingrays’ next head coach will be Spiros Anastas]
► [Post & Courier: South Carolina Stingrays coach Ryan Warsofsky leaving for AHL’s Charlotte Checkers]
► [Live 5 News: Spiros Anastas Named Stingrays Head Coach]
► [ECHL.com: Anastas named Stingrays head coach]

Hollywood · August 9, 2018, 1:17am

Aug 8: LISOWAY GOING PRO

Quintin Lisoway is leaving after two years to join former Bison teammate Shaq Merasty with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL.

Since the Bisons are laden with forwards, this loss won't hurt too badly. His stats were Cy Young-like, 11 goals and 3 assists last year.

So who all is coming back? This is the last thing we find out every year. No team has a 2018-19 roster page up yet. At Elite Prospects, the only returning player to be listed is defenceman Blake Heinrich. It is always great news to see returning defencemen, especially those from the WHL. With pre-season just two weeks away, my hope is that we'll see a Bison roster, or at least a tour roster, up soon.

Links:
► [Elite Prospects - Quintin Lisoway]
► [Elite Prospects - Manitoba Bisons]
► [Rapid City Rush - Tweet]

Hollywood · August 10, 2018, 4:43am

Aug 9: HEINRICH ALSO GOING PRO

Just a day after Elite Prospects listed defenceman Blake Heinrich as a returning player, he was announced as a new recruit for the Rapid City Rush, aka Bison Alumni Squad. He just finished his 2nd season in 2017-18. The Bisons now have two defencemen gone from last year's squad with three recruits coming in (one of which is F/D). They now need a stay-at-home defenceman, preferably from the WHL, to round out the roster.

The Banjo Mutts uploaded their 2018-19 schedule, albeit without any pre-season games. They also had three stories, which are in the links. First, they have a pitch for season tickets for their brand new arena. Rumour has it the building will be Saskatown's 3rd with indoor plumbing! Second, Chris Pronger is the speaker for their Off the Leash Luncheon fundraiser. And third, four Mangy Mutts are off to Europe. Jordon Cooke (Gap in France), Connor Cox (Dundee in the EIHL), and Kendall McFaull and Josh Roach (both to Belfast in the EIHL) are no doubt thrilled to be leaving Sask.

The Bluegars added their pre-season games to the schedule. Here's what they have:

Thu Sep 13 Calgary at Mount Royal
Sat Sep 15 Mount Royal at Alberta
Wed Sep 19 Mount Royal at Minnesota State
Fri Sep 28 Mount Royal at Regina (regular season)
Sat Sep 29 Mount Royal at Regina (regular season)
Thu Oct 04 Mount Royal at St. Cloud State

The game on Sep 13 is new, and completes the 3-team round-robin that weekend. Their games in the States were to be on Oct 6 and 7. Quite a strange twist to be going two separate trips, and to have a game NOT on the designated weekend.

Links:
► [Elite Prospects - Blake Heinrich]
► [Elite Prospects - Manitoba Bisons]
► [Rapid City Rush - Tweet]
► [Saskatchewan Schedule]
► [Exclusive Founders Club deal for season tickets in Merlis Belsher Place expires August 15]
► [Chris Pronger to headline 2018 Off the Leash Luncheon]
► [Four Huskies turn pro with degrees in hand]
► [Mount Royal Schedule]

Hollywood · August 12, 2018, 5:32am

Aug 12: ROSTER LINKS

We should be getting roster pages uploaded as the next phase in the off-season as players officially re-enroll. Thius far, no CW has a 2018-19 roster page. I have the links to roster pages here for future reference.

Links:
► [Alberta Roster]
► [Calgary Roster]
► [Lethbridge Roster]
► [Manitoba Roster]
► [Mount Royal Roster]
► [Regina Roster]
► [Saskatchewan Roster]
► [UBC Roster]

Hollywood · August 16, 2018, 3:22pm

Aug 16: AROUND THE CW

Even though the Bisons start play in just 5 days, there have been no updates on their team page. The schedule page needs to be updated for the Manchester game (Aug 21 instead of 22). The Regina game on Sep 21 has been scrubbed, so they are coming just for the one game on Sep 22.

There are a few links from Manchester. The links include the Facebook Event page and a promo video. Those should also have updates, even if after the game for news and information. I'm not sure if there is an on-line radio link for play-by-play, through their linked radio partner or otherwise.

The Storm have signed a promising young UK player, 19 year-old Adam Barnes. He seems to be a small forward, and hopefully he'll do well. Another Brit, and an Aussie, got NHL rookie camp invites this year.

The CUSN updated with another Tuesday Morning Skate this week, giving recruiting news from around all conferences. One point brought up was that the CW programs are not gettign as much WHL recruits as before, because the players seem to be taking the ECHL offers this year. Speculation is that December could be busier than usual with returning players claiming their scholarship packages.

First, UBC announced one more exhibition game, that being on Sep 22 against Holy Trinity, the defending BCIHL champions. This gives them 6 games in the three weeks before the regular season, two each against the CW, the ACAC, an the BCIHL. They are not facing NCAA teams it would seem.

Second, their grad Neil Manning signed an AHL contract with the Rockford Ice Hogs. He had been playing in Italy.

In the Town of Bedrock the Dinos have announced their exhibition schedule:
Sep 07 MacEwan (ACAC) at Calgary
Sep 08 Calgary at MacEwan (ACAC)
Sep 13 Mount Royal at Calgary
Sep 14 Calgary at Alberta
Sep 19 Mount Royal at Calgary
Sep 21 Calgary v York (at Humboldt)
Sep 22 Calgary at Saskatchewan

The newly announced games are the latter three. Sep 19 conflicts with the MRU schedule, where they claim to have a game scheduled in the USA!

The Evil Monkeys' schedule has not been updated but the ACAC schedule has added a game on Sep 23 between the Monkeys and the NAIT Ooks in the Athabasca tournament. I suspect a game will be added between the Monkeys and MacEwan to complete that event.

The UQTR Patriotes released their schedule, and it includes a trip to France from Aug 24-29 against opponents TBD, or "à déterminer" since those French have a different word for everything. I haven't been able to find out more about that.

Links:
► [Manitoba Bisons Roster]
► [Manitoba Bisons Schedule]
► [Manchester Facebook Event]
► [Manchester Ticket Promo Video]
► [Manchester Radio]
► [Barnes returns home to sign for Storm]
► [Tuesday Morning Skate: August 14th, 2018]
► [Former T-Bird Neil Manning inks AHL contract]
► [UBC Team Schedule]
► [Calgary Team Schedule]
► [MRU Team Schedule]
► [ACAC Schedule]
► [UQTR Schedule]

Hollywood · August 17, 2018, 3:55am

Aug 16: SUPPLEMENTARY UPDATE

Former Bison coach Barry Trotz is bringing the Stanley Cup to Dauphin! That's the only major trophy the Bisons have never won.

The Horny Ones have now released their exhibition schedule, leaving the Banjo Mutts as the only dilatory bunch. Here it is:

Sep 07 Red Deer (ACAC) at Lethbridge
Sep 08 Red Deer (ACAC) at Lethbridge
Sep 21 Lethbridge at Lakehead
Sep 22 Lethbridge at Lakehead
Oct 06 Lethbridge at Western Michigan (NCAA)
Oct 07 Lethbridge at Ferris State (NCAA)
Dec 29 Lethbridge at New Brunswick
Dec 30 Lethbridge v Moncton (in Fredericton)

All of these games were previously announced elsewhere except for the game against Moncton. It seems odd that they are not playing on Sept 14-15, when there are open events in Regina and Edmontown.

Time for a new logo at York. The old one was kind of busy. However, would it not make more sense for sports departments to put additional funds into programs rather than logos? Most of what I have seen in new logos have been good, but so were the old ones.

Links:
► [Former Bison men's hockey coach Barry Trotz bringing Stanley Cup to Manitoba]
► [Lethbridge Team Schedule]
► [NEW ERA FOR YORK UNIVERSITY LIONS BEGINS WITH LOGO LAUNCH]

Hollywood · August 18, 2018, 5:32pm

Aug 18: BISONS ADD D-MAN FROM NIPAWIN

The Bisons are going to play their first exhibition game of the season in just three days. However, since school doesn’t even start until they return from the overseas tour. So there is no roster page, nor an official team announcement of recruits. But other sources confirm one more blueliner.

Carter Doerksen - Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) - D

Whenever a Saskatchewanite moves to Manitoba the average IQ of both places decreases. Hopefully this young man’s desire to improve his life by leaving behind moonshine, banjo music, and possum shanks in order to have electricity, indoor plumbing, and footwear in summer will show that he is ready for this step up the evolutionary ladder. If he marries a local girl who can civilize him we may see a young man really turn his life around.

Doerksen was the captain of the Hawks, winners of the SJHL championship. He does not run up the offensive numbers, which suits me just fine. The Bisons need good-in-their-own end defencemen, and hopefully he fits the bill. He is smaller than the typical Bison recruit, at 5’10" and 187 lbs. He is the second Bison recruit from Nipawain, joining Thomas Lenchyshyn, a LW/D.

Here’s what the SJHL story says:

Carter Doerksen, the Hawks Captain for the past 2 years secured a commitment from the Universtiy of Manitoba and they are getting arguably the best leader the Hawks have ever seen. His bone crunching hits and selfless play will be tough to replace along with his whatever it takes to win attitude. Carter is leaving Nipawin with the Hawks all time games played in playoffs record.
Thomas Lenchyshyn will also be attending the University of Manitoba. “Lench? will take his abrasive on ice play along with his ability to make the highlight reel play with him to the U of M. A true competitor Thomas’ community service and infectious smile will be missed within the community and locker room.

The Hawks are sending quite a few players to other teams in USports, plus one to the BCIHL and two to the NCAA:

Brandan Arnold - to Mount Royal
Brett Harasymuk - to UOIT
Michael Grant - to Lethbridge
Tyler Adams - to Regina
Josh McDougall to Mercyhurst
Logan Casavant - to Trinity Western
Grant Baetsen - to Adrian College

That’s a lot of grads to move in one season.

Links:
► [SJHL: Nipawin Hawks Commitments]
► [SJHL: Player Profile Story] : [Stats Page]
► [Carter Doerksen at Eliteprospects.com] : [at HockeyDB.com]

The Banjo Mutts became the last CW to release their exhibition schedule. Their games are:

Sep 14 Saskatchewan at Regina
Sep 15 Manitoba v Saskatchewan (in Regina)
Sep 22 Calgary at Saskatchewan
Sep 23 York at Saskatchewan

They will not leave the province of Saskatchewan. The few players who like toilet paper will have to wait for a road trip where they can stock up.

All teams have now released schedules, although some alterations will no doubt be made. Here’s what I suspect:

The Evil Monkeys have not announced anything for Sep 21-23, but they do appear on the ACAC schedule with a game against NAIT on Sep 23 in the Athabasca Tournament. I suspect they will add a game against MacEwan on Sep 21.
The Bedrock Dinos claim they play the Bluegars on Sep 19, but the Bluegars say they are playing Minnesota State that same day. I find it odd that an NCAA team would be allowed to play that day. So my guess is that the MRU schedule will be altered so that the Minnesota State game goes to Oct 5 or 6.
Manitoba’s schedule does not list their opponents for the Regina tournament Sep 14-15. Since the Bisons face Sask on Sep 15, and since Regina plays Sask on Sep 14 and SAIT on Sep 15, my guess is that the Bisons will face the SAIT Condoms on Sep 14. Regina’s trip to civilization will then consist of just the one game on Sep 22, due to the York tour.
The York tour deserves a mention. It is not yet on their website. But from the CW teams we have this:
Sep 20 York v Regina (in Lumsden)
Sep 21 Calgary v York (in Humboldt)
Sep 23 York at Saskatchewan

Links:
► [Saskatchewan Schedule]
► [Saskatchewan Team Page]
► [York Schedule]

Hollywood · August 20, 2018, 5:47am

Aug 19: TWO DAYS UNTIL PUCK DROP

On Tuesday the Bisons will start their exhibition schedule against the Manchester Storm. When I think of Manchester I think of the greatest continuous stretch of bands that one city has ever produced. Their hockey history is not quite so accomplished, so far anyhow.

Although Tuesday's game will be Manchester's first of the season, there were 8 games this weekend, and 4 games last weekend. All of those games featured an EIHL team facing a team from elsewhere in Europe, execpt for a pair of games between Nottingham and Cardiff.

The stories being generated are about ticket sales and meeting the players. Hopefully there will be more pre-game news and access to stats. Last year all of the EIHL teams had loads pf pictures but nothing on stats/rosters/summaries. Here's the links and a couple of videos.

Links:
► [Manchester Storm Team Site]
► [Manchester Storm Twitter]
► [Manchester Storm - Facebook] : [- Event Page]
► [Elite Prospects - Manchester Storm]
► [EIHL Official Site]
► [EIHL - Manchester Storm Page]
► [EIHL: EIHL Preseason Gets Underway Saturday]
► [EIHL Pointsreak Site]

[i]Manchester videos:

Joy Division: Shadow Play

The Smiths: Ask
The Smiths - Ask (Official Music Video) - YouTube [/i]

In other news, CUSN has an interview with Spiros Anastas, the recently-departed coach from Lethbridge.

Also, 3 out of 4 games on the UQTR tour of France are now known:
Aug 24 U.Q.T.R. at Gothiques d'Amiens
Aug 25 U.Q.T.R. at Ducs d'Angers
Aug 26 U.Q.T.R. at Jokers de Cergy-Pontoise
Aug 29 U.Q.T.R. at TBA (France)

The Jokers are hosting the tournament and they are a 2nd tier French team. The other two teams in the round-robin tournament are 1st tier French teams. Last time over there UQTR were in the Napoleon Cup, hosted by the Goths.

Links:
► [Canadian University Sports Network - Interview - Spiros Anastas ]
► [HCCP Jokers - Summer Cup] : [Google Translate]