Lethbridge – Locked in a battle for the final playoff spot in Canada West, and in control of their own destiny, the Pronghorn men’s hockey team (5-14-3 CW, 5-21-4 overall) host their final home series of the season, welcoming the CIS 8^th ranked Manitoba Bisons (14-4-2 CW).
 
The Bisons swept the ‘Horns in an earlier series in Winnipeg with identical 5-2 scores both nights.  The ‘Horns still hold a three point lead on the Regina Cougars, but the Cougars have two games in hand on the ‘Horns. Next weekend the ‘Horns travel to Regina for a series that will likely decide who gets the final playoff spot.
 
The puck drops both nights at Nicholas Sheran Arena at 7:00pm and both games can be watched at www.canadawest.tv , home off all Canada West webcasts.
 
Prior to the puck drop on Friday night, the Province of Alberta, through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) will be presenting the Pronghorns Men’s Hockey Alumni Association with a cheque. The monies from CFEP program went directly to the renovations of the men’s dressing room and created a new, professional quality team dressing room.  This renovation was made possible because of a partnership between the Province of Alberta, the City of Lethbridge and the Pronghorn Men’s Hockey Alumni Association
 
Horns holding on to a playoff spot
Despite being swept last weekend in Edmonton by the Alberta Golden Bears, the ‘Horns remain in 6^th place with the Cougars being idle last weekend. With a strong weekend versus the Bisons this week, the ‘Horns could further cement themselves in that final playoff spot.
 
After starting the second half strong, the ‘Horns power play went cold last weekend and dropped to 6^th in the conference at 16.2%. The ‘Horns are ranked last in penalty killing and will face a tough test in the Bisons second ranked power play.
 
This weekend will also mark the final home games for seven graduating Pronghorns. Captain Dustin Moore who leads the team in scoring with 13 goals and 9 assists, Scott Bowles, Ryan Pottruff, Curtis Cooper, Andrew Gilbert and Winston Day Chief will all complete their eligibility this year, while Kris Snopek will obtain his degree in four years.
 
A work-horse since his arrival, Bowles will finish his career as the Canada West leader in games played and minutes among goaltenders and holds Pronghorn records in shutouts and wins.
 
Bisons have sights on top spot
Having swept the Saskatchewan Huskies last weekend, the Bisons moved within two points of the Huskies and Alberta Golden Bears for first place in Canada West and enters the weekend riding a four game winning streak.
 
Canada West goal scoring leader Blair Macaulay leads the Bisons offensively with 16 goals and 6 assists, but it has been stingy defense that has led to their success this season. The Bisons have allowed a conference low 43 goals.
 
Former Pronghorn Jesse Deckert and Joe Caligiuri have split the duties between the pipes for Manitoba, both holding a 7-3 record. Deckert also sports a sparkling 1.98 goals-against average.
 
Specialty teams have also been a major contributor in the Bisons success this year. The Bison are tops in the conference in penalty killing at 87.4% and second in power play, scoring 18% of the time.