Lethbridge – Still searching for their first win of the conference season the Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s hockey team (0-5-1 CW) returns to home ice this weekend to host the CIS fourth ranked Alberta Golden Bears (3-3-0 CW).
 
This weekend’s series marks the first meeting of the season between the ‘Horns and the Bears, but last year, the Bears swept the season series last year 6-0.
 
Through the first three weekends of the season, the ‘Horns have really struggled offensively averaging less than two goals a game, while allowing a conference high 24 goals against in six games. Freshman Chase Schaber continues to lead the ‘Horns in scoring with two goals and five assists in six games and is tied for 13^th in conference scoring.
 
One bright spot thus far for the ‘Horns has been the team’s penalty killing, ranking first in Canada West and only surrendering two power-play goals in 24 times shorthanded. On the other hand, the ‘Horns power play has struggled and is ranked second last in the conference, scoring on only 10% of the team’s opportunities.
 
The Bears’, a perennial contender for the conference title, have had an up and down start to the season.  After opening the season with three wins, the Bears have lost their last three games. Heading into last weekend, the Bears were ranked number one in the country but after being swept by the Saskatchewan Huskies, the Bears dropped down to fourth in the CIS Top 10.
 
Despite being swept last weekend, the Bears outshot the Huskies 63-36 over the two games but were held to only four goals in those two games losing 2-1 and 4-3.
 
Offensively, the Bears are led by sophomore Jordan Hickmott, who is tied for fifth in the conference in scoring with five goals and three assists. Johnny Lazo has also had a good start this season with six points in six games.
 
Kurtis Mucha and Real Cyr have split time between in the crease for the Bears’ but Mucha has put up the superior numbers thus far, leading the conference in goals-against average at 1.42. He also has a stellar .922 save percentage.
 
Face-off is set for 7:00pm both Friday and Saturday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena. Both games will also be webcast on www.canadawest.tv, the home of all Canada West webcasts.
 
-30-