Lethbridge – With both teams already eliminated from post-season contention, this weekend’s home-and-home series between the Lethbridge Pronghorns (1-21-2 CW) and Mount Royal Cougars (5-18-1 CW) is for nothing but pride and bragging rights.
 
The series kicks off Friday night in Calgary at the Flames Community Arena, with the return affair Saturday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena in Lethbridge. Puck drops both nights at 7:00pm and both games will be broadcast on www.canadawest.tv .
 
The ‘Horns and Cougars split their weekend series earlier this season with both teams winning at home. The ‘Horns beat the Cougars 4-3 before losing 3-2 in overtime in the return match.
 
This weekend also pairs the conference’s two worst power plays. While both teams have scored 17 goals with the man advantage, the Cougars have a better percentage due to fewer attempts. The Cougars are operating at 16% efficiency and the ‘Horns only score on 13.8% of their chances with the extra man.
 
Ravaged by injuries since the semester break, the ‘Horns have not dressed a full line up in 2013 and have continued to struggle offensively, scoring more than one goal only once in their past six games. Despite the team’s struggles second year forward Cass Mappin has had the hot hand of late scoring in four consecutive games.
 
For the Cougars, as expected, there has been some growing pains as a first year Canada West school but they are competitive most nights. Of their 18 losses this season, eight have been by one goal.
 
Fourth-year forward Eric Galbraith has had a great first season in Canada West, leading the Cougars in points with 23 and is tied for the conference lead in goals with 14.
 
The Horns will conclude the 2012-13 Canada West season next weekend, hosting the CIS seventh ranked Saskatchewan Huskies.
 
 
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