Lethbridge – For the second consecutive week, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's hockey team will face a nationally ranked opponent but this week both games will be on home ice as the 'Horns host the U Sports third ranked Alberta Golden Bears.
 
Puck drop is slated for 7:00pm both Friday and Saturday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena. Both games will also be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv, home of all Canada West webcasts.
 
Coming off a sweep of the U Sports sixth ranked Mount Royal Cougars, the 'Horns (5-4-3) moved into fifth place in the conference and are only one point out of fourth and two points out of third place as the Canada West season hits the midway point this weekend.
 
Statistically, the 'Horns rank fifth in the conference in goals scored with 36 and goals against, surrendering 35. Over the past three games, the 'Horns have successfully killed off 16 of 17 opponents power plays and moved up to second in the conference penalty killing rankings (87.7%)
 
The 'Horns power play is ranked seventh in the conference operating at 17.9%.
 
Third-year forward Justin Valentino continues to lead the 'Horns offensively with 11 points and his nine goals ties him for second on the conference's goal scoring list. Captain Tim Campbell sits second on the 'Horns and among Canada West defensemen with 10 points in 12 games.
 
Following a slow 2-2 start, the perennial Canada West power Alberta Golden Bears (9-3-0) enter the weekend winners of seven of their last eight games and are fresh off a sweep of the Manitoba Bisons last weekend in Edmonton.
 
Sitting tied at the top of the conference standings with the Saskatchewan Huskies, the Bears are ranked tops in the conference in a majority of the statistical categories. The Bears lead Canada West in goals scored (50), power play percentage (22.9%) and penalty killing efficiency (92.7%). However, they are ranked fourth in goals against, allowing 33 goals against.
 
Four Bears occupy the top four position on the Canada West scoring list. Jamie Crooks leas the way with nine goals and nine assists, while Jayden Hart leads the conference in goals with 11.
 
The 'Horns will wrap up the first semester of conference action next weekend, travelling to Regina to face the Regina Cougars.
 
 
 
 
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