Lethbridge – Coming off the semester break, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's hockey team returns to action this weekend, hosting the U SPORTS third ranked Saskatchewan Huskies for a pair.
 
The Pronghorns and Huskies hit the ice at Nicholas Sheran Arena Friday and Saturday night. Both games will also be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv.
 
"Our team is really excited to get things going in the New Year," said Pronghorn head coach Spiros Anastas. "We had a strong finish last semester and for the first time in a while, we have a full roster."

"We think playing U of S the first weekend is a great thing; they're a very hard working and talented team that will challenge us to find our A-game early and set the tone for the rest of the semester. If we can keep things simple like we did when we only had 14 skaters, we will continue to roll."
Earlier this season, the Huskies took both games in Saskatoon versus the Pronghorns with wins of 4-3 in overtime and 5-2.
 
Coach Anastas' outlook for the second half of the Canada West season –
 
"There's a quiet confidence in our room right now.  We have a lot of guys playing with a chip on their shoulder.  We've been narrowly bumped from the playoffs in the last weekend of each of the last two seasons.  The time for moral victories and pats on the back is over for our guys.  They understand where the program was a few short years ago and how far we've come, but they want to make their mark as contenders now and won't settle for anything less.  I'm excited to see them execute our process and reach our goals."
 
A Look at the Team:
 
The Pronghorns (7-8-1) received an early Christmas present when the Calgary Dinos forfeited six games for playing an ineligible player, including a season opening win over the Pronghorns. With an addition of two points and Calgary losing eight points, the Pronghorns now sit tied for fourth with the UBC Thunderbirds.
 
Heading into the semester break, the Pronghorns were also one of the hotter teams in Canada West, winning five of six games.
 
Through the first semester, the Pronghorns have scored the second fewest goals in the conference with 42, but have scored at least four goals in five of the team's last six games.
 
The Huskies (13-2-1) sit second in Canada West and enter 2018 on a five game winning streak.
 
The second highest scoring team in Canada West, Saskatchewan is averaging 4.06 goals per game and are also tied for second in goals-against in the conference with 37 goals against in 16 games.
 
Players to Watch:
 
Senior forward Mitch Maxwell leads the Pronghorns in scoring with seven goals and 14 assists, which also places him in a tie for third in Canada West scoring.
 
Brooks Maxwell, cousin of Mitch and Russ, will make his Pronghorn debut this weekend. Brooks returned from his LDS mission in early December and will be a great addition to the Pronghorns forward ranks. He played four seasons with the Red Deer Rebels and as a 20-year old, Maxwell scored 27 goals and added 32 assists in 71 games.
 
Two-time U SPORTS goaltender of the year Jordan Cooke carries the bulk of the load again in the crease for the Huskies. Appearing in 13 of the Huskies 16 games this season, Cooke holds a 2.34 goals-against average and a 0.917 save percentage.
 
The Huskies also have the Canada West leading scorer Josh Roach. Roach has nine goals and 17 assists through the first 16 games.
 
Next up:
 
The Pronghorns face southern Alberta rival Mount Royal Cougars next weekend in a home-and-home series. The weekend set starts Friday night in Calgary with the second game in Lethbridge next Saturday night.
 
 
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