LETHBRIDGE – Opening a new season, the Lethbridge Pronghorns host an opponent that the team has become well acquainted with, welcoming the Alberta Golden Bears to Lethbridge for a pair of games to launch the 2019-20 Canada West schedule.
 
The Pronghorns and Bears will hit the hardwood at the 1^st Choice Savings Centre Friday night at 8:00 pm and Saturday night at 7:00 pm. Both games will also be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv, presented by Co-op.
 
Over the past three seasons the Pronghorns and Bears have faced off 14 times, including three straight playoff series. This past year, the Bears won the best-of-three quarterfinal series two games to one after the Pronghorns opened the series with a 76-75 win.
 
A Look at the teams
 
With the departure of head coach Mike Hansen this summer, the Pronghorns begin a new era with first-year interim coach James MacKinnon and his tenure has gotten off to a great start.
 
Following a 6-2 non-conference schedule, the program made a first appearance in the U SPORTS Top 10 since March 2000, debuting as the 10^th ranked team in the country this week and will look to continue a streak of four consecutive playoff appearances.
 
Despite the graduation of Canada West First-Team All-Star Zac Overwater, the Pronghorns will rely on a veteran team this season.
 
Fifth-year seniors Kyle Peterson and Mike Pierzchala will be counted on to lead the team, while workhorse Colton Gibb and veterans Brett Warren Keanu Funa and Chad Oviatt will be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball.
 
Former Calgary Dino post Jeff Rodehutskors will make his long awaited Pronghorn debut and will give the Pronghorns a presence in the middle.
 
The Bears finished third in Canada West a year ago with a 15-5 record and went to the U SPORTS Final 8 as a wild card, but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Champion Carleton Ravens.
 
Led by Canada West First Team All-Star Brody Clarke and Canada West Rookie of the Year Adam Paige, the Bears return all 10 players that averaged at least 10 minutes of playing time during the 2019-20 season.
 
Clarke led the Bears, averaging 19.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, while fourth-year guards Ivan Ikomey and Andre Kelly each contributed with 11.9 and 10.8 points respectively.
 
Up Next:
 
The Pronghorns head out on the road next weekend, traveling to Brandon to face the Brandon Bobcats.