LETHBRIDGE - With the addition of 14 new faces, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's hockey team opens the 2019-20 Canada West conference schedule this weekend, traveling to Winnipeg to face the Manitoba Bisons.
 
Due to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game Friday night, the Pronghorns and Bisons square off in the freshly renovated Wayne Fleming Arena Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Puck drop is slated for Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm, both Central Time.
 
Catch all the action on pay per view on www.canadawest.tv, presented by CO-OP.
 
A look at the teams
 
With the departure of six players and a large incoming class, the Pronghorns will looking distinctly different from last year's team that made a return to the Canada West post-season for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
 
Highlighted by the graduation of leading scorer Justin Valentino and early departure of starting goaltender Garret Hughson, larger roles will be available throughout the lineup this season. Torrin White, Russ Maxwell and Brooks Maxwell will be tagged to take an increase role offensively this season if the Pronghorns are to be successful.
 
In the crease, sophomore Taz Burman will look to build off a solid freshman season, where he made nine appearances and had a solid 0.917 save-percentage.
 
The Pronghorns incoming class fills many of the roles that second-year bench boss Murray Nystrom was looking to fill. The class is highlighted by former Calgary Hitmen Luke Coleman, who is expected to make an immediate impact.
 
Former Humboldt Bronco Michael Clarke, Nanaimo Clipper and WHLer Daniel Gatenby, and Okotoks Oiler captain Kyle Gordon have been identified as key additions to this year's team.
 
A season ago, the Manitoba Bisons missed the playoffs and like the Pronghorns, had prominent players depart the program.
 
Leading scorer Nick Zajac, starting goaltender Byron Spriggs and top goal scorer Zach Franco are just a couple of the key departures the Bisons suffered during the offseason.
 
The Bisons could have as many as 15 new faces on the roster once Manitoba makes their final roster selections.
 
Last year, the Pronghorns won three of four games with the Bisons, which included a 5-3 win on the Bisons' home ice.
 
Up Next:
 
The Pronghorns will have a bye next week before hosting the 2019-20 home opener the following weekend, hosting Regina Cougars.