Following a rare double overtime loss to UBC, the University of Calgary got revenge with a 3-1 victory the next night. It was a special one for the Dinos, as they became the first team in the CIS to earn their 20th win in just 22 attempts — quite an accomplishment in a 28-game season.
Each of the last three University Cup Champions were among a handful of teams to have 20-plus win seasons. However, I expect the University of Alberta to be joining the Dinos in that category this season, so escaping the Canada West conference is still far from a sure thing for Calgary.
There is a bit of a shuffle at the bottom half of the rankings this week, highlighted by the absence of Queen’s. They haven’t quite seen the success they uncovered in the first half of the season. Ryerson, too, is on the same exit path barring an impressive week ahead.
CIS Men’s Hockey coverage: Scores & schedule | Standings
Here’s how the rankings look heading into the final month of the season:
1. Calgary (20-0-2) | Last week: 1
Probably the most intriguing storyline to keep an eye on in Calgary is their goaltending. Netminders Jacob DeSerres and Kris Lazuruk are among the top goalies statistically in all of Canada. DeSerres has played in only two more games and holds a slight advantage over Lazuruk in goals-against-average and save percentage. It’s a great problem for head coach Mark Howell but at some point, he will have to declare a clear No. 1.
2. Alberta (19-2-1) | Last week: 2
Head 300km north to Edmonton and see that head coach Ian Herbers has the exact same problem (albeit a good one) Howell does in Calgary. The Golden Bears’ goaltending tandem — Luke Siemens and Kurtis Mucha — has gone game-for-game the entire season. Siemens’ numbers are impressive but Mucha is the reigning CIS Goaltender of the Year and is having yet another solid season.
3. UNB (18-3-1) | Last week: 3
The teams that separate themselves from the rest are able to continually improve. UNB has done that lately, stringing together seven straight wins. Look for them to improve their special teams as the playoffs approach. The V-Reds’ powerplay sits at 16.2 percent (20th in the CIS) — far too low for a team with such talent.
4. UQTR (19-4-0) | Last week: 4
Make it 12 straight wins for UQTR, who now hold sole position of first place in the OUA East. They continue to dominate everyone they face, outscoring their opponents 14-2 in the three victories this past week. Leading the way is third-year forward Tommy Tremblay. Currently riding a nine-game point streak, Tremblay has 24 points during this stretch.
5. Acadia (17-2-3) | Last week: 5
Rebounding nicely from a pair of losses, the Axemen got back on track by grabbing four points last weekend. What I like the most about this Acadia team is the play of goaltender Evan Mosher. He leads the AUS in goals-against average, save percentage and wins. It’s no secret what a good goalie can do for a team.
6. McGill (18-5-1) | Last week: 6
What is most worrisome about the Redmen is their tendency to play such a loose game defensively, as was the case last Friday vs Laurentian. I’m not sure that style of play has a chance to prevail if they run into UQTR in the playoffs. On the other hand, their special teams continue to be a real source of strength for McGill.
7. Carleton (16-5-1) | Last week: 8
Currently on a seven-game win streak, the Ravens have to keep it up as UQTR and McGill are showing no signs of slowing down. Incredibly, Carleton has not allowed more than two goals in a game for 10 straight games now, dating back to late November.
8. Western (16-6-0) | Last week: 10
It’s been a mixed bag of streaks this season for the Mustangs and they are on the best one yet, winning five in a row. It’s not just about getting better each game for Western; it’s about peaking at the right time. The timing could not be better for head coach Clarke Singer with only six games remaining before the playoffs.
9. Ryerson (15-9-0) | Last week: 7
Losers of the last four of five games, the Rams are spinning out of control. There are five teams within reach of surpassing Ryerson in the OUA West standings. With only four games remaining to play over the next few weeks, it should provide the Ryerson coaching staff ample oppourtunity to make the necessary tweaks to get them back on track.
10. Moncton (14-8-0) | Last week: N/A
The Aigles les Bleu do not have much of a chance of catching UNB or Acadia in the AUS conference standings, but earning home-ice advantage is certainly a worthy accomplishment. Led by veteran forward, Eric Faille, Moncton has played very well lately and will look to continue to establish themselves in the upper echelon of their conference.