While it is only early January, the Pronghorns men's hockey team faces a crucial home-and-home series this weekend as it looks to move up the standings and challenge for a Canada West playoff position.

The Pronghorns (5-10-3) are still on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. The Horns currently trail the Saskatchewan Huskies by six points for the final spot and this weekend's opponent, the Calgary Dinos, by eight points for third place.

While the Horns only earned a weekend split versus the second place Manitoba Bisons last weekend, they played arguably their most complete game of the season in a 1-0 loss Friday night, outshooting the Bisons 44-20. The next night they skated to a 6-4 victory and gained ground on the idle Huskies for fourth place.

The Dinos opened the second semester versus the CIS second ranked Alberta Golden Bears, losing both games but earning a single point after falling in overtime on Saturday night.

The Horns and Dinos have played each other tough this season. The series in the first semester was split, with each game going to a shootout and the home team coming out on top.

Friday night's 7 p.m. matchup at Nicholas Sheran Arena is the lone home action for Pronghorn Athletics this weekend. The teams then head back to Calgary Saturday for the conclusion of the weekend series.

Meanwhile, the men's and women's basketball teams head to Brandon to try and improve their playoff chances. The women's squad (6-5) is tied with two other schools for the final Canada West playoff spot and faces a 1-11 Brandon club. The Pronghorns men's team (5-6) is coming off a tough overtime loss to nationally ranked University of Calgary. They'll face a 5-7 Bobcats team as they look to maintain a hold on third place in the Canada West standings.

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