Heading into the final weeks of the Canada West regular season, both the men's and women's hockey teams are in the thick of the playoff race. This weekend, both clubs face must-win scenarios against the Regina Cougars.
With a 6-2 stretch to open the New Year, the Pronghorns men's hockey team (10-11-3) has played itself back into the post-season picture and only trails the Calgary Dinos for the last playoff spot by two points with four games to play. Calgary travels to Saskatoon to face the Saskatchewan Huskies.
The addition of Brian Matte and Winston Day Chief has really sparked the Horns offensively, as both have made an immediate impact. Matte has scored 10 goals in only eight games and is already tied for eighth in the conference in goals scored. Day Chief has recorded 10 points in eight games, including a four-assist night last Friday against the Alberta Golden Bears.
The Cougars are only four points behind the Horns but hold two games in hand and can play themselves back into the post-season picture with wins this weekend.
The Cougars swept the Horns earlier this season in Regina by 2-0 and 5-2 scores, but the Horns downed the Cougars three-times during the non-conference schedule (4-3, 3-1 and 3-0).
The puck drops at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
For a full rundown of the hockey situation, including the prospects for the Pronghorns women's team, visit this hockey preview link.
Meanwhile the Horns men's and women's basketball teams finish the regular season Saturday night at the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Hosting the University of Calgary Dinos, each team has a chance to make the playoffs with a win. For a look at the weekend in basketball, follow this basketball preview link.