The weather's getting colder, the monthly calendar's about to turn over, and Bisons game action is about to go into hibernation.
Not before the final weekend of the first half, though. At home, men's and women's volleyball have an important series against cross-province rival Brandon, while men's hockey takes on Calgary — also capping an incredible month of fundraising for the Movember Foundation.
On the road, No. 2 ranked women's hockey look to finish 2018 on a high note as they take on the Dinos. That, and what else to look forward to, in our weekend preview.
Volleyball vs. Brandon – November 30 (6/7:45 PM), December 1 (5/6:45 PM)
WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
UPDATES: follow @BisonWVB and @BisonMVB on Twitter
Bison men's and women's volleyball are looking to cap their first half with wins over the Brandon Bobcats.
For the
Bison women, it's an even match on paper. Both Manitoba and Brandon are 3-7 on the season, with the Bisons losing 24 sets and winning 14, while Brandon's lost 25 and won 14. Something has to give, and it'll likely centre around Bobcats left side Nikala Majewski. The fifth-year from Winnipeg leads the conference with 464 total attacks and is second with 4.33 kills per set, so expect a lot of action from wherever she is on the court.
The
Bison men (4-6) are in a bit deeper against the No. 2 ranked Bobcats (8-2). Brandon has won four straight and will feed a two-pronged attack from Seth Friesen and Elliott Viles (3.27 kills per set each). Manitoba's block will be tested, but
Brendan Warren should be up to the task — the second year continues to lead Canada West with 1.52 blocks per set.
Bison volleyball tickets are $10 and available at the door, with U of M students and fans 17-and-under in free.
Men's Hockey vs. #9 Calgary – November 30 (7 PM), December 1 (2 PM)
WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
LISTEN: UMFM.com
UPDATES: follow @umbisonsMHKY on Twitter
It's been a difficult first half for Bison men's hockey (2-11-1), as they come into this weekend on a nine-game losing streak. Still, bright spots abound. Manitoba's first win of the season came against this very Calgary team (9-4-1), ranked No. 9 in the nation, as the Herd won 5-3 on Sep. 29 in Cowtown.
For Manitoba, fifth-year goalie
Byron Spriggs continues to rack up saves, totaling 373 in 11 games. He'll be hoping the Manitoba offence can spot him some goals, as points leader
Nick Zajac continues a strong stretch of play. Zajac has 12 points on the season (three goals, nine assists), scoring last weekend at Saskatchewan.
For Calgary, they bring with them the conference's points leader in Riley Sheen. The forward has 11 goals on the season and is averaging 1.21 points per game.
Off the ice, the Bisons have been busy. This month, the team has raised over $2,800 toward the Movember Foundation and supporting men's health. At Saturday's game, they'll conclude their drive with a puck toss for fans, a presentation to the foundation before the game, and more. You won't want to miss it.
Donations are still being accepted for the Bison men's hockey Movember drive. Details here. Tickets for Bison hockey are $10 at the door, with U of M students and fans 17-and-under in free.
#2 Women's Hockey at Calgary – November 30 (8 PM), December 1 (4 PM)
WATCH: CanadaWest.tv
UPDATES: follow @umbisonsWHKY on Twitter
After splitting a home weekend against No. 9 Saskatchewan, Bison women's hockey (8-3-2-1) finish their first half on the road in Calgary (2-9-0-2) — a battle between the team at the top of the Canada West standings and the team at the bottom.
Still, the Bisons can't look past a struggling Dinos team. With Alberta nipping at their heels just one point back (and an important series awaiting the two teams in January), they'll want to pick up as many points as possible.
That means looking out for forward Elizabeth Lang, who has four of Calgary's 12 goals this season. Manitoba will also want to maximize their time with the man advantage — Calgary has just a 73.5 per cent penalty kill, while the Bisons have been shorthanded a conference-low 34 times.
Track & Field – George Tanner Memorial Classic – December 1
At James Daly Fieldhouse, Bison track and field will continue their first half tune-up events with the Flying M Classic, the first full meet of the 2018-19 season. Track events will be the 60m hurdles, 60m sprints, 300m, 600m, 1000m, 2000m, 3000m, and 4x100m. On the field, the Bisons will compete in the long jump, shot put, high jump, and weight toss.
Notes from the Range
