CALGARY – Special teams played a big factor in the University of Calgary Dinos' 4-1 loss to the University of Manitoba Bisons on Saturday afternoon to split the weekend with one win each.

The Dinos came out with energy, creating chances and drawing a Bisons penalty halfway through the first period. Tim Vanstone capitalized early on the power play opportunity on a tap in feed from Josh Mazer to take a 1-0 lead at 13:30. The Bisons had chances to tie the game and hit the post in the final minute of the period, but the score remained 1-0 in favour of the Dinos.

Calgary received a major penalty for checking to the head five minutes into the second period, giving the Bisons an extended power play. The Bisons were able to draw even in the final 20 seconds of the advantage on a shot from the hashmarks by Brett Davis going far top corner on Brodan Salmond 10:41 into the frame. Manitoba took their first lead of the series on a shorthanded goal by Colton Veloso with 1:54 remaining in the second period of play.

Josh Rieger looked to have tied the game up for the Dinos early in the third period on a shorthanded chance alone in front, but it was waved off immediately by the official. The Bisons further increased their lead 4:11 into the period on a loose rebound buried by Tony Apetagon. Manitoba furthered their lead to 4-1 in the final five minutes as Apetagon weaved his way through the defense and fired a shot over the shoulder of Salmond for his second of the night. 

"Every team in our league is really good, it's a tough league. Usually [the season] is 28 games, now there's 20 games, every two points is so important," Dinos head coach Mark Howell said following the game. "We need to find some consistency to compete."

The Dinos will be on the road north next week to take on one of Canada West's newest additions, the MacEwan University Griffins in Edmonton. Games will be held at the Downtown Community Arenas at 7 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.