WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons men's hockey team returned to action Friday night with a contest against the MacEwan Griffins at Wayne Fleming Arena.

The Bisons started the new year with a bang, beating the Griffins 4-2 on the back of four unanswered goals and a strong performance from netminder Jeremy Link. With the win, Manitoba improves to 3-1 in their last four games as they battle for a playoff spot.

"We got a valuable two points as we push for the playoffs," Bisons head coach Mike Sirant said. "Our guys played the right way and committed to playing defence first."

It took a while for both sides to shake off the cobwebs as the first period saw each team take two minor penalties within the game's first 12 minutes. After failing to capitalize on those power plays, it was the Griffins who opened the game's scoring, finding the back of the net with a one-timer. MacEwan added a wrap-around goal with 30 seconds remaining in the period to give them a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

The second period started similarly to the first, with both teams serving a penalty before three minutes were played. Late in the frame, with MacEwan serving a tripping penalty, the Bisons offence was finally awoken in a big way. Defenceman Reece Harsch found the top corner of the net to give the brown and gold their first tally of the night. Not even a minute later, a failed clearing attempt by the Griffins allowed Manitoba to tie the game, giving them two goals in under 30 seconds. The game was knotted at two heading into the final period.

The Bisons carried their momentum into the third frame, with Linden McCorrister scoring an early power play goal to give Manitoba their first lead of the game. They continued their relentless pressure, eventually leading to their fourth goal of the game off the stick of Chase Hartje. The Bisons held their lead to the final buzzer and improved their record to 4-9. The Griffins dropped to 3-10 with the loss.

Griffins captain Ethan Price said his team will need to tighten up defensively if they want to win tomorrow's game.

"We have to move our feet, win races to pucks and win battles," he said. "If we do those things, we'll be successful."

The Bisons and Griffins will meet again at Wayne Fleming Arena on Saturday at 3 p.m. to cap off their weekend series.