Battling for the final playoff spot in Canada West's East Division, Manitoba hosts Regina with key points on the line. The Herd are ten points behind MacEwan's 16, aiming for a weekend sweep to narrow the gap with the Griffins. Regina are two points behind the Bisons, with four. 

The two teams met earlier in the first half of the season, splitting a pair of games at Wayne Fleming Arena. Forward Codey Behun recorded the first two-goal game of his U SPORTS career in the Friday contest, and had three over two games against the Cougars. Manitoba also netted two short-handed goals, one from Behun, and one from defenceman Evan Toth. 

Overall, the two teams combined for 19 goals in their first two meetings. Expect fireworks again on the weekend from each roster, who've had a combined 26 players score a goal this season. 

Offensively, Manitoba's had consistent play all season from forwards Jonny Hooker, Riley Stotts, Skyler Bruce and Eric Alarie. The quartet have combined for 49 points in Manitoba's 14 games, and each have at least one multi-point showing. 

Hooker, Manitoba's captain, has lit the lamp eight times to lead all Bisons. That's also second in Canada West, with seven of Hooker's goals coming on the power play, thanks in part to a lethal one-timer from the slot. Over the last two seasons, Hooker has 20 goals, with 14 of those coming with the extra skater. Overall, Manitoba's power play is operating at 21.8 percent. 

Meanwhile, Bruce's five goals are second for Manitoba, as he's used his speed and shiftiness to create countless chances. Impact 2024 recruits Stotts, a former All-Canadian with the Calgary Dinos, and Alarie, who has pro experience with the ECHL's Adirondack Thunder, have combined for 12, and seven assists, first and second for Manitoba, respectively. Stotts leads the Bisons with 15 points overall. 

In net, Colorado product Braden Holt -- a five-year WHL veteran -- has 406 saves, second in Canada West. 

Regina has been led offensively by forward Carson Whyte, whose four goals and nine points lead the team. Two of Whyte's four goals came against Manitoba in their October series earlier in the year, including the game-winner in the third period of Regina's Saturday victory.

Rookie Turner McMillen also scored the first two goals of his U SPORTS career against the Bisons, while two of forward Paycen Bjorklund's three goals on the season came against Manitoba.