Dinos hockey women in hunt for playoff spot
Despite getting roughed up on back-to-back weekends against nationally ranked teams, the University of Calgary Dinos women’s hockey team remains in the thick of the playoff race.
While the four top spots are virtually locked up (a 13-point gap exists between fourth and fifth place), the Dinos sit only three points back of sixth place, held by the Regina Cougars. Better yet, they are just four points back of fifth place, held by the Mount Royal Cougars. The top six teams after the regular season advance to the Canada West Conference playoffs.
This weekend, the Dinos are set to welcome the fourth-place Saskatchewan Huskies. Similar to the Dinos, the Huskies rely on strong goaltending to give them their best chance to win. However, unlike Calgary, the Huskies have split time between Jessica Vance (10 games played) and Chloe Marshall (six games played). Two other goalies have also played a combined four games. For the Dinos, standout Kelsey Roberts has started in 18 of the Dinos’ 20 games.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have such a great goaltender to play in front of,” said Dinos assistant captain Kate Lumley. “But facing another top goalie means that we need to capitalize on every opportunity around the net and have a high shot count. Practice this week has focused on getting shots through and going for every rebound.”
Certainly, it would be nice for the Dinos to come out of the weekend with points, but the defining stretch of their season is to come in the following two weeks.
After the series with the Huskies, the Dinos will face the fifth place Mount Royal Cougars, followed by the sixth-place Regina Cougars. However, the Dinos must ensure they stay focused on this upcoming week, as any points against the Huskies would give Calgary a greater opportunity to control its own destiny.
“We know that these next few weekends are crucial for us and every point counts,” Lumley said. “It’s important for us as a team to be focused on our goal every time we step on the ice, especially at practice. How we practise these next few weeks is what will dictate our success, and hopefully that hard work will result in a playoff spot.”
CURE FOR WHAT AILS THEM
It’s Shoot for the Cure Night on Saturday at Jack Simpson Gym.
The fundraiser is part of the Dinos’ basketball weekend against the UBC Okanagan Heat.
Having played five out of their last six games away from home, the Dinos women’s basketball squad returns to The Jack on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (5 p.m.) to face the Heat.
Saturday’s game against the Canada West’s cellar-dweller doubles as a night to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Dinos have won their last three games at The Jack and carry a 4-1 record on their home court.
Calgary earned a split last weekend at the Trinity Western Spartans. The Dinos’ 84-52 win on Saturday night handed the Spartans their first loss since Nov. 17.
On the men’s side, following consecutive 100-point outings last weekend, the No. 4 Dinos bring home an offence that is regaining its rhythm heading into the playoff push.
Meeting the Dinos on the court this weekend is a Heat squad that has been reeling, having lost their last 10 games after a 2-2 start.
The Dinos climbed one spot in the national rankings this week to No. 4, due in part to a thrilling triple-overtime win by the Lethbridge Pronghorns over the favoured UBC Thunderbirds. The Dinos hold the second-strongest strength of schedule in Canada West and are currently tied for second in the conference.
The men’s games vs. the Heat go Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m.).