Friday January 16 @ CUCA

6 new faces and two weeks of hard intense practice / rejuvenated energy and optimism, have helped pace the GRIFFINS with two splits vs. two top four teams in the ACAC men's division hockey standings

After splitting last weekend with the Mount Royal College COUGARS, the GRIFFINS found themselves moving up 1 place higher in the standings and into a 3 way tie for sixth and the last playoff spot, one point behind the Portage VOYAGEURS for 5th place.

The MacEwan GRIFFINS Men's Hockey Team opened up on Friday night at Clareview arena, facing the leagues second place team, the Concordia THUNDER. With key players out of the line up and running a short roster, the GRIFFINS found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-1 loss. New goaltender Patrick KROEGER, (#31) getting the start, facing 43 shots and recording the loss. Lone scoring for the GRIFFINS came from team leader Jordan STEVENSON (#10), who netted his team leading 11th goal and 19th point of the season. Despite the lopsided score the GRIFFINS played their style of hard physical hockey right to the end, when rookie defenseman Jesse KLYM (#3) delivered a thunderous open ice hit ala Scott Stevens style, sending Mackenzie Groenewegen into next week and out of action for Saturdays rematch with a suspected concussion.

Saturday January 17

The GRIFFINS showed their true character by battling back and playing a hard physical checking game against the same team that embarrassed them just 24 hours earlier. Setting the tone for the game and controlling the majority of the play by creating energy and confidence, continuing where they left off the previous night playing their physical brand of hockey and netting 6 goals to Concordia's 4.

Backup Goaltender Brandon PARENTEAU (#32) recorded his second win of the season in as many starts, while facing 32 shots. Team scoring was handled by a cast of different characters.Team leaders and new players with 3 point outings. Jordan STEVENSON continued his team leading scoring, netting 1 goal and 2 assists, for a total of 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points in 20 games played this season. Team Captain Dan WASCHUK, 2 goals, 1 assist and new comer Matt PARKS with 1 goal and 2 assists, also had productive 3 point nights.

Veteran defenseman Russ Purdy added 2 assists, Rookie forward Rene TESSIER also chipped in with 2 assists. Tyler HENNESSEY and Greg DOLL rounded out the scoring with 1 goal each while Chris GIACOBBO and Jesse KLYM both added one assist each.

The GRIFFINS now find themselves alone in 6th spot with 13 points, after Saturday's win over Concordia, 1 point up on this weekend's opponent, the Augustana VIKINGS.

The GRIFFINS are now in a position they haven't been in since the beginning of the season where they play a team they are above in the standings and a team they have to stay ahead of, if they are determined to see themselves in post season action. These will be the biggest two games of the season for the GRIFFINS.

Due to another scheduling issue with Servus Center in St. Albert, the GRIFFINS will play their home game in Viking on Friday Night and then travel again to Camrose on Saturday to finish out the weekend. Both games starting at 7:30 pm.

The MacEwan GRIFFINS Men's Hockey Team would like to introduce the following new players to their roster. Joining the team are Forwards; Brady Cook #23, Josh Lund #24, Matt Parks #12, Andrew Dickson #18 /  Defensemen Sean Wright #16, and Goaltender Patrick KROEGER #31.