Pronghorns prepare to host major tournament

U of L went goalless in its two matches against the Dinos and lost by a combined score of 7–0.

A close and physical 2–0 game in Lethbridge on Thursday night was followed up with a 5–0 shut-out loss on Friday night.

Despite the lack of offensive production, both of the team’s goaltenders have posted above a .920 save percentage this season.

Murray Nystrom, Pronghorns head coach, said Garret Hughson, its starting goaltender, has been a source of strength for the team.

“He’s been very consistent all year. We certainly do rely on him. You lean on your goaltender from time to time to get you through some rough patches. He’s a superior goaltender in this league and across the country at this level. There are times where we need to do a better job at clearing the net and taking away opportunities from our opponent, but Garret is always fantastic.”

After the disappointing goalless weekend, leading scorer Justin Valentino said their offence needs some work.

“We did some good things tonight, we just need to focus on hitting the net a little more and bearing down on our opportunities.”

The dwindling offence is a major concern for the team right now as they prepare to host the Cavendish Farms University Cup in March.

Nystrom said the tournament will be huge for both the team and the city of Lethbridge.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for our team and our student body at the University of Lethbridge. This tournament has only been held in two other Western Canadian cities–Saskatoon and Edmonton. For Lethbridge to step up and host such a big event, it speaks volumes about where we want to go with our sports.”

The Pronghorns will get a bye to the quarter-final round of the tournament, despite their middling 7–13–2 record in the CWUAA this season.

This year’s tournament marks the first time the event will be held in Western Canada since 2014, after two years in New Brunswick.

The Pronghorns are currently still focused on their regular season, in which they hold the CWUAA’s sixth and final playoff position.

U of L takes the ice again this weekend when they take on the University of Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg.

Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. local time on both Friday and Saturday.

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