Bison Sports– University of Manitoba

February 27, 2011

The Manitoba Bisons women’s hockey team earned a historic series sweep by capturing the 2010-11 Canada West Championship in the best-of-three Canada West Final played in the Clare Drake Arena at the University of Alberta.

For the first time in 14 years of women’s hockey, the Alberta Pandas were swept in the conference final at home. Manitoba secured their second ever conference title (2008-09, 2010-11 season) by winning game one by a 2-0 margin on Friday, February 25 and a 2-1 victory in game two on Saturday, February 26. Rookie Megan Vestby scored both game-winning playoff goals in the series.

Manitoba and Alberta will be the two conference representatives and advance to the 2011 CIS Women’s Hockey National Championship at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON running from March 10-13.

Bison women’s hockey head coach Jon Rempel commented the day after the historic team series win, “We played well. Our players worked extremely hard and deserved it. It is a tough place to play but we are now used to these battles in Alberta and very happy with the result. It was hard fought series and will enjoy before preparing for CIS.”

The Bisons had recent history on their side as the Herd swept the Pandas in Alberta for the first ever weekend conference regular season sweep by an opponent in Alberta during the 14 year program’s history earlier this season. During the 2010-11 conference regular season, Manitoba won three times against the Pandas. On the road, Manitoba won 2-1 (OT) on Nov. 26/10 and won 5-4 (OT) on Nov. 27/10 while splitting at home, Bisons winning 2-0 (Oct. 8/10) and losing 2-0 (Oct. 9/10).

Manitoba will have a bye week before the CIS Championship and practice at home from March 2-4 at Max Bell Arena (U of Manitoba campus).

Manitoba Bisons Women’s Hockey 2011 Canada West Final Playoff Result
Friday, February 25 WHKY (game 1): Bisons 2 Alberta 0
Saturday, February 26 WHKY (game 2): Bisons 2 Alberta 1