After a bye week the University of Saskatchewan men’s hockey team is ready to get back on the ice. The Huskies will face the University of Calgary Dinos on Jan. 31 and Feb.1 at the Credit Union Centre in a crucial series.

Holding the top spot in the Canada West division with a 20–02 record, the Dinos have been all but unbeatable this season. The Dogs have a respectable 12-9-1 record and are only two spots back in the rankings, but in terms of points they trail the Dinos by a lofty 17.

The Dinos lead all teams in the country with goals scored — 106 across 22 games — while only seeing 39 scored against them. In net the Dino goaltenders have been precise, leading the division with a 93 per cent save rate.

The Huskies have landed 75 goals in total — third in the division — while having 55 scored against them. Starting goaltender Ryan Holfeld has been tough in net, helping the Dogs to a 92 per cent save rate.

Playing on home ice should give the Dogs a slight advantage. No one has been able to defeat the Dinos on home ice this season, while the Huskies boast an 8-3 record when playing in their own yard.

Christopher Collins will look to continue leading the Dinos’ offence. The forward is the third highest scorer in the league with 17 goals and also has 15 assists.

For the Huskies, Derek Hulak will look to generate scoring opportunities. The forward has netted eight goals and 25 assists.

The Dogs will need to be on their game if they want a shot at upsetting the Dinos. There aren’t many holes to exploit in the Dinos’ game so the Huskies will have to convert on the opportunities they get and use any momentum they have from riding a two-game win streak.

Heading into the final six games of the season, the Dogs are already assured a spot in the playoffs and the University Cup. But if they want a shot at bringing home any titles they will have to show they can play with the big teams in the country.

Puck drops at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Credit Union Place.

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Photo: Jordan Dumba/Photo Editor