WEEKEND PREVIEW: Movember night on November 18th part of action-packed weekend of games

It’s getting cold outside, but the action will be heating up all weekend long at the University of Manitoba, as the volleyball and men’s hockey team play host to Brandon and MacEwan, respectively. Friday, Nov. 18 is also movember night. Wear your moustache for free entry and join us for fantastic games, and our puck toss fundraiser supporting men’s health. You can also donate by clicking here. All hockey teams receive free entry when wearing their team jersey. Click here to get tickets. 

Men’s hockey versus MacEwan 
Times: 7 pm Friday, Nov. 18, 2 pm Saturday, Nov. 19
Location: Wayne Fleming Arena
Link: canadawest.tv
Social media: @umbisons on Instagram and Twitter 

• The Griffins come into the game at 6-6-0-0, four points ahead of Manitoba (4-8-0-0) for the sixth and final playoff spot in the conference, making for a massive tilt in the battle for post-season seeding. 
• Captain Geordie Keane and forward Devin Skoleski combined for six points in the two games between the opponents last year, both Manitoba wins. The Griffins scored all four of their goals in the first period. 
• After making 70 saves over two games against Calgary last weekend, goaltender Ross Hawryluk now leads the conference in saves, with 380 in 11 games played. 
• Manitoba’s top line continues to be one of the most efficient in the conference. Skoleski scored on Saturday against the Dinos, marking the eighth time in 11 games that he’s recorded a point. Linemate Brett Davis has scored a point in eight of 12 games, and the two have combined for 29 on the year.

Men’s volleyball versus Brandon
Times: 7:45 pm Friday, Nov. 18, 6:45 pm Saturday, Nov. 19
Location: Wayne Fleming Arena
Link: canadawest.tv
Social media: @umbisons on Instagram and Twitter

• The 3-5 Bisons enter the weekend in a playoff position, at 3-5. They come off a split against UBC (6-2), the second-ranked team in the conference. Brandon is 1-5, two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference. 
• Fifth-year setter Jack Mandryk enters the series needing just 34 assists to enter the top-20 all-time in conference history. He is currently fourth in the conference with 243 assists on the season. 
• The play of the Bisons’ middles have been a major storyline so far. Second-year Jonah Dueck leads Canada West with 38 total blocks, and is second with 1.52 blocks per set. As a team, the ‘zoons rank first in assisted blocks, with 122. First-year Jordon Heppner has been dynamite on the attack, with his .375 hitting percentage being eighth-best in the conference, and fifth amongst middles. 
• The two teams have each given up 57 service aces so far this season, making for an intriguing matchup in that area. Primary attackers Ben Carleton and Eric Ogaranko both have ten aces on the season, which tie for the most. 

Women’s volleyball versus Brandon
Times: 6 pm Friday, Nov. 18, 5 pm Saturday, Nov. 19
Location: Wayne Fleming Arena
Link: canadawest.tv
Social media: @umbisons on Instagram and Twitter

• The 2-4 Bisons enter play two points out of the final playoff spot in the conference, while Brandon, who won three of four games against Manitoba last year, is looking for their first win of the season. 
• Manitoba welcomes back setter Katreena Bentley for the series. Despite missing last week’s action, she’s still second in the conference in assists per set, at 9.42. 
• The Bisons are second in the conference in blocks per set, with 2.58. Middles Brenna Bedosky and Eve Catojo lead the way, with 1.32 and 1.11 blocks per set, respectively.