Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Win one, lose one. Lose one, win one.
That's kind of been the up-and-down cycle for the MacEwan men's hockey team so far this season.
While two of their three wins in 2022-23 have come against U SPORTS top 10 teams – something for a young team to celebrate – there's more they can accomplish, and they know it.
"It's a little bit frustrating, but it's something we've talked about a lot as a team – trying to make sure we have consistent efforts where we're not just relying on one game trying to get a win," said interim head coach Zack Dailey. "I think that comes with experience. We have quite a young team and obviously we're in our second year in Canada West.
"I think it's something that comes with time, but it's definitely something we've addressed numerous times, just wanting to make sure we're giving good efforts twice a weekend, not just one game."
Seeking their first weekend sweep of the season, Griffins (3-3-0) will visit UBC (3-2-1) in Vancouver for games on Friday (8 p.m. MT) and Saturday (4 p.m. MT, both Canada West TV).
"Getting out of town is always nice for the team – a little chance to bond on the flight," said Dailey. "What we're looking for is just consistency in our game. We think that if we play consistent we'll get the results we want. But we do recognize they're a very good hockey team. I don't think their record speaks to what type of team they are, so it's going to be a very tough challenge for us."
UBC is a perennial powerhouse, but currently sits one point ahead of MacEwan for the final playoff spot in the conference. The Thunderbirds are coming off a bye week, last losing 4-3 in overtime to Mount Royal University on Oct. 15.
The Griffins are also coming in off a game against MRU, but theirs is a victory after they celebrated a 3-2 double overtime triumph last Saturday, dropping the Cougars from ninth in the country to 10th this week.
That's on the heels of MacEwan's big 4-3 overtime win over cross-town rival (and current U SPORTS No. 2) Alberta on Oct. 7 (4-3 in overtime).
"I hope this gives our guys confidence," Dailey said after the MRU victory on Saturday. "When we out-compete teams and manage the puck, we're a good hockey team. I told the guys, we're not going to win every night, but if we compete, and do things the right way, we can compete with anyone. Now, it's about building that consistency."