MacEwan Athletics
CAMROSE –Tyler Mrkonjic, Sean MacTavish and Brett Njaa continued their torrid February scoring pace, accounting for three goals in a 4-2 victory over the UAlberta-Augustana Vikings on Saturday night that puts the MacEwan Griffins in control of their own destiny in a quest for a first-round playoff bye.
"I was very proud of the way we played tonight," said MacEwan interim head coach Michael Ringrose. "We found a way to win a game when we were down in the third period.
"We battled through, stayed with it, faced some adversity and came out with the win. I was proud of the effort."
Entering the weekend, only one point separated four teams in the middle of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference standings, but with a sweep over the Vikings, MacEwan (18-7-1-0) is comfortably in second, a point ahead of Red Deer College (17-7-2-0) and SAIT (16-6-3-1), while UAA (15-8-3-0) is four back in fifth.
The Griffins have two games remaining in the regular season and they're both at home against Briercrest (5-19-1-1), who are playing for pride after missing the playoffs. Win both and they're guaranteed the first-round bye that comes with finishing second.
Ringrose cautioned they won't be counting any chickens before they hatch, though, especially since they lost once to Briercrest before Christmas break.
"For us, we're just taking it one game at a time," he said. "We're in control of our own destiny now and that's a good feeling. But there's certainly still lots of work to do.
"I said it last night and I'll say it again, every game between now and the end of the year is the most important game of the year. We just need to recognize that and have that mentality and prep for next weekend.
"Friday night's the biggest game of the year."
That will be a 7 p.m. start at the Downtown Community Arena against the Clippers. The regular season finale will also go at the DCA (Saturday, 1 p.m.).
On Saturday, in Camrose, Mrkonjic put the Griffins on the board first at 12:34 of the opening period as linemates MacTavish and Njaa drew assists.
The Vikings, however, scored the next two – from Ryan Groom and Evan Warmington (the latter 3:01 into the third period) – and MacEwan had to rally late to pull out victory.
Jacob Schofield tied the game 7:02 into the third and MacTavish scored the winner just 24 seconds later. Mrkonjic added his second of the night into an empty net with 20 seconds left.
"That Njaazy, MacT, Mrkonjic line just continues to make plays offensively," said Ringrose. "They scored a couple of really nice goals off the rush tonight and are certainly playing at a high level."
Mrkonjic finished with two goals and an assist, MacTavish had a goal and an assist, and Njaa had two assists. Marc-Olivier Daigle made 34 saves and was huge in securing the win.
"Dags was outstanding," said Ringrose. "He was good early in the game when we gave up a few Grade A opportunities and then we settled in and he was steady for us until the third period. Late when they pushed, he was right there for us again. Obviously, it was a really solid effort from him."
