Cochranite and rookie forward Coda Gordon experienced something very few hockey players will get a chance to as his University of Calgary Dinos men’s hockey team swept the ultimate cross-town showdown over the weekend of Jan. 21-22, as they ousted the Mount Royal Cougars 2-1 and 3-1 in the Crowchild Classic.
The sweep was payback for the last time these two sides met in the Classic (Nov. 21-22) when Cougars won back-to-back games 3-1 and 5-3.
The first game played at the Scotiabank Saddledome in front of a CIS record-breaking crowd of 12,859 fans saw Dinos brave a double-overtime to win 2-1.
Dinos defenceman Max Ross scored both of his team’s goals (Kevin King, Cain Franson, and Elgin Pearce all picking up assists).
Matt Bellerive scored Cougars’ only goal of the game (Jamie King, David Stephens picking up helpers).
In the second game, played at Father David Bauer Arena on Jan. 22, Dinos managed to win the game in regulation time by a score of 3-1, thanks to two goals from Pearce (assisted by King, Ross, Cain Franson, and Drydn Dow) and a power-play goal from King (Ross and Pearce assisting).
Jamie King scored Cougars’ solitary goal (Jarid Hauptman and Zack Henry picking up helpers).
“It was great,” said Gordon, of the wins.
“The atmosphere was amazing. It was huge, especially to get that second win to sweep them since they swept us in the previous series.”
“I don’t know if it was so much about payback, it was just important to get points right now,” said Dinos head coach Mark Howell.
“We didn’t have the strongest first half of the season, so getting any points right now is important.
“But, obviously winning the Crowchild Classic was a big event for our guys and everyone in the school. It’s always nice to win in an environment like that. It’s probably the biggest stage in Canada West.”
Dinos haven’t been at their best this season, currently sitting fifth in the Canada West division with a record of 9-9-4, but Howell has seen improvement in both his team and in Gordon.
“We took a bunch of penalties in the first half of the season that we didn’t need to take, which meant we were on the penalty kill a lot,” Howell said.
“We lost a lot of momentum and consistency with that, as well as discipline. Everything has been better in the second half of the season though, and we’ve won four out of our last six games.
“Gordon’s been coming along in the second half of the year as well, he’s no different than any other first-year player that comes to our league. It’s an adjustment since you’re playing with men rather than junior hockey players. It takes a bit of time to adjust to the schedule, school, lifestyle, and level of play.”
So far this season, Gordon has been consistent for Dinos, putting up 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 21 games played.
But, like the rest of the team, Howell is looking for more from the Cochranite.
“He needs to become a prominent guy that can play a lot of minutes and contribute offensively,” Howell said.
“So, we’re counting on him to do that. He has the ability to see the ice and make plays. He’s a great playmaker and a good passer, but I’d like to see him shoot more and be a bit more selfish. He’s going through the same thing that every first-year player does, he needs to get a little quicker and a little stronger.”
For Gordon, who previously played with the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL, the level of play in CIS has more than met his expectations.
“I heard a lot of good things about the CIS, and that it was a good league, but you’re never sure until you experience for yourself,” he said.
“It was pretty tough to adjust to the pace in my first couple games, and even still it’s a tough league since there’s a lot of good players, but it’s something I’ve enjoyed.”
How would he rank his performance so far this season?
“Not bad,” he said.
“I’m coming along. I find it a lot harder league to produce in and get points compared to the WHL because of all the stronger and older guys. You only play two games a weekend, so everyone is geared up and ready to go, it’s definitely a lot more intense.”
Going forward, what are some of the things Gordon feels he has to work on to improve his all-around game?
“If I keep working on my foot speed and being able to get to places faster, I think that will open up a lot more opportunities for me, and hopefully I can help my team out.”
Gordon and the Dinos are now looking to build on their current form as they play back-to-back games against the University of Alberta Golden Bears (15-5-2, 2nd Canada West).
The first game on Jan. 29 is at U of A.
Game 2 will take place on Jan. 29 at Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary. Puck-drop is 6 p.m.
