The first semester of university sports in Calgary is set for an electrifying conclusion as the nationally top-ranked University of Calgary Dinos teams take to the ice and court for their final home games before the break.
Dinos Men's Hockey Reigns Supreme
The No. 1 team in the nation, the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team, carries a formidable 14-2 record and a nine-game winning streak into a home-and-home series against city rivals, the Mount Royal Cougars. The action begins Friday at the Flames Community Arenas and concludes with Saturday's first-semester finale at the Dinos' home rink, their first game there since November 8. Both contests feature a 7 p.m. puck drop.
This marks the first time the Dinos have held the top spot in the U SPORTS national rankings since they dominated the position for the final seven weeks of the 2022-23 season. Their current win streak has been dominant, outscoring opponents 44-14 over the last nine games. While Adam Kydd leads the nation with 31 points, the team's strength is its remarkable balance, with 23 different players registering at least one point and 19 players scoring a goal this season.
They face a tough Mount Royal squad that is tied for second in the East Division and riding a five-game win streak of its own. In their only previous meeting this year, the series was split, with each team winning on the other's home ice.
Women's Hockey Battle for Division Lead
The Dinos women's hockey team, sporting an 11-3-2 record, is also set for a home-and-home against the No. 4 ranked Mount Royal Cougars (11-2-1). Calgary hosts the first game Friday at 7 p.m. from Father David Bauer Arena, with the rematch scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at Flames Community Arenas.
Fresh off a sweep of Manitoba, the Dinos have surged into first place in the East Division, holding a one-point lead over their crosstown rivals. While forward Sydney Mercier has been on a tear with goals in five straight games, the true story of the season has been in goal. Fourth-year netminder Amelia Awad boasts a staggering 0.89 goals-against average and a .970 save percentage, which leads all of U SPORTS. Rookies Maisie Cope and Alyssa Barrette have also impressed, with each earning a shutout in their early collegiate careers.
Women's Volleyball Returns Home
After a long stretch on the road, the Dinos women's volleyball team (3-5) finally returns home to host the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (5-3) for a weekend doubleheader. The games are Friday at 6:45 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. from the Jack Simpson Gym.
Calgary is looking to build momentum after a decisive 3-0 road win last Saturday. They will need to be at their best against a consistent UFV program that has won all six of their previous regular-season conference matchups.
This weekend marks the final chance for Calgary sports fans to catch their hometown Dinos in action before the holiday hiatus, with championship aspirations clearly in sight for multiple teams.
