The Golden Bears put the transmission in cruise-control last weekend. Alberta outscored Regina 11-4 and out-shot the Cougars 85-41 in a two game set at the Clare Drake. Alberta simply dominated. However, there were moments in both games where the Cougars were actually able to mount some pressure. This was mostly due to the Bears relaxing rather than a forced turn in momentum applied by Regina. With the recent additions of players like Jason Fram, Cole Sanford, and Todd Fiddler to an already impressive group of rookies, this Bear’s team is probably the most talented, top to bottom, I have watched in my 4 1/2 seasons of going to the games. Once all the new talent becomes comfortable, watch out!
The Golden Bears have an advantage in recruiting. That is what happens when historically you are the most successful program in Canadian university hockey. The chart above represents the roster Regina iced last weekend versus the Alberta. The chart displays each player and their most prolific offensive season in junior (whether Major Junior, Junior ‘A’, or other) prior to joining the Cougars. The chart below represents the University of Alberta Golden Bears. You will note that the percentage of Bears coming from Major Junior is higher with only Tanner Clarkson joining the program from Junior ‘A’ and the rest coming from WHL. However, the biggest difference is the scoring prowess of the players when they were in junior hockey. The Bears have a former WHL 50 goal scorer (Sanford), two players who have scored 90+ points in the WHL (Sanford, Baillie), and a 48 goal man (Fiddler). This is on top of players like Philp, Crooks, Hart, and Rachinski who also put up decent to very good numbers in the WHL. Regina featured one player (Fowlie) who scored more than 10 goals in the Western League. Based on the quality of talent the Bears should dominate the Cougars.
It should also be noted that of the 18 skaters Alberta dressed, 50% are in their first U Sports/Canada West season. The rookies included forwards Baillie, Sanford, Fiddler, & Philp. Coach Serge Lajoie should be commended for blending in a massive influx of rookies throughout the lineup. The inexperience is evident at times, but overall the team has looked solid. Despite the infusion of youth Alberta is still ranked in the U Sports top 10. Once these talented players become fully acclimated this team will be a treat to watch and will ascend the rankings further. It is a great time to be a fan of the Bears.
Post Script
Below is a similar chart to the ones above displaying some forwards from the University of Calgary. As you can see the Dinos represent a much tougher challenge for the Golden Bears.
Notes
- The Bears maintained their 6th position in the U Sports national rankings this week.
- Even though he has only played 4 games thus far, Jason Fram has looked excellent on Alberta’s blue-line. It is easy to see why he was invited to try out for the San Jose Sharks.
- Cole Sanford is another player the Bears added after the Christmas break. He is a fun player to watch; he is a blend between offence and pest. He reminds me of a Canada West version of Brad Marchand or Brendan Gallagher. He is the kind of guy you love to have as a teammate but as an opponent you want to run head first through the glass.
Up Next
Alberta plays a home & home series against the Calgary Dinos this weekend. The Friday night game will be played in Calgary and can be viewed online at canadawest.tv. The Saturday night game will be played at the Clare Drake Arena at the University of Alberta and the puck drops at 6pm. You can get your tickets for Saturday game here.
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