Huskies dropped by Bisons

Liam Schioler got the Bisons on the board just three minutes into the second period and then things got worse for the home team.

Bisons’ defender Ryan Carlson picked up the puck at 10:52 on a giveaway and broke in alone on Huskies’ goaltender Roddy Ross and beat him high stick side.

Just 25 seconds later, Linden McCorrister beat Ross and padded the Bisons lead to 3-0.

“There are certain things that are non-negotiable that we didn’t do tonight, and it showed,” said Gordie Ballhorn, Huskies captain. “We just have to be prepared. There is no excuse for bad work ethic.”

That goal ended Ross’ night. He finished with nine saves on 12 shots in just over 31 minutes of action. Babcock pulling Ross wasn’t on his goaltender’s game, but rather looking for a spark for his team. Jordan Kooy came into the game in relief and stopped all nine shots he faced in 26 minutes of action.

“It was about that we were down 3-0 and it isn’t going anywhere, so what else am I going to change. So, we changed that up,” said Babcock.

The Huskies tried to battle their way back in the third period, but the comeback was just too late.

Jaxon Kaluski scored his 12th of the season early in the frame. The Huskies continued to press but couldn’t bury their power play opportunities or finish their many chances at loose pucks around the crease.

“Bottom line is you have to score. We had multiple opportunities to bury it and we didn’t finish,” said Babcock. “Our power play has been zinging around and suddenly it wasn’t. Give them credit, but we didn’t execute on our entries, and we didn’t execute off face-offs. I just didn’t think we executed at a high enough level.”

Jared Dmytriw notched his sixth of the season with 30 seconds left in the game and the Huskies scrambled to get the equalizer late, but couldn’t beat Bisons’ goaltender Brett Murphy, who made his USports debut.

“He proved that he can be in this league,” said Ballhorn. It doesn’t matter who he is if we can’t get bodies in front of him.”

The Huskies lost another key forward to injury this game. Wyatt Johnson, who is a fifth-year player and will graduate this year, was bumped in the second period and didn’t return. The team is already down Dawson Holt and Chantz Petruic to significant injuries.

“It sucks to lose Wyatt, but more opportunity for guys to step up in the line-up and show what they can do,” said Ballhorn. “Going down the stretch, it is going to take everyone, no matter where you’re playing. Guys have to bring it, no matter the situation.”

Ballhorn returned to the lineup after missing quite a bit of time with an upper-body injury. He used his time off the ice to watch and help his teammates from above.

“I hate watching … I can’t stand being up there and not being able to do anything to help the team. It was great to be back in and get back with the guys,” he said. “You get to see more of a complete game when you are watching from above. You can see some of the habits some of the guys are forming, whether that’s good or bad. I try to do my part in leading from a different position.”

The Huskies were also down a key defenseman in Connor Hobbs who is out with a knee injury but should return for the playoffs. Saskatchewan has more depth available on their blueline right now, especially with Ballhorn coming back.

“Our defensive depth is some of the best in the country and it sucks that Connor is out, but I expect him to be back for the playoffs and rolling on all cylinders like he has been for us,” said Ballhorn.

Right now, Babcock has Parker Gavlas and Jeff Faith playing forward, but both are natural defenders as well.

Despite the injuries, the team is going to have to figure out a way to win games with who they have on the roster.

“These are the guys we have going forward,” said Ballhorn. “We aren’t adding anybody else and this is the team. Guys have to buy into their roles. Work ethic is a big thing and that has to improve.”

The Huskies know what’s on the line when they face the Bisons again on Saturday afternoon (5 p.m., Merlis Belsher Place) and they will look to secure a home playoff spot.

“It’s a must-win. If we want to be at home in the first round, we have to win,” said Ballhorn. “At this point, we are going to have to work our way through everybody. It doesn’t matter if we are on the road in the first round, we are going to come to play.”

by Katie Brickman-Young

Huskies dropped by Bisons

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