Trojans don't get the bounces in outdoor game

FALUN, ALTA., (Feb. 22, 2020) - The experience was one to remember. The result was not.

The SAIT Trojans took on the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings out in the open on Saturday, as the teams took part in the 2020 Falun Outdoor Classic in Falun, Alta. After all was said and done, SAIT fell to the Vikings, 4-1.

"It was a very cool experience," said Trojans forward Jared Power (1st year, Calgary, Business Administration). "Even going out in warmups with toques on and checking out the ice with a breeze on your face. It was a fun experience, but it would have been a lot better if we got the win."

SAIT falls to 12-10-1-3 on the season, while Augustana improves to 12-13-1.

In the opening period, play was delayed early on as ice conditions became choppy, forcing organizers to call a halt to fix holes in the ice. More work was done in between periods, but the damage was done, forcing both teams to think creatively when moving the puck.

"Both teams kind of took turns trying to flip the puck as far as they could," said Trojans defenceman Kevin Massy (4th year, Vernon, BC, Bachelor of Business Administration). The ice was a little disappointing, but it is what it is."

Augustana was able to score twice in the opening frame to take an early lead.

The second period saw both teams get their chances, but no one could count, keeping the score 2-0 after 40 minutes of play. 

In the third, the Vikings scored early in the period to extend their lead to 3-0 before scoring an empty-net marker with just over a minute left to go up 4-0.

SAIT's Jackson McKinstry (3rd year, Calgary, Bachelor of Business Administration) spoiled Vikings goalie Curtis Skip's shutout bid by scoring with 33 seconds left to cut the lead to 4-1.

"I think we had good zone pressure all game, but we just had some defensive lapses where we let them get in on (goalie Kyle Dumba) along," Massy said. "Their goalie played well, so you have to give him credit. We had our chances to score but couldn't do it."

SAIT will move back indoors for their next set of games, scheduled for next weekend against Red Deer College - Friday night on the road, Saturday night at home at 7pm.