Bears Hockey set to battle MacEwan for playoff advantage

Alberta wraps up the regular season this weekend with a home-and-home series against the MacEwan University Griffins, a series that will decide who finishes second in the West Division and, consequentially, who earns home ice for the Canada West quarterfinals. Friday’s game takes place at Clare Drake Arena before the teams meet again Saturday night at Downtown Community Arena.

The numbers are tight. Alberta sits third in the division at 10-12-4, just three points behind MacEwan. Two regulation wins would move the Bears into second. Anything less, and they are likely heading into the playoffs without home ice.

That home ice matters to this team. Alberta has been far more steady at home, posting an 8-7-0 record at Clare Drake Arena compared to 4-12-0 away from Edmonton. Playing the opening round at home would be a meaningful edge.

The Bears come into the weekend searching for traction. They are on a three-game losing streak and have won just three of their last 15 games. Last weekend’s series against the University of British Columbia (UBC) showed how fast games can slip away. Alberta stayed competitive early but struggled once games opened up, something that has followed them throughout the season. Capitalizing on power-play opportunities is a much-needed trait for the Bears if they want to hold onto their leads.

There are also lineup questions. Goaltender Ethan Kruger exited Friday’s game against UBC with an injury, and his status for the MacEwan series remains unclear. Kruger has handled a large share of the workload this season, leading the conference in games played. Whether he is available could influence how Alberta manages both games.

Still, this match up is one the Bears can point to for confidence. Alberta has won three of four meetings with MacEwan this season, including both games played at Clare Drake Arena. When Alberta keeps the game in front of them, the matchup has leaned their way.

For MacEwan, the task is simple. Avoid regulation losses and protect second place. For Alberta, the path is narrower but clear: win both games in regulation and control your own postseason setup.

This weekend is about seeding, rivalry, and gaining much-needed exit velocity into the postseason. For a team that has been far more comfortable at home than on the road, the goal is clear: win both games early.