The Airdrie CFR Chemicals Bisons kick-started their preseason yesterday (September 10) with the first annual Ron Ebbesen Memorial Red and White Game.

The top 40 players from the Bisons' main camp suited up in the intersquad game in front of fans and family at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. Head Coach Dan Gendur said he was impressed with what he saw at the game.

"It was a great game last night. Tight checking, it was physical, guys were working hard. Definitely some guys that have been playing well, looking very good going into this exhibition season."

Team Red opened up the scoring in the first period thanks to a goal from former Airdrie Xtreme Jett Jones. Team White eventually tied it up and took a two goal lead thanks to goals from Joel Shoemaker, Paton Rothenbusch, and Ben Nemish.

Cochrane's Ethan Strang was given credit for Team Red's second goal late in the third period, but that was as close as they get when Team White captured a 3-2 victory.

The day ended in a fun shootout where 12 skaters had the chance to show their best one-on-one skills.

All fun aside, Gendur knows that he and the coaching staff still have some tough decisions to make as more cuts will come over the preseason. He hopes that the player that don't make the final roster see it as a growing opportunity and not the end of a dream

"We're looking for a specific player in a specific spot. It could be something along the lines of they need another year of development at a lower level, where they can utilize their skills better and be better prepared for our team next season."

The preseason continues for the Bisons when they travel to the Winsport Arenas in Calgary for four games in four days starting on September 14th.

 

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