CALGARY – With two weeks left until playoffs, The No. 10 University of Calgary Dinos will face a familiar foe as they travel into enemy territory and take on the No. 7 University of Saskatchewan Huskies on Feb 1-2.
 
Four games remain for five of Canada West's playoff teams to improve their positioning and possibly claim a first round bye. Alberta sits at the top of the standings and is likely to remain there and grab the first bye. Manitoba holds on to second place and is followed by Saskatchewan, Calgary, UBC and Regina.
 
A good weekend by either the Huskies or Dinos could challenge the streaking Bisons for second. However, a poor performance by either side could allow the Thunderbirds the opportunity they need to grab an elusive home playoff series. While unlikely to climb too far up the ladder, Regina does have a chance to finish with a home playoff date as well.
 
The last time Calgary made a trip to Saskatoon, the 84 year-old Rutherford Rink was jammed pack for the 2012 Canada West Final. Ultimately it was the Huskies who came away with a Game 3 triple overtime victory, earning a trip to CIS Nationals. Facing the Huskies on the road might be exactly what the Dinos need to get into postseason mode. Calgary would like to find themselves back in Saskatoon in mid-March for the University Cup, which will be played at the much larger Credit Union Centre.
 
Last weekend, the Dinos faced one of their toughest challenges of the campaign as they played a home-and-home versus the formerly No. 1 Golden Bears. The set began in Calgary where the home side fell short in a hard fought 2-1 loss. The following night in the Alberta capital, it took a shootout to decide a winner. In only his second game as a Dinos after battling injuries for over a year, Spencer Edwards netted the shootout-winner, giving his team a weekend split.
 
While the Battle of Alberta was happening, a province over the Battle of Saskatchewan was taking place between the Huskies and Cougars. Despite having the historical advantage and being ranked nationally, the Huskies suffered a series opening 5-4 shootout loss their rivals from Regina in comeback fashion. Back at home the next night, Saskatchewan turned the tables on the Cougars as Andrew Bailey lifted his squad to a 5-4 double overtime win. The split cost the Huskies their grasp on second place in the conference, as they fell a point behind the Bisons.
 
Leading in scoring for their respective teams are fourth-year Kyle Bortis of Saskatchewan and senior Brock Nixon of the Dinos. Both forwards are familiar with each other apart from their numerous Canada West battles as both were members of the Calgary Hitmen during the 2007-08 season.  The Dinos' offence will have a chance to make some damage as they play a Huskies defence that has allowed 77 goals this year, tied for the most among playoff bound teams. Bortis and company will likely face a tougher task as the team in green could see both Dustin Butler and Jacob DeSerres by weekend's end. Both goaltenders for Calgary are coming off strong appearances against a talented Alberta club.
 
The Dinos will be back in Calgary next weekend as they wrap up the regular season against the Mount Royal Cougars. The Dinos will host the first game of the two-game set at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Feb. 7. The following night, action will shift to the Flames Community Arenas, home of the Cougars. The Huskies finish their regular season versus the Pronghorns in Lethbridge on Feb. 8-9.