WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Bisons packed up and travelled to Montreal on Thursday ahead of this Saturday’s Uteck Bowl.
The Bisons punched their ticket to the semi-final against the Montreal Carabins when they upset the Calgary Dinos last week 27-15 to capture the Hardy Cup at McMahon Stadium.
The Bisons held practise earlier this week at the University of Winnipeg across town and at the Indoor Soccer Complex due to Investors Group Field being under a layer of snow.
Head coach Brian Dobie said both facilities, particularly the Wesmen, have been more than accommodating to ensure the Bisons had space.
It’s the first-ever meeting between Manitoba and Montreal in football, with the Bisons going in with a 4-2 regular season record at home and 0-0 on the road. The Carabins are ranked #2 in the country (regular season 7-1; playoffs 2-0).
The winner heads to the Vanier Cup on Saturday, November 29 — something the Bisons last won during the 2007 season.
“This is a stage you want to be on,” Dobie said. “You want to be on the national stage, and we’ve been in this rodeo before. As I say to our players, this is what you are all here for and you’re chasing your dream — this is your opportunity — and everybody is focused and on board. It’s an exciting time for sure.”
Kickoff on Saturday is 11:30 a.m. CT on Sportsnet 360 and Radio Canada. The game will also be streamed live at CIS-SIC.tv.
Fans who can’t travel to Montreal can watch the game in the Boston Pizza lounge at 2729 Pembina Highway. Doors open at 11 a.m. and prizes will be up for grabs.
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