Three former Pembina Valley Hawks are enjoying the U of M Women's hockey experience. Lauryn Keen of Manitou, Jenai Buchanan of Crystal City, and Megan Neduzak of Morden play in the University Sports Canada West Division and are looking at making it past the finals this year and working toward a national championship.

Former Pembina Valley Hawks captain Lauryn keen is in her third year with the U of M Bisons and is continuing to put up the points like she did with Pembina Valley. Keen has recorded 6 goals and 19 points in 20 games this season. 

This past weekend the Bisons hosted the first place University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds and split the weekends games with them.

U of M took the first game 2-0 and dropped the second game 4-3.

"I think we came out a little flat in the first period. We gave up three quick goals off the start, which is not ideal," said Keen. "We got it together after that, and played hard for the last two periods. We needed to come out a little stronger than we did.

For the first two seasons with the team, the Bisons have made it to the Canada West finals, but haven't  been able to punch their ticket to the national championship. In her first year they lost to Alberta, and in the second year it was UBC who took the Canada West Title.

"It's been a pretty cool experience to going all the way. Hopefully we can make it to nationals this year," said Keen.

"I think we just need to be prepared to play sixty minutes every game. I think we have be a little inconsistent throughout this season. I think if we just need to learn to play sixty minutes every game and we should be good," added Keen.

Jenai Buchanan looking to keep the UBC forward on the outside this past weekend

Crystal City's Jenai Buchanan is a freshman with the University of Manitoba Bisons this season, and has seen action in 19 games this season. 

Buchanan was part of the teams win and loss this weekend against UBC at the Wayne Flemming Arena in Winnipeg. 

After three quick goals by UBC the Bisons started to get their legs and pushed back in the second and third. 

"We just weren't really moving our feet in the first period. Coach gave us a motivational speech between the first and second and it really helped," said Buchanan.

Overall the best thing for Buchanan this season has been just being able to get to know the girls on the team and play hockey.

Meanwhile, making the jump from "AAA" hockey to University hockey is quite the jump and Buchanan has welcomed the challenge.

"It's definitely a learning experience. The older girls help you out along the way and you just have to learn from experience," said Buchanan.

Megan Neduzak makes a pass out of her zone during this weekends games

It's her first year covering the blue line for the Bisons' for Morden's Megan Neduzak. In her freshman year with the team, the former Pembina Valley Hawk has suited up 16 times for U of M and has recorded one assist. 

Neduzak was part of both games this weekend against UBC and reflects on Saturday's loss. 

"I think we played an overall good game. We just didn't bring the intensity like the first game and the very first period," noted Neduzak. 

Beating not only the number one team in the Canada West Division, but the first ranked team in the country is a great feat for the team and really shows that they can skate with anyone.

"Definitely a good thing to split with them," said Neduzak. "I know the girls in the locker room were excited to win."

"It definitely gave us confidence for the next game and got us pumped for the next game," added Neduzak. 

When asked for a highlight of the year, Neduzak stated goaltender Amanda Schubert was her highlight of the year, and also really enjoyed the Europe trip. She said it was a great way to get to know and bond with the team ahead of the season.

Up next for the Women Bisons is the Lethbridge Pronghorns (4-14-2), who will come to Winnipeg next weekend for a pair of games Friday (7:00 p.m.) and Saturday (1:00 p.m.).