2018 in the Alberta Midget Hockey League didn`t end as the Airdrie CFR Bisons hoped it would.  

Last night, the Bisons travelled to Okotoks and dropped a 4 - 1 decision to the Oilers.

Cochrane's Ty Mueller got the only Airdrie goal as Okotoks pulled to within one point of the Bisons in sixth place in the Chrysler Division of the league.  Airdrie`s record falls to 12 - 10 and 2.

While regular season play doesn't resume until Jan. 5, don`t think that the Bisons will be sitting around eating chocolates and digesting turkey. Airdrie is one of 25 teams that will vie for the Mac's trophy from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.  The Bisons are in Pool 5 which includes the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, New York Junior Islanders, Saskatoon Contacts and Thompson Blazers.

On Boxing Day, they`ll begin round-robin play against the Thompson Blazers. Game time is 12:15 p.m. at the Father David Bauer Arena.

Round-robin play continues against the Islanders Dec. 27, the Contacts on Dec. 28 and the Rangers on Dec. 29.

Playoffs follow and the final is on New Year's Day at the Saddledome.

In last year's Mac's tourney the Bisons finished with a 1-3 record but were in every game they played.  

Unfortunately, this year's tournament will be an all-male affair due to low registration for the female division. Nor, surprisingly, are there any international teams. Organizers suggest the high cost of travel is the reason. 

There are eight Cochrane players on the Bisons roster.