VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds (3-6-1) will look to extend their three-game winning streak as they host the Regina Cougars (3-4-3) in a critical battle for fourth spot in the Canada West standings this weekend at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbirds Sports Centre.
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The T-Birds and Cougars are scheduled to hit the ice at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the final two CIS games at Thunderbird Arena before the rink is handed over to VANOC in preparation for the 2010 Games.
UBC comes into the weekend riding their best play of the season that has led them to three straight wins, including a sweep of the CIS no. 8 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies.
The T-Birds and Cougars, along with the Lethbridge Pronghorns, each have three wins on the season and are the three teams that look to be battling it out for the fourth and final playoff spot this season. Perennial powers, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have all got off to strong starts this season with just six loses in 32 combined games.
A look at the Thunderbirds
UBC swept Saskatchewan in their last weekend of CIS action, taming the Huskies by scores of 3-2 (SO) and 4-3. They also defeated the Seibu Princess Rabbits from Japan 3-2 in an exhibition game last weekend as they had a break from CIS play.
Tamara Pickford was a big key for the T-Birds in their wins over Saskatchewan, picking up two goals and a pair of assists. She now leads the T-Birds with 10 points (four goals, six assists) in as many games this season which is good enough to tie her for eighth in the conference. Fourth year
Lisa Bonang also had a good weekend, scoring twice, and she ranks second on the team with six points (three goals and three assists). Goalie
Melinda Choy has started all 10 games this season and sports a 3.06 GAA and .881 save percentage.
A look at the Cougars
Regina is also on a solid streak of their own and they are 2-0-2 in their last four games with a sweep of the Calgary Dinos last weekend (1-0, 5-2) and a pair of shootout losses to no. 4 ranked Manitoba (3-2, 2-1). Goal scoring, however, as been a bit of an issue for the Cougars this season as they have just 15 goals, including only 10 in their first nine games. Kelcie McCutcheon leads the squad with four goals while rookie Rianne Wright is coming off a hat trick performance in the Cougars 5-1 win over the Dinos. She has five points on the season (three goals, two assists) with Kelsie Graham leading the way on six assists. Lisa Urban has put up good numbers in net despite being the busiest goalie in the Canada West. She has faced 333 shots so far this season but still has a 2.62 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
Commemorative Olympic Venue pins available this Saturday
On Saturday night fans will have a chance to collect a commemorative Thunderbird Arena Olympic Venue pin. The UBC Thunderbirds will be handing these out for FREE, while quantities last.
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