The UBC Thunderbirds snapped a four-game losing streak by upsetting Canada West's top team, the Saskatchewan Huskies, 3-1 at Doug Mitchell Arena. The win also brought another streak to an end, as the Huskies came into Saturday night winners of their last five.
“Saskatchewan is the best team in the conference, but we've always known we can compete with any team in this league,” said UBC head coach Nancy Wilson. “We've beaten Alberta and Calgary, so we know we can compete, it's just a matter of bringing that smart team play, enthusiasm, and work ethic for 60 minutes.”
UBC's top scorer,
Kaitlin Imai, opened the scoring when she pounced on a loose puck in front of Saskatchewan goalie Mackenzie Rizos, putting the puck top shelf over the downed keeper.
Backed by the outstanding play of goalie
Melinda Choy, UBC took that 1-0 lead into the final period against Saskatchewan.
But Huskies sniper Breanne George finally got the goal she was hunting for in the third period, roofing a backhander on a goalmouth scramble to tie the game.
“Part of our problem was that in the past we were nervous going into the third period,” said Wilson. “But today we played a strong game from the goalie out. When they tied it up, we didn't back off, we just kept pushing forward. Tonight we decided there would be no fear.”
Having blown third period leads in three of their last four games, there was reason to worry that the T-Birds hadn't gotten the comeback monkey off their backs quite yet. But
Kelsey Kirkham proved any doubters wrong.
Kirkham scored a brilliant backhander off a precision feed from
Kaylee Chanakos to restore the UBC lead once and for all.
“Tonight, Kelsey did an outstanding job,” said Wilson. “She's the leader on that line, and if she's skating that whole line is effective.”
Tatiana Rafter added an insurance marker on the power play, giving her two points on the night, and securing the two goal lead the Blue and Gold would not relinquish.
“It's been six games where we went into the third period either tied or ahead and lost. We needed to prove to each other that we could turn this around,” said Wilson. “When we stick to our gameplan – a good forecheck, solid defensive play, and capitalizing on our opportunities – we can put pressure on their defense. That's what we did tonight. We know the jinx is over.”
Next up, the Thunderbirds head to Manitoba to take on the Bisons on November 19 and 20.
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