Friday: Iowa State at UBC, 7:00 p.m., Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
A look at the Thunderbirds
The UBC Thunderbirds play just a single non-conference game this weekend, a welcome respite from their schedule. The 2010-11 season has proven to be grueling, with seven of the first dozen games decided by a single goal, five of those in overtime or a shootout.
Adding pressure to each game are the tight standings in Canada West. The 'Birds are in fifth place, three points out of second, and one point out of a playoff spot. Essentially every game UBC plays this season is crucial to their post-season hopes.
The Blue and Gold are riding a wave of momentum after getting four points from two consecutive wins in their weekend sweep of the Manitoba Bison, then the no. 5 ranked team in CIS. The squad wants to carry that momentum and continue reinforcing good habits against the Iowa State Cyclones.
The game is a chance for some T-Birds who have seen limited ice time this year to make an impression on head coach Milan Dragicevic.
Graeme Gordon and
Joe Rodwell will each have a chance to make their case as the back-up to goalie
Jordan White, who gets a well-deserved break on Friday. White is the only goaltender in Canada West to have appeared in every game this season.
A look at the Cyclones
The Iowa State University Cyclones arrive at UBC ranked no. 13 in the ACHA Div. I and sporting a record of 10-10. It will be the first of three weekend games for ISU, who face Simon Fraser and Trinity Western as well before heading back south of the border.
B.C. hockey fans might be surprised to see a familiar name on defence for the Cyclones. Brody Toigo is in his freshman year at Iowa State, and will hit the ice against his brother, UBC Thunderbird blueliner
Nolan Toigo, who the 'Birds acquired fresh out of the Edmonton Oilers training camp. The brothers, who played junior hockey in the BCHL, are nephews of Vancouver Giants owner Ron Toigo. They are part of a family with deep roots in B.C. hockey.
Iowa State brings with them a reputation for a hard-hitting style of hockey. They are led by forward Mike Lebler, who tops the Cyclones with 11 goals and 21 points in 20 games. Fellow forward Jake Flynn is on a similar pace with a point per game over his 19 contests.
On the backend, defenceman Matt Bennett has 12 points in 20 games, including a crucial goal in last weekend's comeback shootout win over no. 21 Central Oklahoma. Justin Wilkinson is another top blueliner, whose steady play and leadership recently earned him the Cyclone's player of the week honours.
Coach Dragicevic on...
His team's objective against ISU:
“We're on a roll. We just want to keep it going. We're here to play and win every game. First and foremost is to play hard. We want to keep the ball rolling this weekend.”
The opportunity for players to step up:
“This is a chance for players who haven't played a lot to step up and get some game action. Guys like
Matt Wray,
Adam Maglio, and Billy Smith are going to get a lot of minutes. This is an opportunity for them to play. They should be excited to play, and they're going to be put in situations where guys like
Justin McCrae and
Marc Desloges typically play. They're going to penalty kill and play power play and get a lot of minutes.”
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