VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds hit the road this weekend for a trio of games against NCAA Division I competition as they prepare for their Canada West season opener against Alberta on October 15.
UBC is scheduled to take on the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavs on October 2, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 3, and the Minnesota State at Mankato Mavericks on October 4. Puck drop is 5:00 p.m. PT each night.
T-Bird head coach Milan Dragicevic knew it would be imperative to get some high-level exhibition competition with Canada West league play opening this weekend but his squad not playing a league game until week three of the conference schedule.
"Every year now we go on a trip like this to play against some very good NCAA teams. We want to worry about ourselves, enjoy the experience and make sure we are one hundred percent prepared for our season opener in three weeks," said the UBC head coach.
The T-Birds first two opponents earned spots in the pre-season USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men's College Hockey Poll with Omaha earning a couple of votes while Minnesota slotted in at no. 15.
UBC will also be on the road on October 9 and 10 as they travel to Vancouver Island for a pair of exhibition contests against the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL.
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