The University of British Columbia Athletics

REGINA – The UBC Thunderbirds scored two power play goals less than a minute apart in the first period and cruised to a 3-1 win over the Regina Cougars in Canada West women's hockey action at The Co-Operators Centre on Saturday night.
 
Tamara Pickford scored with the man advantage with just over three minutes left first, Lauren Ruggiero and Kirsten Mihalcheon picked up the assists. Emily Grainger struck exactly a minute later, giving the Thunderbirds a 2-0 lead after being set up by Ashley Henry and Kaylee Chanakos.
 
Kaitlin Imai extended UBC's lead to three with a goal eight minutes into the second, scoring what would be the lone even strength goal of the night.
 
Katelyn Kennedy notched her second of the season with the Cougars shorthanded to cut the deficit to two goals with six minutes left in the third, but that would be the only offence the U of R generated on the night.
 
Melinda Choy was solid between the pipes for UBC, stopping 35 shots to help the Thunderbirds improve to 5-12-1 on the season.
 
Fourth-year goaltender Lisa Urban made 25 saves for Regina (6-10-2). The Cougars were scoreless on their eight power play opportunities, while UBC was 2-for-7 with the man advantage.
 
The Thunderbirds return home to host Lethbridge January 28-29, puck drop 7 p.m. Regina takes to the road and to face the Manitoba Bisons.
 
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