THIS WEEKEND: Saskatchewan at UBC, Fri. & Sat., Feb. 4 & 5, 7:00 p.m., Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
A LOOK AT THE T-BIRDS
The UBC Thunderbirds had the opportunity to take a leap up the incredibly tight Canada West standings last weekend, beginning their series against Lethbridge two points out of second place. But a host of injuries caught up to the 'Birds in Lethbridge and the Pronghorns swept UBC - marking the first time all season that the T-Birds have gone without a single point in a series.
UBC came into the game with four defencemen but early into Friday's game, they were down to three when
Matt Pepe went down with an injury. Forwards
Ben Schmidt and
Scott Wasden manned the blueline for the duration of the weekend.
The 'Birds also lost forward
Wyatt Hamilton in Lethbridge. Hamilton could be out for the season, which puts considerable strain on an already ailing team. Hamilton is one of the most physical Thunderbirds and will be missed.
Whether the Thunderbirds head into the games with Huskies dressing three or four defencemen won't affect the team's attitude. They are still just two points out of fourth place and the final playoff spot. They are also only four points out of second, and six points out of first. UBC has the opportunity to host a playoff series for the first time in over two decades, but it will require a supreme effort in the face of adversity. And the second place Huskies aren't going to make it easy.
Nevertheless, leaders like
Justin McCrae, who is among the top ten scorers in Canada West, will be called upon to step up. Top contributors like forward
Max Grassi and goaltender
Jordan White will have to be at the top of their games as well. In addition, surging players like
Tyler Ruel,
Matthew Schneider and
Brandon Campos will have to continue playing their best hockey of the year.
A LOOK AT THE HUSKIES
Saskatchewan has been a dangerous team all year, but with a shot at first place on the line, the Huskies arrive at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with extra fire in their eyes. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Huskies are two points behind first place Alberta, who have lost their last three games. Saskatchewan smells blood, and will be anxious to boost their spot in the standings at the Thunderbirds' expense.
Forward Steven DaSilva's 22 points in 20 games places him fifth among scorers in Canada West, while linemate Kyle Bortis's point-per-game pace over the same span has him among the top ten as well. But as potent as Saskatchewan's offence is, the second best in the conference, their defence might be even better.
The Huskies' 47 goals against makes them the stingiest team in Canada West. All of their regular skaters have positive plus/minus ratings, including top defencemen Ryan Funk and Brett Ward, who are +12 and +10, respectively.
The University of Saskatchewan's last line of defence, goaltender David Reekie, has also had an impressive year. In 15 games, the netminder has a save percentage of .919 and a goals against average of 2.39 with one shutout.
COACH DRAGICEVIC ON...
His team's outlook in the face of adversity:
“Absolutely we're optimistic. We know there's a way we have to play. It's an opportunity for other guys to step up. I told the guys before the weekend, we could do something that hasn't been done here for a long time, and that's finish first, second, or third. We had that opportunity and we didn't do it, but we have six games left. Saskatchewan is a team we're trying to catch, and we want to get back into the win column.”
Heading into the regular season's stretch drive:
“This is a chance for us as a hockey team to take the next step. We have to move forward and think positively. For us to be considered a top four team in Canada West, these next six games are going to determine where we're going to finish at the end of the season. If we want to be taken really seriously and be with the elite, then we need to show everyone and show ourselves how good of a team and how good of a program we really are.”
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