VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey team will open its 2011 preseason schedule with an exciting weekend of action.
UBC hosts the Trojans of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) tonight and tomorrow night at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sport Centre.
Faceoff on both nights is at 7:00 p.m.
“Over the years, SAIT has proven to be a high calibre team and we are excited to open the exhibition season versus them,” said UBC head coach Milan Dragicevic. “We have 11 new players and they will all get a taste of the calibre of hockey and how competitive it is.”
UBC missed the Canada West playoffs last season with a record of 11-13-4 in conference play.
Last year, SAIT, located in Calgary, Alberta, finished second in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference playoffs, losing a close championship series to Mount Royal University.
The two teams met at the beginning of the preseason last year, with UBC taking both games, by scores of 4-1 and 5-2 in Vancouver.
On Sunday, UBC will take on the prospects of the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Heat at the South Surrey Arena.
Proceeds from the game will benefit the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association.
The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the opening faceoff is at 6:05 p.m.
After the game, there will be a half hour skate with players from each team for members of the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association along with a chance to meet coaches and players from off-ice.
Tickets are available exclusively through the Surrey Eagles ticket office by calling 604-531-4625 or in person at the South Surrey Arena box office located at 2199 – 148th St, Surrey, B.C.
