The UBC Thunderbirds suffered a setback in their hot start to the season Saturday night, losing 4-1 to the Lethbridge Pronghorns.
The loss comes a night after an impressive 1-0 victory had elevated the Thunderbirds to third place in the conference. While still in third with a record of 2-2-2, UBC missed an opportunity to create space between itself and the Pronghorns, as well as Mount Royal, both of whom have five points.
It was a difficult night for UBC, who played disciplined hockey and controlled the tempo for most of the game but just couldn't find the net. Head coach
Graham Thomas was candid in his comments after the game, feeling the team may have been a bit overconfident after last night's victory.
“It was a disappointing effort,” Thomas shared. “We came out and played a really good first period, but we didn't stick to the game plan. We can't get away with playing just 20 minutes.”
Lethbridge struck early, opening the scoring just four and a half minutes in, but
Kaitlin Imai (Coquitlam, BC) quickly answered on the power play with an assist from
Nicole Saxvik (North Vancouver, BC). Unfortunately, UBC would squander four more power play opportunities in the game, continuing a trend that has to be a little concerning for Thomas (the power play fell to 6-for-28 on the year).
“We didn't bear down,” said Thomas. “We didn't make the best of our chances.”
In the second period, the Pronghorns grabbed a 2-1 lead early in the frame, and then extended it with a pair of insurance goals in the third. Pronghorns' goaltender Crystal Patterson would make 31 saves before the night was through.
For UBC,
Danielle Lemon (Madison, Wisconsin) got her second start of the year, taking her turn in the goalie rotation and stopping 24 of the 28 shots sent her way.
The Thunderbirds will look to rebound next weekend against the last place Saskatchewan Huskies, who play host to UBC Friday and Saturday night at Rutherford Rink in Saskatoon.
“There are no easy games,” warned Thomas.
