VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds will look for redemption this weekend when they welcome back the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, the squad that snapped the 'Birds' 27-game undefeated streak two weeks ago at Thunderbird Stadium.
Prior to the loss on Sept. 8, the Thunderbirds had not dropped a game dating back to 2011. Connor MacMillan provided Fraser Valley with the lone goal breaking the deadlock late in the game, stunning the Thunderbirds in the process. Kickoff for the rematch is set for Friday night at 7 p.m.
It didn't take long for UBC to get back into the win column, however, as the Thunderbirds rebounded nicely last week as part of the University's Homecoming weekend, dominating a home-and-home series against Trinity Western. UBC outscored Trinity 11-2 over the span of two games and now control the top spot in the Pacific Division.
With the two wins, the Thunderbirds improved to 3-1-0 on the season and remain perfect on the road. UBC midfielder
Reynold Stewart was named Canada West's First Star of the Week after his strong performance against Trinity Western, scoring three goals in two weekend victories. His three goals put him into a tie for second place in the Canada West scoring race.
The team will travel to Victoria for an away game on Saturday night against the Vikes, who are currently tied with UBC for top spot in the Pacific Division following a win against Mount Royal on Sept. 15. Kickoff against in Victoria will be at 7:15 p.m. Sunday's match will be the second time the two teams face each other this season, with UBC coming out on top 4-1 in the season opener for both schools back on Sept. 6.
UBC will look to take sole ownership of the top spot in the Pacific Division with a win and hope to improve on the teams fourth-place ranking in the CIS.
The Thunderbirds have outscored their opponents 15-4 so far this season, demonstrating the team's offensive ability and strong defensive and goaltender presence. The team will look to contain Canada West scoring leader Cam Hundal, who leads scoring with four goals through four games for the Vikes.
The Thunderbirds will remain busy as the team hosts Saskatchewan and Alberta the following weekend, which marks the halfway point in the Canada West regular season.
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