The University of British Columbia Athletics

Saskatoon, SK - The UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey team fell 2-1 in overtime against the Saskatchewan Huskies Friday night in Saskatoon. With the loss UBC's record drops to 20-5-2, while the Huskies improve to 17-4-6 to move within two points of the Thunderbirds in the quest for top spot in the Canada West.
 
Despite successfully killing off five penalties in the final 10 minutes of regulation – and a 5-on-3 power play in overtime, Chelsey Sundby scored 3:46 into the first overtime on a wraparound to give Saskatchewan the win, earning two points with just one game remaining in the regular season schedule. The loss put an end to the Thunderbirds four game winning streak.
 
UBC did however earn an important point to remain in first place in the Canada West, just one point up on Alberta, who defeated Regina 2-1 Friday night, and two points up on Saskatchewan.
 
Following 20 minutes of play Saskatchewan led UBC 1-0 after an unfortunate bounce snuck past netminder Danielle Dube on a Saskatchewan powerplay at 9:35 of the opening frame. Shots were 10-5 in favour of Saskatchewan.
 
On a two-man advantage halfway through the second period, Thunderbirds forward Kathleen Cahoon provided a response for UBC by tipping in the equalizer and earning her first  career CIS goal. Although the 'Birds had managed to assume more possession in the second frame, Saskatchewan would wrap up the period with double their shots: 8-4.
 
Third period penalty trouble stunted any further momentum for UBC, but Dube and the UBC penalty kill unit – ranked #1 in the conference – pulled off a crucial effort to keep the game tied through regulation time. However, Saskatchewan would steal an overtime goal to pick up the 2-1 win.
 
Over the course of the game Saskatchewan capitalized on just one of 12 powerplay opportunities; the T-Birds scored on one of their five man-advantages.
 
Dube stopped 31 of 33 shots she faced on the evening, while Saskatchewan's Hendrickson stopped 15 of 16.
 
These two teams will square off in the final game of the regular season tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm (PST) in Saskatoon. A win tomorrow for UBC and they will lock up first place in the conference and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.