VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds are preparing for their last games of the calendar year against the Calgary Dinos this weekend in southern Alberta.
 
Calgary (4-7-3) has lost its last five, and currently sits seventh in the Canada West standings, ahead of the Regina Cougars.
 
UBC (7-4-3) is on a two-game losing streak after being swept by the Alberta Golden Bears last weekend in Vancouver. Alberta dominated the first match 5-2 and bettered the 'Birds in a high scoring contest on Saturday, winning 8-5.

UBC head coach Adam Shell spoke about what the losses have taught his team:"[They] definitely teach us what works and what doesn't. The proof is in the pudding."

"What has worked is when we're calm, and patient, and everyone is doing their jobs. When we get frustrated at the way things are going, we end up with a last weekend situation."

The losses last weekend dropped UBC to fourth in the Canada West standings. The Mt. Royal Cougars are third after they swept their weekend doubleheader against Calgary. Both teams will be trying to go into the mid-season break on a winning streak.

"Our ability to back check was exposed by Alberta," said Shell. "We don't all need heroes. It's rarely the first mistake that kills, it's the second on the third. If everyone does their jobs we have a chance against Calgary. I am confident in our ability to be successful this weekend"

'Birds points leader, Anthony Bardaro (Delta, B.C.), is sixth in the league in points with 16. UBC's Austin Vetterl (Surrey, B.C.) has 14 points in 14 games, and is tied for the lead in Canada West rookie scoring.

Forward Chris Collins has 13 points to lead the Dinos and Elgin Pearce is second on the team with 12.

Calgary and UBC have met twice already this season, splitting the mid-October series. The T-Birds took the first game 4-2 while the Dinos won the second game 3-2 in double overtime.

This weekend's games will take place at Calgary's Father David Bauer Arena. Friday's game will start at 6 p.m. PT, while Saturday's matchup will commence at 5 p.m.