The Matchup

 
The UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey team (1-1-0) will host the Calgary Dinos (0-1-1) at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on Friday, October 14 at 7:00pm (PT) and Saturday, October 15 at 3:00pm (PT).
 
UBC dominated the Dinos in their first two meetings of the 2015-16 season, outscoring them 8-1. However, when the two teams faced off for their second set of games last November, UBC narrowly escaped with a 3-2 win in the first match, and lost in double-OT the following night. 


 
With both teams looking to recover from disappointing losses last Saturday, this weekend's games are sure to be hard fought. 
 

Last Action

 
Both UBC and Calgary had stellar pre-seasons, with the 'Birds going 6-0 and the Dinos averaging three goals-per-game. 
 
Last weekend marked the season opening contests for Calgary and UBC, and proved to be a wake up call for both teams. Calgary fell to the Alberta Pandas 3-2 in OT on Friday night, and suffered a 6-0 thrashing the following evening. 


 
The Thunderbirds started off with a well deserved 4-0 shutout against the Saskatchewan Huskies in their season opener, but the Huskies regrouped the next afternoon and secured a 5-3 win. 
 

By the Numbers

 
9 – number of T-Birds who recorded points during UBC's opening two matchups, totaling seven goals and 11 assists. 
 
26 – Minutes that Thunderbirds players have spent in the penalty box over two games. Two of Saskatchewan's five goals came on the power-play, and one from a penalty shot. 
 

Players to Watch

 
Cassandra Vilgrain (#91, F) – With three goals and two assists in her first two CIS games, Vilgrain was named Canada West's first star of the week. The University of New Hampshire transfer is already proving to be one of the most dominant players in the division. 

The @CWUAA first star of the week talks #Olympic inspiration and her @NHL father. https://t.co/qyKoXeZ1N2 via @theprovince @htsumura

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 12, 2016

 
Nicole Saxvik (#6, F) – Saxvik has already logged an impressive one goal and four assists. She picked up points on each of Vilgrain's goals, indicating the pair may be a lethal duo this season. 
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Graham Thomas predicts a competitive series against the Dinos, but believes that his team is capable of handling the pressure.
 
"We always have really good competition with the Dinos. They're a really well coached team with some good first-year players.  It's going to be a battle," said Thomas. 
 
"For us, we need to be better right from the start of the game for [a full] 60-minutes. We need to bring that same compete level right from puck drop until the final buzzer. It's a huge focus for us."