The Matchup 

 
The number one ranked team in U Sports, the UBC Thunderbirds (4-1-1), will host the number seven ranked and undefeated Manitoba Bisons (6-0-0) in a rematch of last season's Canada West Finals. Puck drops on Friday, October 28 at 7:00pm (PT) and Saturday, October 29 at 2:00pm (PT) at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 
UBC emerged victorious in last year's three-game series against the Bisons, but only narrowly. Their two wins were decided by just a single goal, and they were defeated 4-1 in the second game.

The Bisons, who are the most dominant team in Canada West so far this season, will be looking for redemption this weekend.
 

Last Action

 
UBC is fresh off a successful weekend road trip in Edmonton. Although UBC walked away with the two-game sweep of the Pandas, the second contest went all the way to double OT. 


 
Manitoba has enjoyed an impressive early season at both ends of the ice. They have scored 24 goals over six games, and have only allowed four. They lead CIS in goals, assists and wins. 
 

By the Numbers

 
30 - Number of Assists by UBC players this season. This puts them just behind Manitoba at number two for total assists in all of Canada. 
 
82 - PIM the 'Birds have tallied this season. A more disciplined style of play may help the 'Birds this weekend. 
 

Players to Watch

 
Amelia Boughn (G, #20) - Has allowed just three goals in three starts, with two shutouts. Sharing duties with the talented Tory Micklash has given UBC plenty of skill between the pipes. 



Logan Boyd (F, #21) - A red-hot performance last weekend against Alberta saw Boyd light the lamp three times, with her two goals on Saturday night helping her team earn the weekend sweep. 
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Graham Thomas believes his team is capable of rising to the challenge this weekend, particularly after a strong showing in Edmonton. 


 
"We're going to have to build up from the momentum we had coming off games in Alberta. They were our best back to back-to-back games so far this season, and [we] learned a lot about playing under pressure," said Thomas.
 
"[The Bisons] are a really well coached team, and they're even better than last year. It's a [big] rematch, and it's going to be an absolute battle. They will come with a lot of energy, and we're ready to [play] at our best."