The Matchup

 
After securing their elusive first win of the season on home-ice last Friday, the UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey team is back on the road to face the Manitoba Bisons (2-2) this weekend. Puck drops on Friday, October 28 at 5:00pm (PT) and Saturday, October 29 at 5:30pm (PT) at Wayne Fleming Arena. 
 
The 'Birds and Bisons faced off four times during the 2015-16 season, with each team securing two wins. The Bisons only outscored the T-Birds by a single goal through those games, revealing just how evenly matched the two teams were. 
 

Last Action

 
The Thunderbirds were able to find the back of the net five times last Friday against Alberta, ending a three-game goal drought. However, Alberta responded the following night, handing UBC a 9-4 loss. The 'Birds remain tied for last place in Canada West, but their nine goals last weekend proved they are capable of reigniting their offence. 


 
After losing their opening two matches of the CIS season on home-ice, the Bisons rallied together last weekend to outscore the Regina cougars 11-4 through two games. Manitoba will be on the hunt for their first home-win of the season when they host the Thunderbirds. Forwards Justin Augert and Brett Strovin have had stellar starts to their seasons, logging five points apiece. 
 

By the Numbers

0 – UBC power play goals this season. Despite 26 opportunities on the man-advantage, UBC has yet to register a goal during that time. 
 
2 – Shorthanded goals UBC scored last weekend. The 'Birds appear to be having more luck while on the penalty kill than the power play, both goals were scored by Chase Clayton. 
 

Players to Watch

 
Adam Rossignol (F, #15) – Led his team with three points (one goal, two assists) during Friday night's win. Multi-point nights have been a rarity for any T-Bird this season, making Rossignol's efforts all the more impressive.


 
Chase Clayton (F, #28) – The second year Abbotsford native scored two shorthanded goals last weekend, and picked up four points over two games. He is now tied with Jarret Smith for a team leading four points. 
 

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Sven Butenschon was happy to see his team return to the scoreboard last weekend, and feels they are capable of carrying that momentum forward if they stick to more calculated brand of hockey. 


 
"What I liked [last Friday] was the compete level. We played a simple, smart hockey game and let them make the mistakes. Saturday night was a perfect example of us complicating the game, and they capitalized against us," noted Butenschon.  
 
"We're also getting Manraj Hayer back, so we will have more depth this weekend. Manitoba's got some of the more prolific scoring guys in the league, so we just have to shut those guys down, stick to the game plan, and play a smart, simple road game."