NEW WESTMINSTER – For just the second time in program history, the UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey squad enters the new season with an extra bulls eye on their collective backs, as they aim to defend as Canada West champions.
 
UBC's win over the Manitoba Bisons in last year's conference final propelled the T-Birds to the national tournament, where UBC came up just a win short of the program's first CIS title. 


 
With eight fifth-year players on their roster, including defensive stalwart Kelly Murray, the Thunderbirds are expected to fly high again this year under the guidance of bench boss Graham Thomas. 
 
UBC earned five of a possible seven first-place votes in the annual coaches pre-season poll (47 pts.) and opens the 2016-17 Canada West women's hockey season this weekend at home against the Saskatchewan Huskies. 
 

5 SLEEPS ?? Home Opener Countdown ?? Our senior class will take to the ice with the rest of the birds OCT 7th @ 7:00pm #bl33dblue #fivers pic.twitter.com/sA0Mxg3BJa

— UBC Women's Hockey (@UBCWHKY) October 2, 2016

 
2016-17 CW women's hockey pre-season coaches poll
 
Team / Points (first-place votes)
 
1. UBC / 47 (5)
2. Alberta / 39 (2)
3. Manitoba / 39 (1)
4. Regina / 35
5. Saskatchewan / 24
6. Mount Royal / 16
7. Calgary / 13
8. Lethbridge / 11
 
NOTES: Alberta earned 2nd with more 1st - place votes than Manitoba. 1st - place vote worth 7 pts., 2nd worth 6 pts. etc.