The Matchup
Hungry for points, the UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey team (4-8-0) is back home starting a crucial four-game home stand to close out the first half of the Canada West season hosting the Mount Royal Cougars (7-5-0) Friday and Saturday, November 25
th and 26
th, at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
Just two points back of Manitoba for sixth place in the conference, the T-Birds are looking to get back to their winning ways with a 3-1 record on home ice so far this season having won their last two in Vancouver earlier this month.
Puck drop Friday is 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch set for 4:00 p.m. PT.
Last Action
The Thunderbirds had a rough weekend in Regina dropping a pair of games to the Cougars including a 6-1 loss last Friday. Saturday's rematch saw UBC battle back from a 3-0 second period deficit to close within a single goal but fell 4-3.
Mount Royal was swept by the Lethbridge Pronghorns in a home-and-home series last weekend, the second time the Cougars have suffered back-to-back losses this season.
By the Numbers
4 – The Thunderbirds love to score at Doug Mitchell averaging four goals per game at home.
15 – UBC has allowed a Canada West high 15 power play goals against. Facing the conference's second-best power play in Mount Royal, the T-Birds will need to play with discipline.
Players to Watch
Jerret Smith (#29, D) – The rookie defenceman leads all UBC blue liners in points with nine and sits second in the Canada West with eight assists and in plus/minus at a +8.
Chase Clayton (#22, F) – The second-year forward has already set new career highs in goals (3), assists (3), and points. One of UBC's top penalty killers, Clayton has scored both of the T-Birds' two shorthanded goals this season.
Coach's Take
Despite the struggles away from home, UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon remains positive as they stick to the process of developing as the year progresses.
"Everybody is sticking together," said Butenschon. "Any time we've struggled on a weekend we've worked really hard in practice the following week. I've been very impressed with our leadership from day one in training camp and they continue to impress me with their dedication and work ethic."
With four straight games at home to close out the first half of the season, Butenschon is looking forward to putting a grueling schedule behind them that saw four of the first six weeks played on the road.
"It's definitely nice to be at home but it won't make it any easier to get wins either, we still have to execute. One thing we can work on this weekend is getting to second pucks, getting to rebounds. Most goals are scored off rebounds so we have to be outstanding in that department."
