The Matchup

Winners of six straight, the UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey team (6-1-1) hits the road for the second time this season visiting the Lethbridge Pronghorns (2-4-1-1) for a pair of games this weekend. Puck drop at Nicholas Sheran Arena is 6:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, November 4 and 12:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday, November 5.

Ranked the top team in U Sports for the second straight week, the T-Birds look to remain undefeated away from home against a Pronghorns team that swept UBC the last time the two met in Lethbridge last season, which included a controversial overtime loss.
 

Last Action

The Thunderbirds earned a statement sweep of the Manitoba Bisons at home last weekend with 3-2 and 6-2 wins respectively to vault into first place in the Canada West. UBC scored a combined four goals on the man advantage while shutting down the conference's top power play.



The Pronghorns swept a home-and-home series against the Dinos last weekend including a 4-3 shootout victory in Calgary Friday night. Lethbridge enters this weekend with a one point lead on Mount Royal for sixth place in the Canada West.
 

By the Numbers

28 – The Thunderbirds are tied with the Bisons for the most goals scored so far this season finding the back of the net 28 times through their first eight games.

20 – UBC leads the Canada West standings with 20 points, just two ahead of the Bisons who host the Dinos for a pair of games this weekend in Winnipeg.
 

Players to Watch

Stephanie Schaupmeyer (#23, F) – The UBC captain is coming off a five-point weekend and with eight points on the season is now just four shy of her total output from last year.



Mairead Bast (#4, D) – The rookie defenceman is enjoying early success at both ends of the ice. Her four goals leads all Canada West blue liners.
 
 

Coach's Take

UBC head coach Graham Thomas is very pleased with his team's start to the season but is emphasizing consistent preparation and focus, especially on the road.

"Things are really coming together, we're just continuing to build on our process," said Thomas. "We have a lot of confidence and momentum which is really important but knowing what's expected of us and how we work and how we prepare for every weekend remains our focus."

The birds are off to Lethvegas for two against @hornswhockey ???? #bluesteel @usportsca @cwuaa

A photo posted by UBC Women's Hockey (@ubcwhky) on Nov 3, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

The T-Birds will be without forward Mathea Fischer this weekend who is in Hungary with her native Norwegian national team competing in a 4 nations tournament.

"We want to support her with her national team, it was an easy decision for us when she asked to go, we don't want to ever hold players back from these sort of opportunities," said Thomas. "It will also open up some opportunities for others to help fill that role while she's gone."