The Matchup
The UBC Thunderbirds (6-10-2) are home for the first time in 2017 this Friday, January 13
th, hosting the Manitoba Bisons (8-9-1) in the third annual Winter Classic, the biggest hockey game of the season and with serious implications on the line for the playoff race.
The T-Birds enter the weekend three points back of the Bisons for the Canada West's final playoff berth with ten games left in the regular season. UBC earned a weekend split the last time these two met in Winnipeg back in October and a pair of wins this weekend would be huge for either squad.
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Puck drop for the Winter Classic is set for 7:00 p.m. PT Friday at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Fans are encouraged to come early to see a charity hockey game benefitting the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre beginning at 5:25 p.m.
Saturday's rematch with the Bisons begins at 2:00 p.m. PT.
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Last Action
UBC earned three of a possible four points against the Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton last weekend. After rallying late Friday night, the 'Birds earned a point in a 4-3 overtime loss and followed that up with a 3-2 regulation win Saturday night. The Thunderbirds now have points in three of their last four games.
The Bisons earned a pair of home-ice victories over the visiting Regina Cougars last weekend. Byron Spriggs made 23 saves for the shutout in a 3-0 win Friday night while Manitoba completed the sweep with a 5-4 win Saturday.
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By the Numbers
2 – The T-Birds scored a power play goal in each of their previous games with the Bisons. The power play continues to be a focus for the 'Birds who are 22% against Manitoba but just 5.3% on the season.
96 – The T-Birds have taken just 96 minutes in penalties at home so far this season, the second lowest total in the Canada West.
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Players to Watch
Anthony Bardaro (#10, F) – Scoring three goals against Alberta last weekend, the fourth-year forward is tied for second in Canada West goals with 11 and fifth in points with 18. He also leads UBC in plus/minus with a +8.
Joe Antilla (#20, F) – The fifth-year veteran scored the game-winner late in the third period Saturday and now has points in six of his last seven games.
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Coach's Take
The Winter Classic has become an exciting tradition for the T-Birds and UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon says it's been circled on the calendar for everyone for some time.
"It's going to be on us as coaches to keep the guys focused and work on the little things that we've been doing in the last month or so," said Butenschon. "Last week in Alberta our work ethic gave us a chance to succeed, we just have to keep it simple."
With just 10 games left in the regular season there's definitely a sense of urgency within the dressing room.
"Guys are realizing that we're running out of time. We've been working hard in practice and holding guys accountable and everyone's been rising to the occasion. As long as we outwork our opponent we'll be fine."
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