The Matchup
With points in four of their last six games, the UBC Thunderbirds (7-11-2) face a big test hosting the Canada West leading Saskatchewan Huskies (15-3-2) Friday and Saturday, January 20
th and 21st, at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
With eight games remaining in the regular season, the T-Birds enter Friday night three points behind the Manitoba Bisons for the final playoff berth in the conference.
The 'Birds and Huskies haven't met since the opening weekend of the regular season where Saskatchewan earned a pair of home ice wins.
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Last Action
The Thunderbirds split last weekend at home against the Bisons earning a come-from-behind 4-3 thrilling victory in Friday night's Winter Classic in front of a sold-out crowd of over 5,000. But the Bisons restored their lead in the standings Saturday handing UBC a 4-2 loss.
The Huskies won a pair of convincing games last weekend at home to the Calgary Dinos. Jordan Cooke made 30 saves Friday night for his fourth shutout of the season in a 4-0 win. Saskatchewan completed the sweep with an 8-2 victory Saturday night and have now won six in a row.
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By the Numbers
4 – After struggling on the power play for much of the season, UBC has scored four times on the man advantage in their last two games and have a PP goal in three straight home games.
0 – UBC has yet to allow a shorthanded goal against, the only team in the Canada West to lay such a claim. The T-Birds have scored three short handed goals of their own while the Huskies have just one.
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Players to Watch
Manraj Hayer (#9, F) – With two points in each of his last three games Hayer has a goal and six assists during his current four game point streak. The third-year forward was in on three of UBC's four PP goals last weekend.
Jerret Smith (#29, D) – The first-year defenceman continues to get the job done at both ends of the ice scoring power play goals in each of his last two games. He leads all T-Bird blue liners with 13 points and is fifth in Canada West defenceman scoring.
Coach's Take
Here is head coach
Sven Butenschon's classic take on U Sports hockey. Let it get you fired up for the big games this weekend.
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