The Matchup

The UBC Thunderbirds (15-3-2-0) face yet another stiff test away from home this weekend visiting the Saskatchewan Huskies (9-7-2-2) Friday and Saturday, January 20th and 21st.

It's the first meeting between the two since the season opening weekend in early October when the T-Birds earned a home ice split before embarking on their historic 15-game win streak. UBC enters this weekend with a ten-point lead over Alberta for first in the Canada West while the Huskies continue to battle for a home-ice playoff berth currently five points behind third place Manitoba with just eight games remaining in the regular season.

Puck drop both nights is 5:00 p.m. PT at Rutherford Rink in Saskatoon.
 

Last Action

After dropping consecutive games for the first time all season and being shutout for the first time 2-0 in Winnipeg last Friday, the 'Birds rebounded with a 4-3 win over the Bisons Saturday. Haneet Parhar scored twice and added an assist finshing with a +3 rating in the win.



Saskatchewan split a weekend series against the Dinos in Calgary last weekend. Cassidy Hendricks made 22 saves in a 5-1 Huskies win Friday night while Kori Herner scored the lone Saskatchewan goal in a 3-1 loss Saturday.
 

By the Numbers

35 – The T-Birds have a Canada West leading goal differential of 35, ten better than second best Manitoba. UBC also has a conference best 34 road goals.

4 – UBC's offence continues to impress with four Thunderbirds in top ten conference scoring (Cassandra Vilgrain, Nicole Saxvik, Kelly Murray, and Haneet Parhar).
 

Players to Watch

Haneet Parhar (#12, F) – Fresh off her second three-point game of the season, Parhar has set a new career best in assists with eight and points with 15 while sitting fourth in overall team scoring.



Kathleen Cahoon (#74, F) – After missing the last three games due to injury, the fourth-year forward is expected to return Friday providing a big boost on offence. Her seven goals has her tied with Parhar for second on the team.

Coach's Take

 
UBC head coach Graham Thomas welcomes the challenge of yet another tough road weekend against a top team in the conference.

"It's a tough barn to play in," said Thomas. "We've been focussing in on being ready to be up against a big challenge with back-to-back road trips and still dealing with some injuries."

W??F Top 10 pic.twitter.com/INWbPljkLh

— U SPORTS (@USPORTSca) January 17, 2017

While Cahoon is expected to return to the lineup Friday, the T-Birds will still likely be without some other key skaters in Cassandra Vilgrain and Mairead Bast. But Thomas says his veteran group has been stepping up in their absence.

"You never really know who is going to step up on any given night which is a great strength to have. We're looking forward to the challenge, they're a good, hard working, tough team."

Despite the fact the Huskies handed UBC a rare loss at home back in October, Thomas says that doesn't factor into his team's preparation.

"We just have to keep focussing on us but it does remind us that we have to respect our opponents," said Thomas. "Sometimes I think we got a little too comfortable with that cushion lead on first place. Any team can beat us on any night and we have to be aware of that."