The Matchup

The UBC Thunderbirds (13-1-2-0) return to Canada West action following the winter break hosting the Alberta Pandas (7-3-3-3) Friday and Saturday, January 6th and 7th at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

The game will serve as a Mental Health Awareness Game. Fans are encouraged to wear green and help stimulate a conversation around mental health issues.
It's a meeting of the two hottest teams in the conference as the T-Birds ride a historic 14-game win streak while the Pandas have won seven in a row and sit just one point back of Manitoba for second place, 13 points behind UBC.



Earlier this season the Thunderbirds won a pair of closely fought battles against the Pandas including a double overtime victory in Edmonton in their last meeting back on October 22nd.

Puck drop this Friday is 7:00 p.m. PT while Saturday's rematch is set for 4:00 p.m. PT.
 

Last Action

Prior to the December break, the Thunderbirds earned a pair of wins over the Dinos in Calgary, 5-2 on Friday the 2nd followed by a 6-1 win the following night. Amelia Boughn earned both wins in net as UBC completed the season series sweep of the Dinos.

Alberta closed out 2016 at home with a weekend sweep of the Saskatchewan Huskies December 2nd and 3rd. Lindsey Post made 11 saves for her third shutout of the season on the Friday while Alex Poznikoff's seventh goal of the season was the game winner in a 2-1 win on the Saturday.
 

By the Numbers

60 – The T-Birds lead the Canada West in goals with 60 through the first 16 games of the season, 11 more than the next highest total (Manitoba).



3 – UBC boasts three of the top five scorers in the Canada West in Cassandra Vilgrain, Nicole Saxvik, and Kathleen Cahoon.
 

Players to Watch

Amelia Boughn (#20, G) – It's been a terrific season so far for the rookie goaltender who sits second in Canada West wins with eight while boasting a .928 save percentage and a 1.57 goals against average.



Cassandra Vilgrain (#91, F) – Vilgrain leads the entire conference with 14 assists and her 18 points is just one off the overall scoring lead. The fourth-year forward is coming off a three point weekend in Calgary where she put up a combined 11 shots.
 

Coach's Take

Coming off of a month-long break gave the T-Birds a good mental and physical rest, something UBC head coach Graham Thomas says should help allow the team to get even more ramped up for the stretch drive towards the post-season.

"We just have to keep it going and stay consistent and stay true to our habits and preparation and what we've been working on," said Thomas. "It's a new season in many ways in the second half. Teams will be coming at us motivated and we have to be at our best and remember those things that we did well in the first half."
With Alberta playing as well as they have been, Thomas is expecting another close defensive battle this weekend.

"They're a little smaller but they're quick and have great team speed and goaltending," said Thomas. "They've always been known to have a defence first mentality but they have some high offensive skill as well, they're a solid all around team."