The Matchup
It feels like it's been a long wait but the UBC Thunderbirds (1-1-0) are set for their Canada West home opener this Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14
against the ninth-ranked Calgary Dinos (1-0-1). The games will be played at Father Bauer Arena on Friday and Doug Mitchell Arena on Saturday.
This weekend features a rematch of last season's conference quarterfinal playoff series that saw the Dinos defeat the T-Birds in two closely fought games before Calgary was swept by the eventual Canada West champion Alberta Golden Bears.
Last season the Dinos took the season series 3-1 over the 'Birds with UBC splitting the two home dates, both of which were also played at Father Bauer.
Puck drop for Friday's home opener is 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT.
Last Action
UBC came home from Winnipeg last weekend with a split against the Manitoba Bisons. The 'Birds scored three times in the third period in Saturday's season opener to earn a 6-4 win followed by a 3-2 loss Sunday afternoon.
The Dinos took three of out a possible four points from a home-and-home series with the Lethbridge Pronghorns. Calgary won their season opener at home 4-1 last Friday and tied Saturday's rematch in the final minute of the third but fell 2-1 in overtime.
By the Numbers
5 – The number of power play goals scored by the 'Birds in just the first two games of the seasons on 11 combined chances. UBC's five power play markers is tops in the Canada West while their 45.5 percent efficiency is second only to Alberta.
7 – The number of Thunderbirds averaging at least a point per game.
Players to Watch
Austin Vetterl (#17, F) – The third-year forward is rocketing out of the gate with four goals in his first two games to lead the conference. Vetterl's second of the game Saturday was the eventual game winner. The Surrey native was named the Canada West's second star of the week.
Jerret Smith (#29, D) – Named to last season's Canada West all-rookie team, Smith is tied for the conference lead in points by a defenceman with three (all assists) through his first two games.
Coach's Take
After a combined 10 goals in UBC's season opener against Manitoba, the Bisons played a tighter, more controlled game on Sunday, something UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon says his team has to be better at this weekend.
"We have to be able to play a simpler game because Calgary is even more conservative and structured (compared to Manitoba) so it's going to take a smart, patient game by us," said Butenschon who is now into his second season in charge behind the 'Birds' bench.
"We have to limit turnovers in the neutral zone. We have to do a way better job of getting pucks down low, below their goal line, behind their net."
The T-Birds will play the majority of their home games at Doug Mitchell but hosting the Dinos at Father Bauer should make for a terrific atmosphere, something the 'Birds are hoping to feast on.
"Father Bauer will be bumping that's for sure with those close quarters," added Butenschon. "We're expecting a sell out so it's going to be a fun night."
