The Matchup

Redemption is the name of the game for the UBC Thunderbirds (1-3-0) as they get set for a second straight home double header this Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21 when the Regina Cougars (1-2-1) come to town.

After a rough home opening weekend, the 'Birds are re-grouping while also hoping to get healthier having to dress just ten forwards last Saturday against the Dinos.
Last season the 'Birds split the season series with the Cougars while winning both games in Vancouver by a combined 9-3 score.



The T-Birds will be looking to make the most of this final home weekend in nearly a month with two straight road trips and a bye week coming up.
Puck drop against the Cougars Friday night is 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch at 2:00 p.m. PT, both at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 

Last Action

The Thunderbirds surrendered a total of 13 goals while scoring just once in a pair of home ice losses against the Calgary Dinos last weekend. Tyler Sandhu scored his first as a T-Bird, the only UBC goal in a 6-1 loss Friday which was followed up by a 7-0 shutout Saturday.

Regina lost back-to-back shootouts to the Mount Royal Cougars in Calgary last weekend. Regina lost 7-6 Friday night and scored three times in the third on Saturday to force overtime, eventually falling 5-4.
 

By the Numbers

29 – The number of times UBC has been shorthanded through the first four games of the season, the most power play opportunities given up by any team in the conference. Regina has given up the second most chances with 24.

5 – The 'Birds have won five straight games against the Cougars in Vancouver with points in six straight. Regina hasn't posted a regulation win over UBC on the road since a 1-0 victory on October 19, 2013.
 

Players to Watch

Tyler Sandhu (#19, F) – Scoring his first Canada West goal last Friday, Sandhu's three points leads all Thunderbirds rookies.   

Nick Buonassisi (#12, F) – The fifth-year forward put up three points in UBC's season opening win in Manitoba and continues to lead the 'Birds in shots with 14.
 

Coach's Take

After a tough weekend against Calgary, the 'Birds got right back to work in order to address changes that need to be made before Friday night.

"We pointed out a lot of issues in our game on video and the guys knew it just wasn't good enough from structure to discipline to just making plays," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "I think we've gotten better in all those areas and now it's just a matter of putting it together for a game situation."



If the first two weeks of the Canada West season have told us anything it's that the conference might be tighter than ever with eight solid teams that have all improved.

"It's going to be an absolute dog fight," said Butenschon who feels the Cougars are also going to be a lot tougher to play against this year compared to last. "They've got good defence, they've got a great young goaltender who is athletic and can win games by himself. We have to get into his face, get traffic in front of the net."

The 'Birds have been plagued with injuries but it's forced other skaters to fill the void, especially on special teams, something that can be a big benefit later on.

"It just helps your overall culture and gets the dressing room and the bench going when you see other guys, young guys step up and get the job done," said Butenschon. "There are valuable lessons you can learn early in the season and once we roll into the later part of the season and into playoffs it's all set into action, so long as you come out of it at least within striking distance of other teams."