Matchup

 
U Sports' number two ranked UBC Thunderbirds (3-1-0-0) are off to Saskatchewan this weekend to face the Regina Cougars (3-1-0-0) on Friday at 6:00 PM PST and Saturday at 6:00 PM PST.
 
Head Coach Graham Thomas knows time away from home early in the season can present a tough test for a new squad.


 
"It'll be a good challenge with back-to-back road trips for the first time...kind of a mental challenge managing school, midterms and the time change. For us it'll be about consistency and working as a team - we're more focused on the process as a young group and we're impressed with how everyone is getting along."
 
UBC went a perfect four-for-four against the Cougars a season ago – including 4-3 and 3-1 victories in Regina, plus a sweep of the Cougars at home.
 

Last Action

 
The T-Birds were impressive in their two road wins in Calgary last week. Friday night saw the 'Birds storm out to a convincing 4-1 defeat of the Dinos, before following it up with a hard-fought 1-0 shutout win to pick up six points on the weekend.
 
With both Amelia Boughn and Tory Micklash getting W's under their belt, Coach Thomas is pleased with the performances by both goaltenders so far this season.


 
"Goaltending is something we've really been blessed with, it starts from the top down with our goaltender coach – Pasco Valana – and all his work training, recruiting etc. Right now Amelia and Tory are performing extremely well, the biggest thing for them is their preparation during the week - in the gym and looking at film. We've got a good healthy goalie battle going."
 
Regina earned two wins of their own to share a 3-1-0-0 record with the T-Birds atop the Canada West – topping Mt Royal 4-2 and 3-2 at home last weekend.
 

By the Numbers

 
1.87 – UBC's 1.87 goals against average over the opening two weeks of conference play is 3rd in the Canada West.
 
13 – the 'Birds are tops in the Canada West with 13 goals scored so far, and are tied with Regina for first with 3.25 goals per game.
 

Players to Watch

 
Tory Micklash – (#31, G) – the second-year Kinesiology major has only allowed 2 goals in her 3 appearances to date, and leads the league with a 0.96 GAA.


 
Jaycee Magwood – (#5, F) – Regina's top scorer has notched 4 goals and an assist in 4 games to start the year, and is a plus-five for the Cougars.
 

Coach's take

 
Coach Thomas likes how his group is developing and continuing to evolve as a unit.
 
"We've had a lot of young players in the lineup so it's been a challenge for them to be consistent and confident at the new level. There's a balance between overthinking and playing Thunderbird hockey. We're really happy with how we're progressing with a new leadership group and a brand new team."