The Matchup

After dropping their first match of the season last weekend, the UBC Thunderbirds (5-1-1) continue a four-game road stint with a pair of games against the UNBC Timberwolves (3-4-3) in Prince George Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30.

This weekend marks a return to division play for the T-Birds while also wrapping up the long-distance travel portion of their schedule. The double header marks the only time the third-ranked 'Birds face UNBC this regular season. The Thunderbirds have never lost to the Timberwolves posting a perfect 10-0-0 record.

Friday's game begins at 3:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT at the North Cariboo Fields in Prince George.
 

Last Action

The Thunderbirds suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday with a 1-0 loss to the Alberta Golden Bears in Edmonton. The 'Birds outshot the Bears 17-7 including a 7-2 shots on goal margin but Alberta's Tolu Esan was the only one able to hit the back of the net.



UNBC split a weekend road trip picking up a 3-0 win over MacEwan on Saturday before dropping a 1-0 decision to the Pronghorns in Lethbridge.
 

By the Numbers

1 – In four all-time games against the Timberwolves in Prince George the T-Birds have only surrendered a single goal against. The 'Birds are 4-0 against UNBC on the road outscoring the Timberwolves by a combined 11-1 margin.

4 – The total number of goals allowed by the T-Birds this season, the lowest number in the Canada West. UBC's stingy defence is led by goalkeeper Chad Bush whose four shutouts is good for a share of the conference lead.
 

Players to Watch

Mihai Hodut (#17, M) – The rookie midfielder leads the Thunderbirds with three assists setting up two of UBC's goals in a 5-0 win over MacEwan two weeks ago.



Zach Verhoven (#8, F) – Having been on the starting 11 for six of UBC's seven conference games thus far, the second-year forward from Surrey sits second on the T-Birds only to Victory Shumbusho in shots on goal with 17. Verhoven's first goal of the season against MacEwan turned out to be the game winner.
 

Coach's Take

Having put a number in the loss column for the first time last weekend, UBC head coach Mike Mosher says it's important to remember how little details can make all the difference but he also adds they need to put the game behind them.

"For us it's a little hiccup, disappointing to have lost in Alberta but lessons learned and we get back on the horse and get on with it," said Mosher. "Hopefully we can start grinding out some more wins and gain some momentum as we head towards the playoffs."

While UBC has had tremendous success against the Timberwolves in the past, Mosher has great respect for an improving team.

"UNBC is a vastly improved team, the coach has done a really good job with that program over the last couple years."

Now at the halfway point of the Canada West season, Mosher feels his team has the tools to do something special but says it's always a work in progress.

"We're certainly strong on defence, we've got one of the best goalkeepers in the country in Chad (Bush), we don't give up a lot of chances and that's overall team defending," said Mosher. "But we also feel we can go and score goals and create chances. Overall I think we've got a really balanced team and we can get results in many different ways."