The Matchup
The push for a home playoff berth is on as the No. 3 UBC Thunderbirds (13-4-3-2) visit the Saskatchewan Huskies (14-7-0-1) Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27 for a weekend doubleheader with big post-season consequences.
The T-Birds remain undefeated in 2018 and have extended their point streak to an impressive 12 games while sitting tied with the Manitoba Bisons for first in the Canada West. But the Huskies are just four points behind, currently holding down the fourth and final home berth.
Both teams have already punched their ticket to the post-season, but the battle continues for one of the top two spots which ensures a first round bye and home ice for the conference semi-finals.
The Huskies managed the rare weekend sweep in Vancouver back in November, handing the 'Birds a pair of regulation losses.
The rematch of last season's Canada West semi-final gets underway Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's final regular season meeting also at 5:00 p.m. PT, both at Saskatoon's Rutherford Rink.
Last Action
The 'Birds earned five out of a possible six points in Lethbridge last weekend picking up a 3-2 shootout win Friday night followed by a 2-1 regulation win Saturday to complete the season sweep of the Pronghorns.
Saskatchewan swept the Dinos in Calgary with a pair of shutout victories. Jessica Vance made a combined 22 saves picking up both wins in net.
By the Numbers
12 – UBC has played some tremendous defence on the road allowing just 12 goals against through 10 games away from home. The 'Birds have picked up 27 out of a possible 30 points on the road as a result.
113 – The 'Birds have been on the power play a total of 113 times, an average of 5.1 man advantages per game, by far the highest total in the Canada West.
Players to Watch
Hannah Clayton-Carroll (#22, F) – Coming off another two-point weekend, the third-year forward continues to build on her impressive season. Her 11 goals and 15 points are new career highs as she sits tied for the team lead in points and fourth in the conference.
Ireland Perrott (#23, F) – The rookie from Alberta has had an impressive first Canada West season. Four of her nine points have come on the power play where her hard shot has been a big tool for the 'Birds. Perrott sits in second in conference rookie scoring, right behind teammate
Emily Costales.
Coach's Take
A difficult schedule for the final six regular season games begins in one of the toughest arenas to play in in Rutherford Rink, but UBC head coach
Graham Thomas wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's going to reveal our mental and physical toughness," said Thomas who has successfully guided the 'Birds to a sixth straight playoff appearance. "We have to be mentally tough and find ways to have success on the weekend because these are huge points and huge games."
UBC got torched by Saskatchewan's top-end players in the two home-ice losses against the Huskies earlier in the season, and Thomas wants to see his top-end skaters come through this go around.
"Our best players have to be our best players," said Thomas. "Everyone needs to step up and there are opportunities out there but at the same time our best players need to come ready, lead by example and be ready to make plays, execute, and play in big games."
The Huskies can pounce on a team if given the opportunity, and Thomas needs to see his squad be sharp as a result.
"They're fast, they play a pretty aggressive fore check and use their speed to pressure us," said Thomas. "We need to be prepared for that pressure and to support each other and move the puck well. Last time we played them we gave up some opportunities that we shouldn't have, we have to be smart and we can't give them those opportunities."
