The hottest team in the Canada West puts their five-game winning streak to the test at home this weekend as the UBC Thunderbirds host the No. 6 Alberta Pandas Friday and Saturday, October 26th and 27th.

After losing their first game of the season, the 'Birds (4-1-1-0) have rallied off five straight victories, the last three of which have come by way of a shutout. UBC's goaltending duo of Amelia Boughn and Tory Micklash haven't allowed a goal against in over 239 minutes.



Thanks to stellar netminding and overall team defence, the 'Birds boast the Canada West's best goal differential at +12, having allowed just four goals against on the season.

The T-Birds are about to face their stiffest competition yet, however, as the Pandas (4-2-0-0) enter this weekend just two points back of first place UBC. Alberta has been riding exceptional special teams play with the conference's second best power play, clicking at 22.2%, and a penalty kill which has yet to allow a goal against.

Puck drop Friday is 12:30 p.m. PT at Father Bauer Arena for a special school day game. Saturday's rematch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 

Last Action

A pair of 4-0 shutout wins over the visiting Calgary Dinos extended UBC's win streak to five games and counting. Amelia Boughn made 20 saves for her first shutout of the season Friday while Tory Micklash stopped 15 shots Saturday for her second goose egg of the year.



The Pandas split a weekend home-and-home series with the Mount Royal Cougars. Alberta put up seven goals in a shutout win at home Friday night before dropping a 3-1 decision Saturday in Calgary.
 

By the Numbers

29 – The T-Birds have amassed 29 power play opportunities through the first six games of the season, the most in the conference. But power plays could be at a premium this weekend as the Pandas have only been shorthanded seven times.

4 – Last year's season series couldn't have been any closer between the 'Birds and Pandas with each team winning twice while all four contests went to overtime.
 

Players to Watch

Hannah Clayton-Carroll (#22, F) – The fourth-year forward had a three-point weekend against the Dinos with a goal and two assists. After leading the 'Birds in 2017-18 with 12 goals, the Vancouver native is setting the pace again this season with a team-leading three goals and five points.



Emma Hall (#10, F) – It's been an impressive start to the season for the T-Birds' rookie from Maple Ridge. She sits tied for the team lead in points with five and also boasts a +4 rating.
 

Coach's Take

The T-Birds will face their biggest test yet on the young season, and it's one the entire group is excited for to see how they stack up.

"We just need to focus on the fun and excitement of these big games and not get handcuffed by the nerves that come with them," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "This is going to be our biggest challenge so far on the year and it's good because we got some really good competition early and in preseason which prepared us well for games like this, so it won't be the first time we'll have played at this pace."



Pace will certainly be key against the Pandas, perhaps the fastest team the T-Birds will have to deal with all season.

"They're fast, they're quick and very well coached and structured," added Thomas. "We have to be ready to be moving our feet and playing with our own speed and tempo and use our size and strength. We need to continue getting a lot of pucks to the net."