After witnessing their terrific start to the season come to a halt last week in Calgary, the UBC Thunderbirds are looking to get back on the winning track with another strong test as they visit the defending U SPORTS national champion Alberta Golden Bears Friday and Saturday, October 26th and 27th at Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton.
The 'Birds are looking to regroup after a getting outscored by a combined 13-4 margin last weekend. UBC is expected to get some healthy bodies back into the lineup which should provide an added boost in one of the toughest arenas to play in in the entire country.
UBC and Alberta last met in early September when they both took part in the Vancouver Canucks' Young Stars Classic in Penticton where the two split the two-game preseason series.
The 'Birds and Bears are currently tied for second in the early season Canada West standings with eight points apiece, two back of the leading Saskatchewan Huskies.
Puck drop both Friday and Saturday is 7:00 p.m. PT.
Last Action
The T-Birds saw their 4-0 start to 2018-19 snapped by way of a 5-2 loss to the Calgary Dinos last Friday. The home team completed the weekend sweep with an 8-2 decision on Saturday.
The Golden Bears swept their home-and-home series with the Mount Royal Cougars but needed overtime both nights to secure the win.
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By the Numbers
30.8 – The 'Birds are seeing outstanding success on special teams so far this season, boasting the Canada West's best power play at 30.8%. UBC's penalty kill has been simply incredible having allowed just one goal against for a success rate of 96.6%. The 'Birds have killed off 24 straight penalties going into Friday.
72 – UBC has been playing disciplined so far this season amassing 72 penalty minutes, the second lowest total in the conference.
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Players to Watch
Carter Popoff (#42, F) – The third-year forward has had an outstanding start to the season with another goal and assist last Saturday in Calgary. His four goals and six points has him second in both categories on the 'Birds roster. Three of Popoff's four goals have come on the power play, tops in the conference.
Steven Hodges (#11, F) – The rookie has three points through his first three games with the T-Birds along with a +2 rating.
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Coach's Take
A weekend like the 'Birds had in Calgary can really make a team go one of two ways, but it's been nothing but positive for UBC with the entire group ready to put in the work needed to ensure a better outcome.
"Last weekend really highlighted some things we need to work on and the guys have been really receptive and they want to get better," said UBC assistant coach
Kelvin Cech. "We've had really good practices and the vibe is nice when you're winning but it says a lot about the character of your team when you go through a couple rough games."
There's no surprise Alberta has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to high-end talent, but their active blue line makes them even more difficult to defend against.
"Their D always seem to have a few goals against us every weekend," added Cech. "You're defending five guys, they all get involved. Recognizing that and taking care of the d zone first and foremost and then just getting really gritty and trying to get to the middle of the ice in the offensive zone is key."
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