Following their first road series sweep since the opening weekend of the season, the UBC Thunderbirds are riding some new momentum into the final four games of 2018, starting Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24 when they host the Regina Cougars at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
It's the first of two straight home weekends to close out the calendar year, and the 'Birds (7-5-0) intend to make hay in their own barn while also getting a boost with a bit of a healthier lineup.
Each of the last two weekends UBC was forced into playing a short bench thanks to a number of injuries, but the hope is those challenging days are coming to an end.
The 'Birds enter this weekend in sole possession of fourth place in the Canada West, four points back of third place Alberta. The Cougars (2-9-1) find themselves tied with the Manitoba Bisons for last in the conference, but still with plenty of time in the season to make a playoff push.
UBC knows they'll be facing another hungry team this weekend which should make for a pair of entertaining battles. Puck drop Friday night is 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's game set for 2:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets are available online or at the door.
Last Action
The 'Birds earned the weekend sweep in Winnipeg with a pair of 4-3 wins over the Manitoba Bisons.
Josh Connolly scored the game winners in both with Friday's coming on the power play with less than three minutes left in the third while Saturday's came in double overtime.
Regina has lost six in a row after a pair of losses at home to the Calgary Dinos last weekend. The Cougars fell 7-1 Friday night and mounted a third period comeback attempt that fell short Saturday resulting in a 6-4 loss.
By the Numbers
4 – The T-Birds have had a very road heavy start to the season having played just four games on home ice heading into Friday night, the fewest in the conference.
6 – UBC carries a six-game win streak over the Cougars into this weekend's series while also having won the last seven at home against Regina.
Players to Watch
Maxwell James (#44, F) – Finishing last weekend with three goals and four points, the big rookie forward earned the Canada West men's hockey second star of the week. Clicking at a point per game pace, James' 10 points (5 G, 5 A) has him tied for the team scoring lead and second among all rookies in the conference.
Adam Rossignol (#15, F) – The fifth-year forward is off to the best start of his Canada West career with eight points through 12 games (3 G, 5 A). The former Portland Winterhawk has already eclipsed his previous season's point total and is on pace for his most productive year with the T-Birds.
Coach's Take
Sometimes going through a bit of hardship can pay off in the long run, and that's certainly the hope for the 'Birds.
"I love the vibe right now, I think with all the injuries and sickness we had, all that is behind us and we grew through those days and tough challenges," said UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon. "We've put ourselves in a good spot, we've battled really hard on the road, we've had some real tough competition and now we're coming home for the next two weeks. We have to take advantage."
The next three weeks of Canada West action for the T-Birds feature teams currently below them in the standings, but it's going to mean three weeks of relentless, hard work in order to stay in the top half of the conference.
"You need to make hay against some of the other teams you're right there fighting with," insisted Butenschon whose team won't be taking anything for granted. "These are huge pivotal games, four points every night. You got to treat your opponent with respect because it is a tight league and every team is dangerous."
As for the Cougars, hard work is exactly what the T-Birds can expect to see.
"They're hardworking, physical, strong farm country kids from Saskatchewan. They seem aggressive so hopefully we can withstand some of their pressure and transition and counter against them. It's going to take a team effort."
