Following a much needed week of rest, the UBC Thunderbirds are healthier and happy to be back at home as they host the No. 2 Saskatchewan Huskies Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10 at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
The conference wide bye week couldn't have come at a better time for a banged up 'Birds squad that dressed just 16 skaters for both games against the Alberta Golden Bears two weeks ago. UBC (5-3-0) expects to get several bodies back into the lineup this weekend, welcomed additions given Saskatchewan (7-1-0) comes into Vancouver on a six-game win streak.
Friday marks the first meeting of the season between the 'Birds and Huskies who have had some entertaining battles over the last few years. UBC swept the home portion of the 2017-18 season series and the T-Birds currently hold a three game home win streak over Saskatchewan.
The rivalry between the two isn't hurt by the fact the 'Birds have four Saskatchewan natives on the roster.
Puck drop Friday night is set for 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's game beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT.
Last Action
UBC split a weekend double header in Edmonton against the defending U SPORTS champion Alberta Golden Bears. The 'Birds scored twice in the third period to earn a 4-3 come-from-behind victory to start the weekend before the Bears answered back with a 4-1 win the following night.
The Huskies swept a home-and-home series with the Regina Cougars as Saskatchewan picked up 4-2 and 4-1 wins, respectively.
By the Numbers
39.1 – 39.1% of UBC's 23 goals so far this season have come on the power play, the biggest such margin in the conference. While the 'Birds are enjoying a Canada West leading power play clicking at 29%, they'll be looking to increase their even strength production.
1 – The 'Birds not only boast the league's best power play but also the number one penalty kill. UBC's PK is clicking at a very impressive 92.1%, having allowed just three goals against.
Players to Watch
Austin Vetterl (#17, F) – The fourth-year forward has had a tremendous start to the season, currently leading the Canada West with six goals. The former Kootenay Ice forward is tied with
Carter Popoff for the team lead in points with eight.
Maxwell James (#44, F) – James recorded his first Canada West goal and multi-point game against the Golden Bears scoring the game winner for the 'Birds in the third period. The 6-foot-4, 200 pound winger leads T-Bird rookies with four points.
Coach's Take
Perhaps somewhat hidden in the 'Birds' strong start to the season was a bit of a banged up roster that finally got a chance to rest ahead of another strong test in the Huskies.
"We had a lot of little nagging injuries and then a few guys coming off long term injury," said UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon who also had plenty of travel to deal with through the first six weeks of the Canada West season. "We got to catch our breath, took a couple days off, got some extra time in the gym, so definitely got to recharge the batteries but now it's time to prepare for Saskatchewan."
Ranked second in the country, the Huskies have been on an early season tear, powered by a mixture of speed and skill.
"They're deep, they're strong, a bunch of prairie boys who play with some bite and who can wheel around the ice," said Butenschon. "It's another big test for us. It's been a tough schedule, if we can get out of this weekend with our head above water that'll be huge while we also just try to get some more momentum."
While the 'Birds have dealt with their share of injuries among skaters, both second-year goaltender
Rylan Toth and rookie
Patrick Dea have been consistently solid between the pipes.
"(Dea)'s been working well with our goalie coach Lynden Sammartino and he doesn't mind working extra and it's paying off," said Butenschon, impressed with his rookie netminder. "In practice it's great to have two guys pushing each other. Both guys have been great. If Patty can continue to grow it'll be a huge asset for us."
