VANCOUVER – Three unanswered goals powered the UBC Thunderbirds to a 4-1 win over the visiting Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks Saturday afternoon at Father Bauer Arena, sweeping the two-game preseason series and making it three straight wins for the blue and gold.

Third-year forward Carter Popoff scored once and added two assists, one of them on Raymond Grewal's second period game winner, as UBC improves to 3-1 in preseason play.

Patrick Dea made 22 saves for his second exhibition win for the 'Birds while UBC outshot the Ooks 36-23.



"I knew they'd come today ready to go with a little more jump in their step and they played a real solid hockey game," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "The grit factor was impressive, it was a 4-1 game in preseason and we still had guys going out and blocking shots, it was awesome to see."

The visitors from Edmonton opened scoring for the second straight game when Ryan Piche found the back of the net just 3:43 into the first period. Unfortunately for the Ooks, Dea shut the door for the remaining 54 minutes.

After scoring the game winner in double overtime Friday night, Josh Connolly got the 'Birds on the board at the 11:07 mark of the first when he picked up a rebound off a Popoff shot. The tying goal capped off a terrific shift by the T-Birds in the Ooks' zone. Colton Kehler picked up the second assist.

UBC took the lead, which they would not relinquish, 9:36 into the second when Grewal took advantage of another rebound off a Popoff shot. Shaun Dosanjh one-timed a Michael Stenerson pass four minutes later to give the 'Birds a 3-1 lead which they carried into the final period.



NAIT's Jarid Hauptman was called for a trip seven minutes into the third sending UBC to their fourth power play chance of the game. Popoff capped off his three-point game with the man advantage goal from Joe Carvalho and Connolly to provide some added insurance.

The Popoff, Maxwell James, Kehler line was on the ice for three of UBC's four goals and looks to be developing some serious chemistry.

"We knew how tough and strong James was but he's making good plays out there," said Butenschon. "He's composed, he's asking questions and he's not shy at all. Colton Kehler, the stuff he does away from the puck right now is a real pleasure to watch. He's backchecking, blocking shots, finishing all his checks. And those guys then also help free up space for Carter to give him room to work his magic with the puck."

A second straight win over the @naitooks and a 3rd straight overall as @UBCMHKY takes it 4-1. A goal and 2 assists for @carter_popoff while @pdea01 makes 22 saves for the win pic.twitter.com/IuAJXfntR8

— Jeff Sargeant (@jeffthesarge) September 15, 2018

UBC finished the game 1-for-4 on the power play and killed off all six NAIT opportunities.

The T-Birds now prepare for their final two preseason matchups next Friday and Saturday when they host the Simon Fraser Clan and Trinity Western Spartans for the second annual Captains Cup series. UBC opens up the Canada West regular season Friday, September 28^th in Lethbridge and will host the Mount Royal Cougars for their home opener on Friday, October 12^th.