MANKATO, Minn. – The UBC Thunderbirds dropped their Minnesota preseason tour, 2-0 to the Minnesota State Mavericks Saturday afternoon at Verizon Center.
"We played well and it was a solid first game as a team, we saw some good things to build on," said UBC head coach
Graham Thomas. "We didn't have great puck luck tonight, but we had lots of chances and outshot them, which is a good sign."
The Mavericks outshot UBC 14-13 in the opening frame but neither team was able to find the back of the net. The hosts were unable to take advantage of three power play opportunities while the Thunderbirds also squandered their only opportunity.
The Mavericks got rolling in the second frame, scoring early with the first goal coming 30 seconds into the period. Senior alternate captain Jordan McLaughlin
scored an unassisted goal by collecting the puck along the right wing boards before cutting to the slot and firing a wrist shot that beat netminder
Tory Micklash to put Minnesota State up 1-0.
The Mavericks were able to score on their next power play opportunity when freshman Brooke Bryant's shot from the blue line bounced off a UBC shin pad before entering the goal as the hosts held a 2-0 lead into the final frame.
In total, the Thunderbirds outshot the Mavericks 24-20. Junior Chloe Crosby, senior Katie Bidulka and Levy combined for the shutout. Micklash made 18 saves on 20 shots.
Minnesota State was able to convert on one power play opportunity going 1-for-5 while UBC went 0-for-4.
"They're a good skating, strong team and it was a great challenge and experience for us, we're excited for our next challenge."
The T-Birds continue their preseason tour Sunday with a date against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Puck drop at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis is 2:07 p.m. PT.
