The stage is set for the UBC Thunderbirds' fifth annual Winter Classic on Friday, January 18, and this year's extravaganza takes things to a whole new level with their arch-rival Calgary Dinos in town.

There's no lack of motivation for the 'Birds (10-9-1) after an 0-3-1 start to 2019 that has seen the team slip to fifth place in the Canada West standings, five points back of fourth-place Mount Royal and five points ahead of the Lethbridge Pronghorns.

This weekend features a rivalry that has developed significantly over the past two years as the T-Birds have had the No. 7 Dinos (13-6-1) end their season in consecutive Canada West quarter-final playoff series. Add in the fact the last time these two met in Calgary back in October, the Dinos swept UBC while outscoring the 'Birds by a 13-4 margin.



Calgary has already clinched a spot in the post-season, sitting in third place, six points up on UBC. The 'Birds still have a crack at a home playoff berth but the results of this weekend could have a huge impact on whether or not that hope becomes reality.

Add it all up and it makes for the biggest weekend of the season to date, only adding to the hype of the Winter Classic. Puck drop for the big event Friday is 7:00 p.m. PT while the two rivals meet for the final time this regular season Saturday at 2:00 p.m. PT, both at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 

Last Action

The 'Birds picked up a single point against the defending national champion Alberta Golden Bears last weekend, dropping a 3-2 double overtime decision Friday night. The 'Birds weren't able to duplicate their tremendous effort Saturday, suffering a 6-0 loss.



Calgary enters Friday night having won three in a row after sweeping the Lethbridge Pronghorns in a home-and-home last weekend. The Dinos have not allowed a single goal against while on their current streak with goaltender Matthew Greenfield posting three consecutive shutouts, a new Canada West record.
 

Players to Watch

Austin Vetterl (#17, F) – The fourth-year forward played in his 100th career Canada West game last Saturday while picking up his 82nd career point the night before. That point came by way of his eighth goal of the season which tied the game in the third, forcing overtime. The Surrey native's eight goals leads the 'Birds and his 14 points ties him for the team scoring lead.



Riley Guenther (#8, F) – Set to play in his 100th game as a Thunderbird Friday night, Guenther has been the definition of reliable. Missing just one game over the past three seasons, the natural defenceman turned forward brings a physical, hard, two-way game every time he puts on the blue and gold jersey.
 

Coach's Take

The incredible atmosphere that is the Winter Classic will certainly be something for the 'Birds to feed off of, but it also needs to be channelled properly.

"Early on that will be the challenge, the guys will be jacked up and ready to go, you just have to stay within yourself," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "Don't let your heart rate get too high because you can sure burn a lot of energy from the excitement and stress, so we need to stay composed, they've all done it before."



Given the history between the T-Birds and Dinos, this weekend should feature a pair of heated battles, something UBC could use as a turning point in this second half of the season.

"We don't like these guys, I don't think they like us, and it's going to be a real battle and a real good test and I think it's the kind of game we need right now," added Butenschon who has seen his team struggle to find the back of the net since the calendar turned. "We're getting chances, so that's important and coming out of the winter break maybe we just got rusty and it's taking a little bit longer to find our scoring touch. We just have to stay positive, keep working and it'll make us better in the long run."