Following a solid weekend that saw the UBC Thunderbirds collect three of a possible four points while clinching a Canada West playoff berth, the team faces another playoff type battle but this time in hostile territory as they visit the Saskatchewan Huskies Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26.

The 'Birds enter the weekend just two points behind the Mount Royal Cougars for the final home playoff berth with just six regular season games remaining. With points in three of their last four games, UBC is hoping to build on momentum to get one of those coveted home berths, but more importantly, the 'Birds are looking to head into the post-season with plenty of wind in their sails.



Riding a four-game win streak and with just three losses on the season, Saskatchewan is closing in on securing a first-round bye, but have their sights set on ensuring home-ice throughout the playoffs as they enter the weekend one point up on Alberta for first place in the conference.

Saskatchewan took both games against the 'Birds in Vancouver in early November while this weekend marks UBC's first ever visit to the Huskies' new barn, Merlis Belsher Place. Puck drop both Friday and Saturday is set for 5:00 p.m. PT.
 

Last Action

It was a good three-point weekend for the 'Birds who dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime last Friday at the fifth annual winter classic, followed up by an impressive 4-3 double overtime win Saturday. It marked the first win for the T-Birds in 2019 while scoring two power play goals in a game for the first time since their season opener in late September.



The Huskies earned the weekend sweep over the Pronghorns in Lethbridge last weekend, scoring a combined eight power play goals in the process.
 

Players to Watch

Michael Stenerson (#33, F) – The fifth-year forward finished the weekend with a pair of goals and two assists, including the double overtime game winner Saturday for his fifth goal of the season. After missing several weeks in the first half of the year to injury, Stenerson is now up to 12 points through 16 games.



Jerret Smith (#29, D) – The T-Birds' captain continues to produce while also taking care of his own end. Smith scored his eighth of the season last Friday, leading all Canada West defencemen while tied with Austin Vetterl for the team lead. The former Seattle Thunderbird is up to 13 points on the season with just eight PIMs.
 

Coach's Take

Now that the 'Birds have officially clinched a playoff spot, the attention remains firmly on heading into the post-season the right way. Facing the third-ranked team in the country means preparing for a playoff like level of intensity.

"We're real excited to go to Saskatoon, it's going to be a great atmosphere," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "They have a great team, they're in first place so we'll have to bring our A game. We're trending in the right direction, we're seeing a lot of good things, we're starting to see some rewards and hopefully we can keep it going."

Aside from boasting a talented roster, the Huskies are a hard-working squad meaning the 'Birds can't afford to take any shifts off.



"They work hard every shift, they go to the front of the net, they're not fancy," described Butenschon. "We have to be prepared to play the same kind of game as against Calgary, don't get beat to the front of the net, block shots, taking and making hits, while making good on our chances."

The Huskies have a deadly power play, one that averages nearly six opportunities a game, by far the most in the conference. It's something the T-Birds are well aware of.

"We have to put together a good game plan, lots of video. We have to stay out of the penalty box, they're a hard working, fiery group. We don't really want to play that kind of a game, we need to have a good plan and if we are short we have to be able to execute the game plan."