The start of a new calendar year brings rejuvenation to the UBC Thunderbirds who begin 2019 in Calgary Friday and Saturday, January 4 and 5, facing the Mount Royal Cougars in a battle that could have big consequences come the post-season which is not that far away.

Despite a depleted lineup due to injury, the T-Birds (10-6-0) finished 2018 with five wins in their last six games and begin the unofficial second half the season just one point back of the third place Calgary Dinos. But the Cougars (7-5-4) are right on UBC's tail, just two points back of the final home playoff berth, meaning the potential for a significant swing in the standings one way or the other.



The 'Birds get some big reinforcements this weekend with the return of a pair of rookie forwards in Steven Hodges and Colton Kehler, both of whom missed significant time in the first half of the season. Both were in the lineup when UBC earned the weekend sweep over Mount Royal when the Cougars visited Vancouver back in October.

Puck drop Friday is 6:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's final regular season meeting with Mount Royal set for 2:00 p.m. PT, both at Flames Community Arenas.
 

Last Action

Thanks to a four-goal performance by captain Jerret Smith, the 'Birds earned a weekend split against the visiting Lethbridge Pronghorns. UBC suffered their first shutout loss of the season on Friday, November 30 before redeeming themselves the following day capped off with Smith's overtime winner in a 4-3 decision.

The Cougars also split their final series of 2018 with a pair of wildly different affairs in Regina. Mount Royal hammered the host Cougars 12-2 on the Friday night, but Regina answered back with a 2-1 overtime win on Saturday.
 

Players to Watch

Jerret Smith (#29, D) – December was a big month for UBC's captain. His historic four-goal effort earned him Canada West WHL first star of the week and the third-year defencemen was shortly after named to the U SPORTS all star team which competed against the Canadian World Junior squad in Victoria. Smith's six goals on the season leads all conference blue liners.



Austin Glover (#20, F) – The second-year forward missed 10 of UBC's first 16 games of the season but has been a huge contributor when healthy putting up six points through six games. The Saskatoon native has only failed to hit the scoresheet once so far this season.
 

Coach's Take

The 'Birds will try to pick up their strong momentum to end 2018, but with so much time elapsing, it's almost like a fresh start ahead of the stretch drive to the playoffs.

"It really feels like a new season, our success in the first half was us playing as a real character hockey team," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "We knew we were undermanned and had to make every shift count and do all the little things to give yourself a chance. We need to have that same kind of desperation and edge to our game even though we have a full lineup."



The return of the likes of Hodges and Kehler means UBC will have four full lines for the first time in what seems like ages. While it's a welcome boost, it also means an adjustment for everyone.

"They're excited, it'll be a bit of a different challenge though after our guys had been so used to playing with three lines and just rolling and getting guys out there," added Butenschon. "Now that we'll have a full lineup there'll be a little less ice to go around but that's how you have long term success is with depth. If we want to make a long playoff run and play deep into spring you need everybody."

The T-Birds expect a playoff type series against the Cougars with jockeying for the post-season well underway.

"It's going to be good for us to get on the road, do some bonding again while facing a top team in our league that we're fighting with for playoff positioning. We've always had a good rivalry with these guys, it seems to be great battles and good hockey. I'm sure they'll be jacked up, they're a well coached team and it's going to be intense."