It wasn't the start to 2019 the UBC Thunderbirds had envisioned, far from it. But back at home now for back-to-back weekend series, the 'Birds look to use home ice advantage to its fullest on the stretch drive towards the playoffs, starting by hosting the No. 2 ranked Alberta Golden Bears Friday and Saturday, January 11 and 12 at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

With just six weeks until the start of the Canada West post-season, the 'Birds expect this weekend to feature a playoff type atmosphere as they battle to get back into a home berth, currently two points back of fourth place Mount Royal and just three back of third place Calgary.

The 'Birds fared well against the Bears in Edmonton back in November despite playing with a shortened bench, earning the weekend split at Clare Drake Arena. UBC is 2-1-1 at home against Alberta in their last four meetings earning three out of a possible four points over the Bears last season.



Despite the recent successes against the defending U SPORTS national champions, the 'Birds know they'll have their hands full against the most potent offence in the Canada West. Winners of three straight, the Bears have already clinched a playoff berth.

Puck drop Friday is 7:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's final regular season meeting set for 2:00 p.m. PT, both at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Tickets are available online or at the door.
 

Last Action

The T-Birds got their feathers ruffled in Calgary last weekend, suffering back-to-back losses to the Mount Royal Cougars. It marked the first road trip on which UBC failed to earn a win since visiting the Dinos in October.

Alberta swept the visiting Manitoba Bisons but needed overtime on Saturday to do so after a 4-1 win Friday night that saw the Bears put up 50 shots on goal. 
 

Players to Watch

Carter Popoff (#42, F) – Tied for the team lead in scoring with 13 points, the third-year forward from Richmond continues his impressive season that has him on pace for his most productive year. Three of his five goals have come on the man advantage, third most in the conference.



Chase Clayton (#22, F) – The fourth-year forward is coming off a two-point weekend, but more importantly continues to set the bar when it comes to playing hard at both ends of the ice. Perhaps the 'Birds' top penalty killing forward, Clayton is a big reason why UBC's PK is an impressive 87.8 percent, and he has a shorthanded goal to show for it as well.
 

Coach's Take

Following a rough road trip last weekend, the 'Birds know things don't get any easier, but the motivation level is high.

"It's a great challenge, we didn't get the start we wanted after the Christmas break but we have to learn from it," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "We went over a lot of video, we're going to touch up some things all week in practice and it's going to be a huge mental test."

The Golden Bears don't boast a .778 win percentage for no reason. But the 'Birds have risen to the challenge in the past and they expect nothing less from themselves this go around.



"They've got an abundance of talent, they skate and they play as units of five," added Butenschon. "When they're in the offensive zone, they get everybody involved, their D are extremely active. If you're a forward and you're back checking, you have to know your assignments, you can't take any shifts off because they'll make you pay."

While the playoffs loom not too far off in the distance, the T-Birds know the more important goal is worrying about the here and now.

"We have to be better when we have chances. If you're a skilled guy and a goal scorer, you got to put the puck in the net, and you have to stick to the process. We got to be able to grind games out and believe and keep doing the little things and then the big picture will come together."