On the heels of a much-needed bye week, the UBC Thunderbirds (0-1-1) head off on their first Canada West road trip of the season to visit the No. 6 Calgary Dinos (2-0) Friday and Saturday, October 11^th and 12^th.

It may be the T-Birds' first road series of the young season, but this weekend marks their second straight meeting with an Alberta-based opponent as well as a nationally ranked program, after settling for a single point by way of an overtime loss against the Golden Bears two weeks ago in Vancouver.

Injuries continue to be a storyline of note for the 'Birds but they will get a big boost to their forward group when rookie Jake Kryski makes his regular season debut.



The T-Birds and Dinos have faced each other plenty in the last few seasons including back-to-back quarter-final playoff series in 2017 and 2018 with Calgary advancing in both cases. Last season the 'Birds dropped both meetings in Calgary but earned three out of a possible four points in their two games at home.

Puck drop Friday at Calgary's Father David Bauer Arena is set for 6:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch at 2:00 p.m. PT.
 

Last Meeting

UBC opened up their 2019-20 season with an entertaining 4-3 overtime loss to the defending conference champion Alberta Golden Bears but followed up with a 5-0 defeat the following evening.

The Dinos started things off with a bang thanks to a pair of convincing wins on the road over the Regina Cougars. Calgary forward Matt Alfaro scored twice in each contest, helping the Dinos to 8-1 and 5-1 victories.
 

Players to Watch

Colton Kehler (#25, F) – The second-year forward had a two-point night to begin the season with a goal and an assist. The former Edmonton Oil Kings captain is looking for a breakout year after an injury-shortened rookie campaign.



Jake Kryski (#14, F) – Missing the 'Birds' home opening weekend due to injury, the former Calgary Hitmen forward returns for his regular season debut having scored twice against the University of Wisconsin in exhibition action back in early September.
 

Coach's Take

Given the spate of injuries ravaging the 'Birds early this season, last week's bye was welcome before facing yet another strong opponent.

"It's been a long month especially with all the injuries and the guys who have been playing got a ton of ice so last week was a lot of maintenance and therapy," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon. "This week was back to business trying to put together a good game plan for Calgary and we're looking forward to getting on the road."

Getting Kryski back for his first taste of regular season action is also a much needed boost for the 'Birds.



"He's a big part of our offence," added Butenschon. "He'll come in with a lot of energy and fresh legs and hopefully he can push the forward group."

UBC has played the Dinos more than any other team over the past few years so everyone knows what to expect even with the roster changeover from last season.

"They look like they've added another element. They used to rely on one or two individuals but now they have a more balanced attack, we've got our hands full. They're incredibly patient, structured, hard working. They'll lull you to sleep and then make you pay. They're ok with winning a game in overtime or in the 57^th minute."