VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds (1-2-0-1) head back out on the road this week to take on the Regina Cougars (1-3-0) at the Co-Operators Centre on Friday at 6:00 p.m. PT and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. PT in week three of Canada West action. UBC is looking to build off of their first victory of the season a week ago, while the Cougars will be striving to do the same on home ice.
These two teams last squared off in the Canada West quarter-finals a season ago, when the 'Birds outscored the Cougars 10-1 for the series sweep. UBC has won eight straight games against Regina and 16 of their previous 17 matchups dating back to 2016.
Last Action
The 'Birds earned four points at home against the Calgary Dinos last weekend - falling 2-1 in double overtime before storming out to a decisive 3-0 shutout win. Rookie forward Chanreet Bassi scored her first goal as a T-Bird in the overtime loss, while Tiffany Chiu, Mikayla Ogrodniczuk and Hannah Koroll got on the scoresheet to help boost the 'Birds to their first victory of the season.
Regina lost 5-2 to the Lethbridge Pronghorns at home last weekend, but bounced back for a 2-1 victory thanks to power play goals by Jaycee Magwood and Shaelyn Vallotton for the series split.
By the Numbers
Regina's Vallotton leads the league with 12 penalty minutes through four games to date, and the Cougars seventh-ranked penalty kill (75%) has allowed three goals so far. Regina's power play, however, is ranked second in the Canada West (30%).
Coach's Take
UBC head coach Graham Thomas says it was important for his team to taste their first vicotry of the season after a tough overtime loss the night before.
"We learned a tough valuable lesson on Friday night," said Graham. "Given how the season started we were very happy with our response on Saturday. Although we still have a long way to go, it was a positive step in the right direction."
Thomas isn't dwelling on their previous success against the Cougars, and knows his team needs to stay focussed.
"Last year was last year. It's a different group for both teams and we need to keep focusing on our game, competing for 60 minutes, sticking to our process and continuing to learn how to play Thunderbird Hockey. We always respect our opponents and are getting excited for another fun match up."
