With points in four straight games, the UBC Thunderbirds (2-2-0-2) are back home this weekend to face the Manitoba Bisons (2-4-0-0) Friday and Saturday, October 25^th and 26^th, their first meeting with their rivals from Winnipeg since last season's Canada West semifinal series.

The Bisons ended the T-Birds' season with a two-game sweep over UBC back in February to advance to the conference final, but have struggled out of the gate so far this season, currently sitting two points back of the 'Birds in seventh.

Both teams, who are perennial contenders in the Canada West, know it's still early in the going, but both will be extremely hungry to get a couple more wins on the board and start climbing the standings.



UBC has picked up points in seven straight regular season meetings with the Bisons. In order to keep that streak running, special teams will likely need to improve, an area of focus for both clubs who are clicking at under 12 percent on the power play. Manitoba, meanwhile, has yet to concede a goal against while shorthanded.

Puck drop Friday at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre is 7:00 p.m. PT for the team's sexual assault awareness game. Saturday's rematch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Last Action

UBC earned four out of a possible six points in Regina last weekend. The 'Birds started their weekend series with a 2-1 regulation win followed by a 3-2 shootout loss.


The Bisons split their weekend series with the Dinos. Manitoba blanked Calgary 2-0 but dropped Saturday's rematch by a 2-1 margin.
 

Coach's Take

Following a rough season opening weekend in Edmonton, the 'Birds have strung together a four-game point streak, an indication the young group is coming along.

"We're starting to play better, starting to figure some things out as a group and playing a better brand of hockey and getting more confidence," said UBC head Graham Thomas. "We have to learn how to close teams out and play smarter and also capitalize on those opportunities to put them away."



The T-Birds and Bisons have built a pretty strong rivalry over the last several years, the two teams accounting for three of the last four conference championships.

"Last year they ended our season and I think we need to let the past go but at the same time I think we need to have a chip on our shoulder," added Thomas. "This will be a good test for us, we always have great matchups against Manitoba, they're a great program."