Sometimes all it takes is one good crack to burst the dam. That's certainly what the UBC Thunderbirds are hoping is the case, coming off their first win of the season last weekend, and now heading to Winnipeg to face the Manitoba Bisons Saturday and Sunday, October 26
th and 27
th.
It was a frustrating start to the season for the T-Birds (1-3-2) who took six games to finally get into the win column, despite several solid efforts along the way. Now with a healthier lineup and some renewed confidence, the 'Birds are hoping that can turn into string of victories.
The Bisons (3-3) have split each of their three series to start the campaign, including impressive wins over the surging Mount Royal Cougars and the previously undefeated Calgary Dinos. Back at their home barn this weekend, Manitoba will not be an easy out by any stretch.
Last year the T-Birds won the season series with the Bisons, taking three out of four games including both in Winnipeg.
Puck drop Saturday is 5:00 p.m. PT at Wayne Fleming Arena with Sunday's game scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. PT start.
Last Meeting
UBC earned the split at home last week with Regina. After dropping a 2-1 decision Friday night, the 'Birds rallied Saturday with three goals in the third period for the 4-1 win.
Rylan Toth made 29 saves between the pipes.
The Bisons ended the Dinos' perfect start to the season with a 4-3 double overtime win last Saturday. Devon Skoleski scored his second of the game less than a minute into 3-on-3 while Riley Lamb made 46 saves in net.
Players to Watch
Quinn Benjafield (#22, F) – With goals in three straight games, the rookie from North Vancouver is tied for the team lead in goals with three, and points with four. Benjafield is also tied for the Canada West rookie goal scoring lead.
Jonathan Smart (#40, D) – Putting up three assists through his first six games as a Thunderbird, Smart is getting the job done at both ends of the ice. Playing impressively early on in his rookie Canada West season, the former Kootenay Ice blue liner leads all T-Birds defencemen in scoring.
Coach's Take
The 'Birds are slowly but surely returning to health, getting close to dressing a full lineup for the first time this season in what's been a challenging start in many ways.
"It's been tough sledding but it's also been really valuable ice time and opportunity for some of the new guys and they've been growing," said UBC head coach
Sven Butenschon who's seen plenty of his younger players step up their game. "They're starting to get it and they're leading the charge out there during the game at times. It was good to get our first win, hopefully that's going to result in some momentum and confidence in our guys and we can run with it."
The Bisons have had a tough schedule to start the season and have come out fairly well so far, including eye-opening wins over two top-ten ranked programs.
"They beat Mount Royal who's been putting up a ton of points, scoring a lot of goals, and they managed to play well in two games against them, then they beat Calgary at home last weekend," added an impressed Butenschon. "They're a really hard working team, they have a lunch bucket brigade over there and it's going to be tough."
