A long pre-season and an even longer wait for the 2019-20 Canada West season is finally over as the UBC Thunderbirds open up the new campaign in Edmonton when they visit the defending conference champion Alberta Pandas Friday and Saturday, October 4^th and 5^th.

After an undefeated pre-season, the 'Birds are anxious to officially debut their new-look team with plenty of veteran talent supplemented by a tremendous recruiting class.

The Canada West as a whole has clearly been impressed by what the T-Birds have assembled for the new season as UBC enters the campaign as the consensus second ranked program, behind only the Pandas.



This weekend is a strong early test for both teams who account for four of the last five conference titles.

Last season, the 'Birds earned points in three out of their four meetings with Alberta, posting a win, an overtime loss, and a shootout loss.

Puck drop for Friday's season opener is set for 6:00 p.m. PT with Saturday's rematch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT, both at Clare Drake Arena.
 

Last Action

The T-Birds closed out pre-season action with a pair of home-ice wins over the visiting MacEwan Griffins. After a 4-2 win last Friday night, the 'Birds shutout the visitors 4-0 Saturday. It will be the last time the two programs meet before the Griffins enter the Canada West next season.

Alberta finished their pre-season with a 4-1-0-1 record which included splitting a pair of exhibition series with the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Mount Royal Cougars.
 

Players to Watch

Hannah Clayton-Carroll (#22, F) – Heading into her final U SPORTS season, Clayton-Carroll led the Thunderbirds in 2018-19 in goals with 10 and points with 17. The Vancouver native is a two-time Canada West second-team All-Star and has hit double digits in both goals and points each of the last two seasons.



Rylind MacKinnon (#55, D) – Leading the 'Birds in blue line scoring in her rookie season last year with 15 points, her 10 assists tied for the overall team lead. The Cranbrook, B.C. native finished second in Canada West rookie scoring. Nine of her 15 points came on the power play.
 

Coach's Take

The T-Birds enter the new year having lost six players to graduation, but the team retains a healthy mix of experience and young skill which the coaching staff feel provides a good balance.

"We have a good mix of veterans and rookies and in-between who can contribute and play certain roles," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas who enters his eighth season with the Thunderbirds. "Everyone is gelling. We're really optimistic and excited about the year for sure."

Following the departure of former captain Celine Tardif, veteran forward Mathea Fischer will don the "C" this season for the 'Birds while Mikayla Ogrodniczuk and Kenzie Robinson will wear full-time "A"s. Hannah Clayton-Carroll and Rylind MacKinnon will split time as alternate captains at home and on the road.



"We want the whole team to be leaders," emphasized Thomas. "We have too many, which is a good thing, but we have a smaller official leadership group. We're excited about focussing on the idea that everyone has to contribute and everyone has to be a leader."

As for starting the season against the Pandas, it's a challenge the T-Birds are embracing.

"We want that challenge to see where we are right now. They're the defending champs so they carry that burden that comes with winning. They're a senior heavy team and well-coached. I expect an exciting weekend series."