The goal is simple: win. The task isn't so easy, however, for the UBC Thunderbirds as they enter the final weekend of the regular season still on the hunt to secure a playoff berth as they host the No. 9 Mount Royal Cougars Friday and Saturday, February 7^th and 8^th, at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

Coming off a strong weekend in Lethbridge that got the 'Birds back into a playoff position, UBC needs to ensure they finish ahead of the Regina Cougars in order to head to the post-season for a ninth straight year.

The 'Birds hold a tentative lead on the sixth and final playoff berth, one point back of fifth place Manitoba and just two points ahead of the Cougars. Regina has a tough matchup in their bid to extend their season as they face the Huskies in a home-and-home set.



As for Mount Royal, they've already clinched home ice for the Canada West quarter-finals, currently sitting third, just one point ahead of the Calgary Dinos. If the T-Birds manage to book their playoff ticket, this weekend series against the Cougars could very well be a post-season preview.

The last time Mount Royal made their way to Vancouver, they ended the T-Birds' season having dispatched UBC in the 2019 conference quarter-final in three games. In their previous meeting earlier this season in Calgary, MRU handed the 'Birds a pair of 4-1 losses.

Both teams will enter this final weekend of the campaign with some confidence. The Cougars are working on a six-game win streak while the T-Birds put up a combined 11 goals in their weekend sweep over the Pronghorns. Now it's a matter of who can execute better with the pressure of major playoff implications on the line.

Puck drop Friday night is set for 7:00 p.m. PT. Saturday's regular season finale gets underway at 3:00 p.m. PT when UBC's graduating seniors, Austin Vetterl and Kyle Becker, will both be honoured. Both games go down at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 

Last Action

The T-Birds headed to Lethbridge out of a playoff spot but returned to Vancouver back in the driver's seat after completing the season series sweep of the Pronghorns. Both victories came via comeback wins as the 'Birds scored six unanswered goals in Friday's 6-1 decision, then overcame a 3-1 deficit Saturday to take the series finale 5-4.



Mount Royal completed the weekend sweep of their cross-town rival Calgary Dinos, including a 5-4 double overtime win at the annual Crowchild Classic played at the Saddledome. The Cougars have won six in a row but four of those have come in either overtime or a shootout.
 

Players to Watch

Jake Kryski (#14, F) – Kryski completed his first career Canada West hat trick as part of a five point game last Friday in Lethbridge, earning conference second star of the week honours for his efforts. Kryski's 18 points on the season has him tied with Austin Vetterl for second in team scoring.



Colton Kehler (#25, F) – Coming off a three-assist game Saturday against the Pronghorns, Kehler finished the weekend with four points total, now averaging a point-per-game since returning to the lineup at the Winter Classic. The second-year forward is into double digit points on the season with four goals and six assists.
 

Coach's Take

A T-Birds win and a Regina loss Friday night would clinch a playoff berth for UBC, but in addition to making sure they end up playing beyond this weekend, the 'Birds are also focussed on getting there by playing the right way.

"We're feeling good, we're excited to take this next step and finish off the season right," said UBC head coach Sven Butenschon who insists his team has yet to play to their full potential. "We're still looking for that complete game where everyone's contributing, no stragglers left behind and put ourselves in a good spot to get ourselves into the playoffs and do some damage there."



As for the Cougars, they know they'll be hosting a Canada West quarter-final regardless of this weekend's outcomes, but the 'Birds know the visitors will also be looking to put their best foot forward.

"Bert's a great coach, in every aspect they're good," added Butenschon. "They should be one of the top two teams. They're fighting for playoff positioning too so we're expecting them to bring their "A" game so we have to be ready. Their D men join the rush, they contribute on the scoresheet, they're almost like a five-man unit in the offensive zone so we have to be ready to defend against that."