VANCOUVER – This weekend at the War Memorial Gym, the UBC Thunderbirds kick off their 2022-23 Canada West regular season schedule with a Friday-Saturday home double-header against their foes from the Fraser Valley.
 
"I think we're all excited to return the schedule that makes Canada West so special," said head coach Mike Hawkins. "Due to circumstances last year we had some geographical challenges and could only play within our division, but the Canada West reputation is as strong as it is because you always play strong competition."


 
The sixth-year head coach has a lot to be encouraged about this season as his troops prepare to take the court. The leadership for the blue and gold is in good hands with fifth-year Coltyn Liu and four additional fourth-year players: Michael Dowhaniuk, Matt Neaves, Dan Everton and Gerard Murray. Plus an influx of seven first-year players should provide the 'Birds with a versatile mix of size, talent and depth.
 
"I've never had a recruiting class quite this large," added Mike Hawkins. "It brings a lot of youth and excitement, but also a little more work. But fortunately for us we've got great leadership and it's really helped our coaching staff. Michael Dowhaniuk and Matt Neaves have been impact players since they arrived on campus and have been a part of national team programs their entire lives. Our dynamic of youth and experience is exciting for all of us, and now the fun part is to maximize the potential as much as we can."
 
It won't be an easy weekend for the 'Birds though as they'll kick off their season against a plucky Fraser Valley squad that is looking to build off a 3-13 Canada West campaign in 2021-2022. In just their second season of existence, the Cascades are a team on the rise, and Mike Hawkins knows his team is in for a challenging weekend.


 
Hawkins concluded, "Nathan Bennett is a great coach and he's put in a lot of time and effort to build up their roster. They've brought in some strong recruits and they've got some game-breaking, dynamic athletes on their team. This is a great opponent for us. They have many strengths and many aspects that are going to challenge us. We know them well, but we'll have to play well in order to come out of the weekend with two victories. We're just looking forward to playing in front of an electric crowd at War Memorial Gym again."
 
Tickets for both games this weekend can be found HERE. You can also catch the action live on Canada West TV by clicking here.