VANCOUVER – An important pair of games lies ahead for the UBC Thunderbirds as they look regain a stranglehold on a top two spot in the Pacific Division. Beginning Thursday on the Island, and then wrapping up Saturday at home, the 'Birds will clash with the University of Victoria Vikes in a home-and-home double-header.
 
Last weekend at home, Mike Mosher's club earned just a single point in a pair of games against the UNBC Timberwolves. The blue and gold still hold second place in the division, but the head coach knows that his club could benefit greatly from some positive results this weekend.
 
"What's done is done from last weekend and we move forward," said Mike Mosher. "We created plenty of chances but now when we get them we have to convert. The positive is that we are able to create, but now we just have to do more with them."


 
All season long, the 'Birds have relied on depth and defense, and if all goes according to plan, there will hopefully be a number of positive breakout performances in all areas of the pitch.
 
Mosher explained, "We've had several players that have good performances throughout the season but we need a player to emerge as a top scorer and a top creator. Who is that player going to be? We need that player to emerge on a daily basis. That would be the thing. Can we get a player who can become a game breaker for us this weekend? That's the question."
 
The Vikes enter the week with an overall record of 2-5-3. Defensively they've held their opposition to 16 goals against, but have managed a league-low eight goals for. Heading into Thursday Victoria is on the outside looking in, when it comes to a top four playoff spot – But two positive results this week would vault them right back into the thick of things, while further complicating the playoff scene for UBC.
 
Mosher concluded, "There's urgency in both camps. We want to be top of the division and we're running out mulligans. For Victoria there's urgency to get some things together if they want to get into the top four and into playoffs. There are never easy games in this division. The results over the last few years show that."


 
UBC holds a lifetime record of 22-4-2 against Victoria dating back to 2009.