VANCOUVER – With one weekend remaining before the Canada West holiday break, the UBC Thunderbirds look to close out 2022 by starting a new win streak as they host the Regina Cougars Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

Last Saturday saw the first place T-Birds snap a 13-game point streak with a 1-0 loss to the Mount Royal Cougars, splitting the weekend in Calgary after an impressive 2-0 shutout win of their own the night before.

But this weekend gives the blue and gold a chance to start anew and head into the lengthy mid-season pause on a high note.



"As the streak was happening, we never even talked about it," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "We're just prepping and learning from the things each weekend brings and focussing on playing our game and letting the results take care of themselves. We obviously want to finish strong before getting into exams and everything else."

While the T-Birds sit atop the Canada West standings, one point ahead of MRU while boasting a conference leading 3.06 goals-per-game and a +24 differential, it's been a different story for Regina. With just two wins and losers of the last nine in a row, the Cougars have struggled to gain any sort of traction, currently nine points back of the final playoff berth.

But by no means does the opposition's season thus far mean the T-Birds will be taking them lightly, especially after dropping four of their last five meetings with Regina.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UBC Women's Hockey (@ubcwhky)

"The biggest thing top down is just not taking them lightly," insisted Thomas. "Recognizing the hard work it's going to take and being ready for that and making sure we prepare the same way, and focus the same way and get ready for them – they're in all their games, these are all close games and they're staying in it. You always have to respect your opponent, they're going to show up and give us their best effort. We have in the past got away from playing our game, we have to keep our emotions in check and a big key this weekend is playing disciplined and competing hard."

Puck drop Friday, December 2 is set for 7:00 p.m. PT at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre with Saturday's rematch – and final game of 2022 – scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available now and both games will also be streamed live on Canada West TV.