VANCOUVER – For the first time since 2017, The UBC Thunderbirds will compete in the Canada West Final after sweeping the visiting Alberta Pandas with a convincing 5-1 victory in Game 2 of their conference semifinal series.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. So proud of them, especially (for) our vets and seniors. There's only one, (
Kenzie Robinson), that's won a semifinal game in their time here," said UBC Head Coach
Graham Thomas. "So yesterday was big to get that monkey off our backs. It's amazing to get this experience for them, it's so fun to watch them enjoy it, they've been waiting a long time, there's been a lot of disappointment, so we're really happy today for sure."
It took until the end of the first period for the game's first goal. Pandas forward Megan Wilson snuck behind the opposing defence, took a skyhook breakaway pass from teammate Taylor Anker, and flipped a neat backhand over the pad of
Elise Hugens, with just 1:52 left in the period. It took UBC exactly 30 seconds to respond, defender
Kennesha Miswaggon launched a rocket shot from the point that looked almost identical to her game-tying goal in Game 1.
"We were playing great hockey before they scored, so we just got right back to playing our game again. Kennesha (scored) from the same spot, same goal, same shot," added Thomas.
UBC's leading scorer in the regular season,
Chanreet Bassi, returned to the lineup after serving a suspension in Game 1. The 2
nd year from Lake Country, BC had a dominant performance, sniping a powerplay goal top-shelf, and adding 2 assists.
The 'Birds depth was on full display with eight different players tallying points, including a multi-point performance from 3
rd year
Hannah Koroll.
UBC will await the result of the remaining best-of-three Canada West Semifinals as the Saskatchewan Huskies hold a 1-0 series lead over the Mount Royal Cougars ahead of Game 2. If the Huskies win, UBC will retain home-ice advantage, if the Cougars win, it will be the T-Birds traveling to Calgary next weekend.
By punching their ticket to the Canada West final, The T-Birds clinch a berth in the U SPORTS National Championship, also for the first time since 2017. The national tournament will be held in Charlottetown from March 24-27. However, much like Vancouverite and author Eckhart Tolle, Coach Thomas' will be emphasizing 'The Power of Now'.
"Feels incredible to get back to the dance, it's been a while. We're just excited to get back, but it's one step at a time, we don't want to look past next weekend, we got the (Canada West) finals to get ready for… We're fired up, we're excited."
Game 2 highlights:
