The high-octane offence of the UBC Thunderbirds (8-0-1) continued its torrid pace with a 6-2 win over the MacEwan Griffins (1-8-0) on Friday night at Father David Bauer Arena. Through nine games played this season, UBC leads the Canada West with 46 goals scored, while the next closest team, the University of Alberta has tallied 25 markers.

"We need to celebrate (scoring) and get excited for the offensive output," said T-Birds head coach Graham Thomas. "But we're still finding that fine balance of playing a high-gun offensive game while also being defensively responsible."

UBC didn't waste any time getting the offence going, as Chanreet Bassi sniped a short-side powerplay goal over the shoulder of Griffins netminder Lindsay Johnson (35 saves) just 33 seconds into the game. Johnson held her team in the contest with timely saves, including a sprawling pad save, robbing Mackenzie Kordic on a breakaway in the second period.



Kordic, however was persistent and wouldn't be held off the scoresheet as the Canada West's leading scorer setup a Cassidy Rhodes breakaway goal in the middle frame. The fourth-year forward followed this up with a highlight-reel assist on Madisyn Wiebe's late-game tally.

"Just eyes in the back of her head! Slides that puck over for a tap-in goal. That was impressive." – Coach Thomas added of Kordic's team-leading 10^th assist.
It's been an incredible start for Kordic who's already eclipsed her 2022-2023 point-total (15 Pts. In 27GP) with 17 points (7G, 10A) through nine games (1.89 points per game).

Despite the score, the pace of play was tightly contested with the MacEwan Griffins pushing the T-Birds and creating quality chances. Third-year Jennifer Andrash pulled the Griffins within striking distance in the third period; sniping a low-glove goal past T-Birds goalie Elise Hugens (11 saves) pulling the visitors to within two at 4-2.

The T-Birds would then respond with two goals within 42 seconds just ahead of the midpoint of the third period beginning with Jaylyn Morris' power play goal from the point followed by a Wiebe's marker to make it 6-2 UBC.



"They worked hard and (MacEwan) had moments in the game where they were right there and could've broken through," concluded coach Thomas. "Whoever we're playing we need to have a great approach and great process and focus on execution." 

The 'Birds and Griffins close our their weekend series Saturday with puck-drop is set for 3:00 p.m. as UBC looks to remain undefeated in regulation this season.