CALGARY - With a 3-0 shutout win over the host Regina Cougars Saturday afternoon, the UBC Thunderbirds have made conference history posting their 24th win of the season, setting a new Canada West record. Completing the weekend - and season series - sweep over the Cougars, UBC enters the Canada West Playoffs on a 12 game win streak.
"It's incredible. This is the most competitive conference in Canada in my opinion, not to take anything away from any other conference… it's a true team accomplishment," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "It takes everyone from our staff, all our players, our department, the support from UBC, our partners, fans and alumni. It truly feels like a big team family accomplishment."
Having already locked up first place in the conference last week, the T-Birds will now enjoy a first round bye and will await the results of next weekend's quarter-final series to determine who they will host in the conference semifinals.
As they have all season, UBC fired on all cylinders from the jump on Saturday. After several good chances, they found the back of the net in the first thanks to
Ireland Perrott, who stopped a shot out front then redirected it past the Cougars' goaltender to open scoring.
Then in the second, Sophia Gaskell showed off her cannon of a slapshot, winding up from the top of the circle to blast one over the goal line before anyone could blink.
Before the period was out, Perrott notched her second of the game. The fifth-year Calahoo, Alberta product has 12 on the season, tied for third in the league.
On the back end, goaltender Elise Hugens posted her sixth shutout of the season, improving on her league-leading GAA of 1.05.
From puck drop to final horn, the team plastered Regina with 45 shots while allowing just 15, indicative of their dominance and team play all season long.
"It really does come from our leadership group all the way down," added Thomas. "It's a a team accomplishment and program accomplishment really."
It's been a special group of hockey players who have banded together to make this season what it has been.
"I think everyone's just buying in and it's a fun group to be around. I think we gel really well as a team and we're really connected," said team captain Rylind MacKinnon.
The 'Birds finish the regular season with a 24-2-2 record after going on a 12-game tear in the second half. They've put up 50 points and 97 goals while allowing just 35, leading the conference in each of those categories.
"I think it's awesome. We've been building for awhile now. All the work we've put in has finally paid off," said MacKinnon.
The all-around threat is now focused purely on the next couple weeks.
"Let's enjoy this but at the same time, we've got other goals in our sights," said Thomas.
The defending Canada West Champions will begin their title defence on February 24 when they host the lowest-ranking quarterfinal winner in a best-of-three semi-final series.
