After earning the #1 seed in the Pacific Division and the home-field advantage that comes with it, the UBC Thunderbirds aim to recapture the Canada West crown in the eight-team conference playoffs.
First up is a quarterfinal matchup against the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday, October 25th. If the T-Birds win, they'll host a semifinal match on Sunday, October 27th, against either Calgary or UFV. And since Canada West rules stipulate that the championship game is hosted by the highest remaining seed in the Pacific Division during even years (if one makes it there), that means if the Thunderbirds make it to the final, they'll host that game too.
That scheduling is certainly a boost for UBC, but there are never guarantees of success, as the Pronghorns will look to spoil the T-Birds party before it even has a chance to get started. Lethbridge enter the postseason as the #4 seed from the Prairie Division, sporting a 3-4-7 record. They have the fewest wins of any playoff team, but also fewer losses than multiple teams ahead of them in the standings, as they racked up the most ties in Canada West.
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The Pronghorns have enjoyed some success against UBC already this year, as they were one of just three teams to take points off the T-Birds in the regular season. The two sides faced off at Thunderbird Stadium back in September, where the visitors employed a "bend but don't break mentality", walking away with a 1-1 draw despite being outshot 24-6.
"If you look at their record they have played all the top teams in the conference tough with numerous draws and tight scorelines," said Thunderbirds head coach Mike Mosher. "They don't concede many goals and we will have to look to convert on our chances when they come."
To that last point, the Pronghorns conceded just 15 goals in 14 games in the regular season, one of the best defensive records in the conference. On the other end is where they struggled, scoring just 10 times. American forward Simon Rolfson leads the team with three goals, and it was he who scored against UBC in their meeting earlier this season.
The T-Birds are led offensively by rookie Henri Godbout, who finished the regular season tied for fourth in Canada West in points with seven goals and five assists. Goalkeeper Bennett McKay allowed just five goals, second-fewest in the conference, and is one of just two players to start every game for UBC this season along with fellow graduating senior Chris Lee.
Last fall, the Thunderbirds had their streak of five consecutive conference championships snapped at the hands of the Mount Royal Cougars in the Canada West Final. The 'Birds are ready to fight to try and regain the title this time around.
"As much as we have had success, it is never easy," added Mosher. "We do not take anything for granted and we respect all comers and do not take anything lightly."
The Thunderbirds and Pronghorns face off at Thunderbird Stadium at 7:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday.
