With eight wins in their last nine games, the UBC Thunderbirds have the opportunity to extend their current win streak to eight straight heading into 2025 as they battle the Trinity Western Spartans for a home-and-home series starting Thursday, December 5 at the Langley Events Centre.
Coming off their third straight weekend sweep – a home set against Manitoba where the 'Birds (10-5-1) outscored the Bisons by a 14-7 margin – UBC has the opportunity to move into sole possession of first place in the West Division to close out the 2024 portion of the Canada West schedule.
"It's kind of a fun time of year, the vibes are really good right now, it's cold weather out there, kind of hockey weather," said UBC head coach,
Sven Butenschon, whose team faces a five-week break from league action after Friday night's tilt at home. "You got the light at the end of the tunnel. The guys have been going hard since September 1
st so for a student-athlete it's been a real grind, but we're looking forward to finishing on the right note."
While the 'Birds have lost just twice since last facing the Spartans (2-13-1) back on October 18, the Spartans have won just twice in the same span while dropping eight in a row heading into their final home game of the year. But the T-Birds are well aware TWU is a program which would love nothing more than to earn their first win over UBC since entering the Canada West four years ago.
"They're proud, they got good coaches," said Butenschon of his team's final opponent before the winter break. "We played them enough that they know what's coming and they'll strategize and build the game plan to their best ability. They played Calgary real strong last weekend, Calgary got a late goal in the third period to get the win so it never seems to be an easy out even though sometimes the score shows it. We've gone to Langley a bunch over the years and it's been a bit of a grind and then eventually the dam will break, so we're expecting the same kind of game."
After a bit of an adventure in last Saturday's game against the Bisons in which the 'Birds conceded an atypical four goals in the second period alone, there will be an even greater focus on the team's details against the Spartans, particularly away from the puck.
"We need the points and we're just really conscious about our game, our attention to detail because after Christmas we're going right up against Mount Royal. So, these little habits that have given us success have got to stay in our game and as coaches it's something we talk about a lot; just playing the game the right way, not cheating on offence, digging in on D, hard on backchecks."
With the only other conference series on the docket this weekend featuring the Bisons and Regina Cougars, the 'Birds can potentially leapfrog the idle Cougars to head into the New Year with a one point lead atop the division, albeit with both MRU and Calgary holding two games in hand.
This weekend will also be the final time
Sam Huo,
Sasha Mutala and
Jake Lee are all in UBC's lineup until late January with the trio set to miss the first two series of 2025 when they'll be in Torino, Italy competing for Canada at the FISU games. There's no doubt losing three of the 'Birds' most impactful players will be felt, but the opportunity to represent the team on the international stage is an opportunity not to be missed.
"It's unbelievable considering where the program has come from and to see the highest level in our league across Canada, having three guys named to the team is so impressive. We're so proud of those guys and we know they're going to represent the school and the program real well."
Puck drop Thursday at the Langley Events Centre is set for 7:00 p.m. with Friday's 2024 finale also beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
Tickets for Friday are available online now and both games will be streamed live on
Canada West TV.
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