EDMONTON, Alta. – The UBC Thunderbirds were only able to get one puck past Taya Currie, but Grace Elliott's first of the campaign was enough to get the job done Friday night as the blue and gold earned a season-opening 1-0 win over the host MacEwan Griffins at Edmonton's Downtown Community Arena.

The T-Birds outshot the Griffins 22-10 on the night, but Currie was stellar while Elise Hugens picked up her 22^nd Canada West shutout at the other end of the ice.

"We competed well and had a strong defensive effort," said UBC head coach, Graham Thomas. "We need to continue building and executing on our offensive opportunities and be more disciplined. They played us hard and we should have another good battle tomorrow."


 
The Griffins did have six power play chances on the night but still weren't able to muster much offence.
 
After a scoreless first, Elliott opened scoring with 6:10 left in the second period. The reigning U SPORTS Player of the Year broke down the wing and snapped an elite-level shot over Currie's shoulder.
 
The Griffins had some quality looks and opportunities to score on Hugens, but in addition to the ten saves UBC's veteran netminder was forced to make, several other chances ended off target.

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After registering six shots on goal in the opening period, MacEwan recorded just two in the second period and two in the third.
 
The T-Birds will seek a 12^th straight victory over the Griffins when the two hit the ice again Saturday. Puck drop at the Downtown Community Arena is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on Canada West TV.