T-Birds make historical past in Winter Basic win vs Spartans
Vancouver – The UBC Thunderbirds did not disappoint of their first ever Winter Basic contest because the boisterous house crowd not solely noticed them shutout the Trinity Western Spartans 3-0 but in addition witnessed the ‘Birds set a brand new document as the primary group in program historical past to go undefeated on home-ice in a single season. The T-Birds (21-2-2) completed the marketing campaign with an ideal 14-0 document on the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports activities Centre.
“We mentioned as a bunch we do not speak in regards to the data however now that we have set a brand new document we will speak about it, so we did handle it.” T-Birds Head Coach Graham Thomas mentioned. “Did not lose a sport (at house) all common season, in order that’s fairly spectacular. Actually happy with the gamers and the way they performed at house.”
WHKY | Kordic tallies her first of the sport and @UBCWHKY have a 3-0 lead over @TWUSpartansWHKY!#GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/Vsij9wM29Z
— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) February 4, 2023
UBC has now received 19 consecutive house video games relationship again to final season’s Canada West Championship run. The earlier document for consecutive home-wins belonged to the 2013-14 group which received 12-straight video games within the common season, posting a 12-0-1 house document.
The historic win was the cherry-on-top of an amazing evening for the Girls’s Hockey program, with the group participating of their inaugural Winter Basic. “It was nice, it was one thing we’ve not skilled earlier than, so we’re actually grateful we received the chance to do it and hopefully it continues to develop years from now.” Stated T-Birds Captain Rylind Mackinnon.
The cross-town rival Spartans didn’t make issues simple for UBC as they’re within the hunt for his or her first playoff berth in simply their second season of Canada West play. The sixth place Spartans held momentum early within the sport, with a dogged puck pursuit, nonetheless, UBC’s top-scorers made their presence felt in a playoff-type battle.
“It has been good that we have had these challenges, groups which might be determined, groups which might be enjoying pressing in opposition to us, will get us sharpened and able to go, undoubtedly playoff depth on the market.” Added Coach Thomas.
Second-year T-Fowl Grace Elliott (2G) prolonged her level streak to nine-games, recording 13 factors (6G,7A) through the stretch. Staff Captain Rylind Mackinnon (1A) now has factors in 4 consecutive video games (5G,2A). UBC shot 50 pucks at Spartans goalie Kate Fawcett (47 saves), whereas T-Birds goalie Elise Hugens made 16 saves to earn her fourth shutout of the season.
The T-Birds have now received 9-straight video games, outscoring their opponents 38-9 through the winning-streak. UBC clinched a BYE to the semifinals with the win on Friday evening, and at the moment sit in first place with 44 factors. The second place Alberta Pandas path with 41 factors and are the one group with an opportunity to catch the T-Birds for prime spot within the convention. Though the T-Birds will take the accolades, it is clear their sights are set past common season success.
WHKY | @UBCWHKY ahead Grace Elliott scored twice, together with the sport winner, because the ‘Birds shutout the Spartans 3-0 within the Winter Basic pic.twitter.com/1ACiLSl21S
— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) February 4, 2023
“We’re actually pleased with how we’re beginning to play and so long as that continues via playoffs, we’ll be fairly happy with ourselves.” Concluded Mackinnon.
The weekend collection continues with a Saturday matchup between the T-Birds and Spartans at Langley Occasions Centre. Puck drop is about for 3pm Saturday afternoon, the sport will probably be obtainable on Canada West TV.
