Lethbridge – With arguably the toughest schedule in the conference to open the season, the Lethbridge Pronghorn women's hockey team (0-4-0) faces a nationally ranked opponent for the third consecutive week, hosting the fifth ranked UBC Thunderbirds (3-0-1).
The 'Horns and T-Birds face off at Nicholas Sheran Arena Friday and Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 7:00pm and 4:30pm respectively.
The 'Horns have struggled to find their stride offensively early this season and have only scored two goals in four games thus far. Kirsten Reeves and Jenae Culp are the lone Pronghorns to bulge the twine so far. Culp's goal last Saturday was the first of her CIS career.
One could point a finger at the power play as a major reason for their offensive struggles so far. The 'Horns have not scored in 22 power play attempts and are ranked eighth in Canada West.
Fifth-year goaltender Crystal Patterson has started all four games so far and it is expected that she will carry the bulk of the load this season. Through four games, Patterson leads the conference in saves with 149.
A year removed from a Canada West Championship, the UBC Thunderbirds are off to a good start this season, with their only blemish so far coming via a shootout lost during their season opener versus the defending Canada West Champion Saskatchewan Huskies.
Through four games, the T-Birds have scored a conference high 17 goals and are led by Tatiana Rafter, who is tied for the Canada West scoring lead with five goals and three assists. A big reason for the Thunderbirds success so far has been the play of their specialty teams. Entering the weekend UBC sports the conference's top ranked power play scoring on over 33% of their opportunities.
The T-Birds also hold the third best penalty killing unit at 90.5%.
Between the pipes, Samantha Langford has been stellar in her three starts. She is tied for the conference lead in shutouts with two and sports a 0.65 goals-against-average and a 0.970 save percentage, which are both second best in Canada West.
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