Lethbridge – After putting an end to a five-game losing streak, the Lethbridge Pronghorns looks to build some momentum this weekend as they host one of the hottest teams in the conference to start the season in the UBC Thunderbirds.
The 'Horns and T-Birds will face off Saturday night at 7:00pm and Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm at Nicholas Sheran Arena. Both games will also be webcast on
www.canadawest.tv.
Following a heartbreaking last second loss on Friday night, the 'Horns rebounded to earn a series split last weekend with the Mount Royal Cougars with a 5-3 win.
With a five point weekend, Mitch Maxwell took over the team's scoring lead with eight points in eight games. He has two goals and six assists on the season. Brandon Clowes (3G, 2A) and freshman Zane Jones (2G, 3A) sit second on the team with five points.
While the 'Horns scored three power play goals last weekend, the 'Horns specialty teams have been a sore spot early in the season. The 'Horns power play is ranked sixth in the conference, operating at 17.1% this season.
Despite the fact the 'Horns have been shorthanded the fewest times in Canada West, their penalty killing unit is ranked seventh, killing off penalties only 68.2% of the time.
The Thunderbirds (6-0-2) are the only team in Canada West that hasn't lost a game in regulation this season and moved up to eighth on the CIS Top 10 after sweeping the Regina Cougars last weekend.
Specialty teams and strong goaltending have been a key to the Thunderbirds success thus far. UBC holds the second ranked power play and penalty killing in Canada West. The power play is operating at 25.8%, while killing off over 92% of their own penalties.
In the crease, the T-Birds have platooned Matt Hewitt and Eric Williams, with both making four appearances this season. Hewitt is ranked second in the conference with a 1.71 goals-against average and a 0.935 save percentage. Williams boasts a 2.17 goals-against average and a 0.932 save percentage.
Offensively, Anthony Bardaro sits atop the conference scoring list with 12 points (5G, 7A) and Luke Lockhart is second on the Thunderbirds with eight points.
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