Lethbridge – For the first time this season, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's hockey team will host a full weekend series, welcoming the UBC Thunderbirds for a pair of the games.
 
The Pronghorns and T-Birds will hit the ice at Nicholas Sheran Arena Friday night at 7:00pm and Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm. Both games will be streamed live on www.canadawest.tv.
 
Last season, the two teams spilt the season series with each winning both games on their home ice but three of the four games went to overtime. The T-Birds won both games in Vancouver in overtime and the Pronghorns beat UBC 5-2 and 8-7 in overtime on home ice.
 
A look at the teams
 
The Pronghorns (1-4-1) enter the weekend on a slide, losing four straight and were swept last weekend by the Mount Royal Cougars. They did earn a single point in Saskatoon two weeks ago with an overtime loss. Through six games, the Pronghorns have allowed 24 goals against, but have scored a conference low 11 goals.
 
The power play has been an area of concern thus far as the Pronghorns are tied for last operating at 7.1% and have surrendered two shorthanded goal. The penalty killing unit is ranked fifth (81%).
 
UBC (3-3-0) comes to Lethbridge riding a two game winning streak, following a sweep of the Regina Cougars a week ago. The Thunderbirds have also allowed 24 goals against so far but 13 of those were in one weekend when the Calgary Dinos beat them 6-1 and 7-0.
 
On Specialty teams, The T-Birds sit fourth in power play (22.6%) and are ranked seventh in penalty killing (71.8%).
 
Players to watch 
 
Playing his final season as a Pronghorn, Mitch Maxwell has got off to a good start offensively, leading the Pronghorns with four goals and three assists in six games. Justin Valentino has picked up two goals and three assists to sit second.
Freshman Dallas Vanentine has recorded three assist to lead Pronghorn defenceman in assists.
 
Third-year T-Bird Austin Vetterl leads his team and sits tied for third in Canada West scoring with five goals and four assists in six games. His five goals is tied for second in Canada West goal scoring. Nick Buonassisi, Carter Popoff and Jerret Smith each have a goal and four assists to sit second in UBC scoring.
 
All of Canada West hockey will have a bye next weekend. The Pronghorns will head to Edmonton the following weekend to face the currently undefeated Alberta Golden Bears.