CALGARY - The Calgary Dinos, currently mired in a five game losing streak, will be looking to reverse their fortunes in Vancouver this weekend as they face the UBC Thunderbirds in a two-game series. Both the Dinos and T-Birds are currently at the bottom of the Canada West standings.
An unsuccessful home and home series against the Lethbridge Pronghorns has the Dinos “low on confidence” as they move west this weekend. Sitting in third place only two weeks ago, the Dinos have tumbled to the bottom of the conference and out of the national rankings, unable to find answers as they move forward.
Putting aside a dismal effort against the Manitoba Bisons two weeks ago, Calgary has had their chances during the losing streak, having lost three of the past five by only one goal. Perhaps most frustrating is the way in which the games have been lost, with both of their games against the 'Horns lost in the last two minutes of the match.
Bright spots for Calgary during their current losing streak has been veteran defenseman Travis Friedley, who has notched a goal and two assists in the past three games, and has been a stabilizing force on the blue line for the Dinos. Also exceptional for the Dinos this past weekend was Brett O'Malley, who recorded two goals and two assists in the losing effort.
Still struggling are team snipers Torrie Wheat and Reid Jorgensen, who now have only an assist each during the past four games. For the Dinos to reclaim their spot among the Canada West elite, a better effort from, and better support for, the two forwards will surely be needed.
Fortunately for the Dinos, they have a good opportunity to change their ways this weekend, as they face a UBC squad in a similar situation as they struggle to find their form in Canada West.
The T-Birds have lost five of their past six and return home with a four game losing streak hanging over their heads. Quite similar to Calgary, their losses have been close ones, losing each of their past four by two goals or less.
Statistically, the T-Birds have struggled to find consistent scoring from their team, as Jeff Lynch leads the team with only ten points through 12 games, good for only 22nd in the conference. Darrell May has provided offensive support as well, notching eight points through 12 games.
Much like Calgary, the Birds have employed a two-man goaltending strategy as both Gerry Festa and Francois Thuot have seen quality minutes during the season. Festa leads slightly in Goals Against Average (GAA) and save percentage with 3.13 and 0.906 respectively.
Perhaps more importantly to UBC is that both goalies have equal win totals with only two apiece. The four victories have been the lowest win total in Canada West this season, and their 4-7-1 record is good for last in the conference.
Having split their opening weekend series, with the Dinos taking game two by a ridiculous 10-1 score, both teams know how to beat the other. With both teams eager to turn their seasons around this weekend, the group to do it will likely be the one to give better offensive support to their hard working goaltenders.
The first game of the series goes on Friday November 21st at the Thunderbird Arena of UBC at 7:30 PM pacific time. Listen to the game live online at http://www.citr.ca/listen.php.
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