CALGARY – With both the University of Calgary Dinos and the UBC Thunderbirds securing their spots at nationals last weekend, all that is left is to determine a Canada West champion.
 
Both teams needed three games to determine the winner of their respective semi-final series last weekend, with Calgary defeating Alberta and UBC upsetting Regina.
 
The first game of the semifinal series at Father David Bauer on Feb. 22 needed three overtimes. In a 2-2 stalemate, captain Tanya Morgan finally netted the winner in the fourth minute of triple overtime. The following night, Alberta would get revenge, scoring a season-high five goals on the Dinos. Calgary finished off the series on Feb. 24 with a 3-1 win to punch their ticket to nationals in Toronto.
 
The Thunderbirds dropped the first game to the second place team in the league, the Regina Cougars, by a score of 2-1. UBC forced a third game when they won on Saturday night 3-2, also in a third overtime. It was no contest on Sunday when the Thunderbirds handily defeated the Cougars 7-1 and qualified for the CIS championship for the first time.
 
In the head-to-head match-up between these two teams, it has been quite the ride. Despite the Dinos winning three of four games, the Thunderbirds gave them some trouble.
 
Mid-October the Dinos defeated the Thunderbirds on the road 5-2. The following night in the same arena, ten goals were scored between the two teams and overtime was needed. Calgary's Hayley Wickenheiser scored the game winner.
 
In the first games back from the Christmas break, the Dinos and Thunderbirds split the series at Father David Bauer arena, with Calgary winning the first game 4-2, and UBC taking the second game 2-1.
 
Both goaltenders involved in the Championship series will be major factors. Calgary's Amanda Tapp has held top spot on the goaltender's list all season long, finishing the regular season with just a 1.53 goals against average, and a .932 save percentage.
 
Right behind her is UBC's Danielle Dube. The former Team Canada member has been stellar for the Thunderbirds in net all season long. Her numbers include a .943 save percentage, the best in the league, and 1.67 goals against average. She recorded 11 wins and five losses.
 
Morgan has been the top scorer for the Dinos throughout the playoffs. The fifth-year captain scored three goals in two games including an important game-winner in triple overtime. Veteran Elana Lovell also had a two-goal game in the third game of the series.
 
UBC had a variety of players score in their semifinal series including Tatiana Rafter with two goals in their 7-1 win over Regina. The third-year Winnipeg native finished the regular season tied for second in goals scored with 13.
 
Regardless of the outcome, both teams are headed to Toronto for the CIS Women's Hockey Championship March 7-10.