CALGARY – After splitting last weekend against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, the University of Calgary Dinos will face the always challenging University of British Columbia Thunderbirds for two games this weekend, Oct 13-14, with both games being played at the Father David Bauer Arena.

After falling in double overtime last Friday, the Dinos bounced back with a complete game the following night, winning 1-0 over Lethbridge. It took the Dinos just two games to get their first win of the season, compared to last season when they did not win until their fifth game. Dinos forward Kate Lumley cites maturity as a big reason for their quicker start.

"I would probably say maturity. I think everyone needed that year to mature and that's really helped us out a lot." 

Lumley scored the lone goal in the Dinos home opener last Saturday, helping the team grab its first win. Dinos goaltender Kelsey Roberts made 31 saves in her second career shutout victory.

WHKY | GOOALL! The Dinos score their first goal of the season as they take a 1-0 lead vs the Pronghorns with 12 to play in the 2nd! #GoDinos pic.twitter.com/S8tntvABt2

— UCalgary Dinos (@UCDinos) October 8, 2017

Roberts and third-year goaltender Sarah Murray have had excellent starts to the year with 53 of 54 shots stopped over the weekend. For an offensive forward like Lumley, having confident goalies does wonders for the team overall.

"The defence for sure feels more confident, especially because they've been talking a lot. I know that helps them out," Lumley explained. "As a forward, we can feel free to do whatever we want and know that it'll be fine in the [defensive] zone."

The visiting Thunderbirds, like the Dinos, split their opening weekend games against the University of Manitoba Bisons, losing 5-4, before responding with a 4-1 victory. Last season was an impressive one for UBC, as they finished first in the Canada West regular season standings, amassing 23 wins.

UBC took all four meetings during the 2016-17 season series, outscoring Calgay 18-6. Well aware of the challenge her team is facing this weekend, Lumley thinks this time around the result will be different.

"We are expecting a couple of tough games and I think they might underestimate us, which we can use to our advantage." Lumley mentioned.
    
"If we can stick to our game plan, we'll give them a run."

The first of two consecutive home games will take place Friday, Oct 13 at 7 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, Oct 14 at the Father David Bauer Arena.