CALGARY – After splitting the weekend with the third ranked UBC Thunderbirds last week, the University of Calgary Dinos women's hockey team prepare for the most anticipated matchup of the season with the Mount Royal Cougars.

The Crowchild Classic kicks off on Friday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Father David Bauer Arena. Following a three-day break, the annual Crowchild Classic matchup at the Scotiabank Saddledome will take place starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29. More than 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, and tickets are still available HERE.

THE CROWCHILD CLASSIC
The two teams will clash at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the seventh installment of the Crowchild Classic. Over the six games played, the Dinos lead the series 4-2 with all but two games ending within one goal. Last year's 1-0 win for Calgary came on the back of a Kelsey Roberts 27-save shutout performance. 

PLAYOFF RACE
Mount Royal currently holds the sixth and final playoff spot in the Canada West playoffs with 27 points for the season. The hill for the Dinos to make the postseason is a tough one, but they can still very much play spoiler. And with a win over third-place UBC last weekend, the Dinos are trending in the right direction heading into this crosstown rivalry series.

FIRST LINE MAGIC
The Dinos' first line consisting of Rachel Paul, Delaney Frey and Sage Desjardins has been spectacular over the past few weekends. During the two games with UBC last week, they got in on all of the Dinos goals for the weekend while also picking up a goal apiece. The chemistry finally seems to be clicking for the Dinos at the right time as they fight for the final playoff spot down the stretch. 

SCOUTING REPORT
vs. MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS
Game Info: Friday, Jan 25 at 7 p.m. (Father David Bauer Arena) and Tuesday, Jan 29 at 4 p.m. (Scotiabank Saddledome)
Record: 8-12-1-1, 6th in Canada West
Leading Scorer: Breanne Trotter (5g, 9a)
Expected Starting Goaltender: Zoe Debeauville, 8-10-1-0, 2.05 GAA, 0.919 SV%


NOTES

• The two teams have split the season series with a previous two game set in early November.
• Despite having the lowest number of chances on the powerplay, MRU sits third in powerplay percentage (16.1)
• Rookie Breanne Trotter currently sites 10th in Canada West scoring with 14 points.

UP NEXT
The Dinos will head to Saskatchewan for two games in a date with the Regina Cougars starting on Friday, Feb. 1. Mount Royal will stay close to home as they get set to host the Saskatchewan Huskies also getting started next Friday.

-UC-