SFU preparing to take on local rivals UBC in University Hockey Classic

Simon Fraser University will open their 2012 schedule with a bang on Friday when they meet the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the first of two weekend games being billed as the first annual University Hockey Classic.

The series marks the first time that SFU and UBC will compete in men's hockey, and with Simon Fraser's recent move to the NCAA it also qualifies as the only competitive athletics event between the local rivals on the 2011/12 sports calendar.

The University Hockey Classic is a two-game, home-and-home series that will see the teams face off at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre at UBC on Friday night before heading to Burnaby on Saturday to wrap the series at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. Both games are 7:00 PM starts.
Two points will be awarded for a win with the most points claiming the UHC title a trophy. Should the teams split the series, a shootout will determine the winner.

"We've obviously had these dates circled all season and the guys are looking forward to the challenge," says Clan head coach Mark Coletta. "We feel that we can compete at that level and this is an opportunity as a group to prove it."

UBC competes in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), where they have posted a record of 7-7-2 record so far this season to sit fifth in the Canada West conference. The Thunderbirds roster is dotted with alumni from leagues like the WHL and BCHL.

The Clan understand the challenge that awaits them on Friday and Saturday, but should be well prepared for taking on a highly competitive component after facing NCAA Division I-ranked Air Force in October.

"The Air Force game was an important step for us and a chance for our guys to realize the way they need to play to be successful," says Coletta. "In that game we started tentatively and found ourselves down a few goals, but then found our comfort zone and played Air Force pretty even for the next 50 minutes."

"We experienced the cost of a slow start, and we'll be focussing on playing our game right from puck drop against UBC."

The game will have special meaning for a pair of former Thunderbirds, as forward Bill Smith and goaltender Graeme Gordon each suited up for UBC prior to transferring to the Clan. Both are expected to see significant action on the weekend as they prepare to make their BCIHL season debuts the following weekend at Selkirk College.

Both games will be broadcast in live streaming video online. Visit www.sfuhockey.com for broadcast details.