Spartans and Clan set to renew Lower Mainland rivalry Friday at LEC

Just three points behind first-place Simon Fraser University and with a game in hand, Trinity Western University will take on the Clan in a battle between the top two teams in the BCIHL this Friday at the Langley Events Centre. Watch LIVE: www.fasthockey.com.

WEEKEND PREVIEW

Friday, Nov. 12 vs. Simon Fraser (7-1-0-1) – 7:00 PM (PT)

WEEKEND STORY

· This weekend’s tilt will mark the first regular season game of the year between these two teams. TWU earned a 6-1 win over SFU in a late-September preseason game.

· The last time SFU and TWU played a meaningful game was in last year’s playoffs, when the Spartans disposed of the Clan with a two-game series sweep in the BCIHL semifinals. The Spartans won 6-3 on the road before capping the series with a 5-4 overtime win at home.

· In the regular season, SFU had the Spartans number last year, winning five of the six games they played. TWU’s only win was a 3-2 victory Nov. 14 at home.

· Evan Last leads TWU in scoring this year with four goals and nine assists in eight games. Last was recently named the BCIHL’s Rookie of the Month for October.

· Goalie Silas Matthys, who was named the BCIHL’s Goaltender of the Month for October, is looking to make league history Friday, as he can set the BCIHL career wins record with a victory over SFU. A win would give Matthys 30 career wins, passing former Clan goalie Andrew Parent, who had 29 over five seasons (2010-2015) with SFU.

· Scott Patterson leads SFU in scoring with three goals and 11 assists in nine games.

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS (6-2-0-0)

BCIHL standings: 2nd
Last game: Victoria (6-0 W)
Streak: 1 win
Form: W-W-W-L-W
2015-16 BCIHL Record: 13-9-0-2 (3rd)
2015-16 BCIHL Playoff Record: 2-2 (2nd)

SIMON FRASER (7-1-0-1)

BCIHL standings: 1st
Last game: Eastern Washington (6-1 W)
Streak: 3 wins Form: W-L-W-W-W
2015-16 BCIHL Record: 16-7-0-1 (2nd)
2015-16 BCIHL Playoff Record: 0-2 (3rd)