SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies were on the ice at Merlis Belsher Place for the first time in 2023, after starting the year on the road in BC. The Huskies (12-4) welcomed the UBC Thunderbirds (10-6) in game dominated by the defence, as the Thunderbirds would take the 1-0 win.  
 
The lone goal of the game would come in the first period. UBC's Jordan Sandu nabbed his third goal of the season, with assists from Jonny Lambos and James Form, who each picked up their third assists of the season. 
 
"They played with speed. We sat back and watched too much at the start, which didn't help us move forward," said Head Coach Brandin Cote. "I thought we got our feet under us halfway through the game, but too little too late. We had lots of chances but it didn't go our way."
 
The Huskies were without goaltender Roddy Ross and forward Jared Dmytriw, both of whom are competing as part of Team Canada at the 2023 FISU World Winter University Games. Jordan Kooy would be in net for the Huskies, stopping 28 of 29 shots on goal. UBC's Kaeden Lane would see similar heat, going 27 for 27 in net. 
 
The second period saw a shift in the Huskies, who hit the ice with speed and intensity. Both teams would head to the penalty box for interference and roughing in the second period. While UBC and Saskatchewan had multiple opportunities to hit the net, goals would remain elusive, as there was no scoring in the second and third periods. UBC improves to 11-6 with the win, and the Huskies sit at 12-5.
 
"Defensively in the first ten minutes of the game, there was definitely a lot more play in our zone," said Huskies defenceman Ty Prefontaine. "I think we turned that around in the second period. We hit a few posts towards the end. It just didn't really want to go in for us tonight."
 
Game two of the series against the UBC Thunderbirds will take place Saturday night at Merlis Belsher Place. Puck drops at 7:00 PM and tickets are available at huskietickets.com.