SASKATOON, Sask. - The U SPORTS No. 2 ranked UBC Thunderbirds scored three first period goals, propelling them to a decisive road victory over the No. 5 ranked Saskatchewan Huskies in a battle of the country's best on Retro Night at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

After the two Canada West opponents went the distance on Friday, with Saskatchewan completing the comeback victory in the shootout, the visitors from Vancouver made a statement early, finding the back of the mesh three times in the first period. The pressure came early and often from UBC, as they controlled the pace and the tempo from the opening whistle. Rookie forward Reilley Kotai started up the scoring for the T-Birds after he picked off an errant Huskie pass in the slot, sniping it in the top right corner past an outstretched Jordan Kooy.

Saskatchewan would respond shortly afterwards, capitalizing on a 5-3 power play opportunity. Cycling in the offensive end, the Huskies patiently waited for the right moment to strike. Landon Kosior and Chantz Petruic went tic-tac-toe through a maze of Thunderbirds, before eventually finding Connor Roulette, who dropped to a knee to bury his 7th goal of his rookie campaign. However, the Dogs would continue to be loose with the puck in their own end, and to their credit UBC took full advantage, scoring two goals in the final seven minutes of the first, entering the break up 3-1.

The Huskies appeared rejuvenated to begin the second period, as Josh Pillar scored another power play goal for the Green and White, just 4:40 seconds into the frame. However, Saskatchewan would continue to play undisciplined, taking a penalty of their own shortly afterwards, which resulted in a beautiful snap shot one-timer from UBC's Jake Lee, who scorched the back of the net, pinpointing the upper corner through a mess of bodies unaltered making it 4-2 UBC. 

Penalties would plague the Huskies throughout the game, and ultimately lead to their demise, as they were unable to remain disciplined. On the evening Saskatchewan accumulated eight minors, leading to three UBC goals. On the other end of the ice the Huskies power play unit kept them in it, converting on all three of their chances, however UBC's steady play minimized the impact of Saskatchewan's stellar unit. The teams would trade some more goals before all was said and done, with UBC coming out on top 7-4.

There is just one week remaining in the first semester of the 2025-26 Canada West hockey season, and with four CW teams ranked in the U SPORTS Top-10, every weekend matters. The Huskies currently sit in second place in the east division, 11 points behind Calgary. The Dogs will look to gain ground as they face inter-provincial rival Regina in a home-and-home this upcoming weekend. The action begins Friday December 5th 7 P.M. at the Co-Operators Place in Regina, before the teams head back to Saskatoon for Saturday's rematch. 

Catch all the action on CANADAWEST.TV.