Playoff preview: How do the Griffins match up with the UBC Thunderbirds?

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – It can be a daunting task facing the defending Canada West champions in the opening round of the playoffs.

But when you consider the MacEwan Griffins split their only series against the UBC Thunderbirds in the regular season, they have reason to be a confident group heading to Vancouver this weekend for their best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series.

The teams will meet on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday's contest only held if necessary (all 8 p.m. MT, Canada West TV).

Here is a look at the matchup:

Previous meetings in 2024-25

Nov. 1: UBC 6 at MacEwan 1

Nov. 2: UBC 1 at MacEwan 5

Season standings

MacEwan (10-15-3): 3^rd East Division

UBC (18-8-2): 2^nd West Division

MacEwan leaders

Points: Marc Pasemko – 24

Goals: Marc Pasemko – 11

Assists: Hunter Donohoe – 22

PPG: Marc Pasemko, Sean Comrie – 3

SHG: Marc Pasemko, Brendan Boyle, Kadyn Chabot – 1

GWG: Marc Pasemko, Liam Ryan – 2

Shots: Kadyn Chabot – 73

PIM: Hunter Donohoe – 26

+/-: Sam Simard - +8

Wins: Eric Ward – 5

GAA: Eric Ward – 3.71

Save%: Brett Epp - .888

Shutouts: None

UBC leaders

Points: Sasha Mutala - 27

Goals: Jake Wright – 14

Assists: Sasha Mutala, Conner McDonald – 18

PPG: Sam Huo – 5

SHG: Cyle McNabb, Chris Douglas – 1

GWG: Ty Thorpe – 3

Shots: Conner McDonald – 88

PIM: Jonny Lambos – 70

+/-: Ty Thorpe - +20

Wins: Cole Schwebius – 11

GAA: Cole Schwebius – 2.22

Save%: Cole Schwebius - .907

Shutouts: Cole Schwebius – 2

Team Stats

Powerplay: MacEwan – 18.7% (6^th); UBC – 17.8% (7^th)

Penalty kill: MacEwan – 79.7% (7^th); UBC – 75.4% (6^th)

Zack Dailey coach's quote:

"Probably the biggest thing is just limiting turnovers. They attack extremely well off the rush. They're a very quick team, very skilled, so they don't need help creating scoring chances. So, definitely limiting turnovers. Making sure in the O-zone, we always keep a high guy so we're not giving up odd-man chances. And really having good gap to force stops. One of their biggest strengths is their rush. So, if we can try to make them beat us another way, that's what we're going to do."

Players to watch:

MacEwan: Brett Epp – Although they had a weekend split against the Thunderbirds during a series at the Downtown Community Arena in November, the Griffins were outshot 68-39 combined in the two games, so their goaltending will need to be on point to find success this weekend. Epp has been outstanding in the past few weeks for the Griffins with a .922 save percentage overall in his last five starts.

UBC: Sasha Mutala – The reigning Canada West second team all-star led the Thunderbirds in scoring this season with 27 points in 24 games, including 10 powerplay points – tied for first on the team. He's part of a relentless Thunderbirds attack that thrives on speed and build-up in the neutral zone.

Notable

Both teams are coming into the series on a losing streak. MacEwan has dropped three in a row, including losing both at Regina to conclude the regular season, while UBC is also on a three-game losing streak, falling in a shootout to Saskatchewan Feb. 8 before getting swept by Calgary … In MacEwan's 5-1 win over UBC on Nov. 2, Carson Ironside had an incredible debut for the Griffins, making 32 saves to net the win. Marc Pasemko led the Griffins offensively with two goals.