The UBC Thunderbirds men’s hockey team is preparing for one of the biggest events on campus as the sixth annual Winter Classic is set for Friday, January 17th at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre when the Manitoba Bisons come to town.
The T-Birds are expecting another sell-out crowd of close to 6,000 for the big game and festival event which features interactive games, activities, contests, and much more for fans of all ages.
This year’s spectacle will feature some extra special guests as members of the 1970-71 UBC Western Canadian Championship team will be on hand, the last Thunderbirds squad to win a conference title. Captain Jack Moores, head coach and former UBC Athletic Director Dr. Bob Hindmarch, as well as other members of the ’71 squad will be present as a brand new championship banner will be raised to the Thunderbird Arena rafters.
The 2020 Winter Classic will also serve to celebrate the incredible generosity of Their Honours, the Honourable Lois Mitchell Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and Mr. Doug Mitchell (BLaws ’62), whose namesake arena has served as the prestigious home to UBC hockey for over a decade. Both will be in attendance for a special pre-game ceremonial puck drop.
With the 2020 Canada West playoffs little more than a month away, the T-Birds are beginning a big final push to secure their ninth straight post-season appearance.
It’s appropriate the Thunderbirds host Manitoba for this pivotal contest as it was the Bisons who UBC defeated in the 1971 conference final.
Puck drop for the sixth annual Winter Classic is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th with doors opening for the pre-game festival at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are still available for what’s expected to be a fourth consecutive Winter Classic sell out.
Visit: gothunderbirds.ca/winterclassic for seats and further details.
