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Women's hockey on the road to a four-peat

Halfway through the season, UBC women’s ice hockey is leading the Canada West conference with an impressive 21–2 record.

The ‘Birds have scored 89 goals, ranking first in the conference while allowing just 32, giving them an impressive +57 goal differential.

They also lead in several key offensive categories, including assists (132), goals per game (3.70), shots (743) and power-play goals (22).

“Right now we are looking to build momentum off of the success we’ve found, especially since we have a target on our back with being first in the West. We are excited for the challenges ahead and working to earn more moving forward,” wrote captain Sierra LaPlante in a statement to The Ubyssey.

Reflecting on the season so far, LaPlante stated that upon setbacks, the team always comes together and finds ways to overcome their challenges, specifically noting their Winter Classic overtime win that increased their winning streak to eight games.

“I am very proud of our group and the way we remain persistent and continue to believe in our process, systems, and each other during times of adversity,” she wrote.

UBC beat their nine-game win streak they had earlier in the season, from October 18 to November 15, with two wins over the University of Regina at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre over the weekend for a ten-game streak. The ‘Birds haven’t lost a game since November 16, against the University of Calgary, in overtime.

Last season, the team claimed its fourth consecutive Canada West Championship, and sixth in program history. However, despite their consistent success in the conference, they have yet to earn a U Sports women's hockey championship.

“Our big aspiration is to make UBC history and achieve a National championship title. Although we have big goals, we know we need to take it game by game, working to achieve our process goals, as these aid in our overall success and momentum,” LaPlante wrote.

LaPlante explained that staying competitive in the second half of the season will depend on the team’s continued commitment to showing up each day and putting in the work to develop both individually and as a group.

“We value competing hard against each other within practices and pushing each other to our greatest potentials, as the habits that we create and the competitive spirits we bring daily are translated into our performances during games and help us remain competitive as we progress throughout the season.”

As the captain, LaPlante strives to maintain a balanced approach by combining accountability with a positive, energetic atmosphere, while setting a strong example to maintain the team culture, and promote growth and cohesion as a team.

“I am very fortunate to have such a passionate and driven group of women who support my leadership approaches and have bought into the standards that I uphold for myself and promote within our group,” LaPlante wrote.

The defender, who joined the team in 2020, is now in her final year with the ‘Birds.

I am very excited to cherish every moment I have left with this amazing group of women, while having the privilege to witness the great amount of potential this group possesses.”

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Senior Staff Reporter