The UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey team snapped its four game losing streak, defeating the Lethbridge Pronghorns 7-4 to earn their second victory of the season on Saturday night, Nov. 2, at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
Madeira Park's Joe Antilla led the way with his first career university hat trick.
Tied 3-3 heading into the final period, Antilla scored his second goal of the night 1:36 into the third on a great set up from Anthony Bardaro to put the 'Birds in front 4-3. After Matt Hewitt made his best save of the night, scrambling to steal a goal away from Cass Mappin, Luke Lockhart potted his second goal of the season with just over five minutes left to give UBC a 5-3. The goal would prove to be the game winner.
Antilla completed the hat trick a man down, beating Damien Ketlo five hole. Lethbridge would score a power play goal in the final minute with six attackers on the house, and then Lockhart would add an empty netter to round out the scoring.
An impressive performance for Antilla, who had just one goal in 27 regular season games last year. This weekend he was bumped up to the top line and rewarded his coach for the confidence.
"Joe had the best week of practice last week and earned his spot to play with Bardaro and Cole Wilson and he produced for us and I give him all the credit," said UBC head coach Milan Dragicevic.
UBC is 3-7 on the season after splitting two games with Mount Royal last weekend.
The Thunderbirds travel to Saskatoon this weekend for a double-header with the University of Saskatchewan.
- Submitted by UBC Athletics
