BURNABY, BC — The SFU Men’s Hockey Team are looking to close 2017 with one last win. The Clan take on Trinity Western at home this Saturday as the final game of the 2017 calendar year, before resuming play in January.

SFU are looking to rebound after a 4-1 loss to Vancouver Island the previous Saturday.

“We’ve got to be good in practice all week. We know how Trinity plays, they’re not going to change the way they play. We’ve just got to be ready from the drop of the puck, not halfway through the game,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “You want to be going into the break on a win, especially against a team you’re fighting for playoff positioning with. Going out on a win is important.”

The Clan have now lost two of their last three games. Power play woes were the story Saturday night as SFU didn’t manage a goal on six man advantages, and surrendered two shorthanded goals.

Special teams weren’t all for naught, however. The penalty kill was sharp, as SFU killed all nine VIU opportunities. Prior to Saturday’s effort, SFU had scored four power play goals in two games.

Mac Colasimone scored the Clan’s only goal on Saturday.

This Saturday’s matchup is the first home game versus Trinity Western. SFU has played the Spartans twice so far, but both times at the Langley Events Centre, going 1-1 in the process.

In the first game in October, Eric Callegari scored twice to give SFU a 4-2 win, with Lyndon Stanwood making 23 saves (.920 SV%). On November 16th, SFU managed three goals, but gave up a third period lead to fall 4-3. The more recent game was a heated affair that saw 75 penalty minutes doled out between the two teams.

TWU’s Brayden Brown has found success against SFU, scoring three goals and an assist in the two contests.

SFU will likely face TWU starter Silas Matthys, who, with a career .921 SV%, has been a rock for Trinity Western in his five years with the program.

Having played the last few games short a number of core players, SFU hopes to get a few players back in the lineup. Defenceman Austin Adam (injury) and Callegari (illness) may be ready to ready to play Saturday. If Adam slots back in, Brandon Tidy — who played on the blue line the previous two games — will likely be back at forward.

At the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 or for SFU students with valid ID. The game will also be streamed live on HockeyTV. Puck drop is at 7 pm.