BURNABY, BC — The SFU Men’s Hockey Team begins a four game homestand this Saturday against the first-placed Trinity Western Spartans.

SFU is coming off a weekend that saw them take three of a possible four points, winning 5-2 against Eastern Washington and falling 5-4 in overtime to Selkirk College. The third period against Selkirk saw SFU score two goals and hold the Saints to just two shots, but were unable to keep the momentum going into overtime.

“[We have to be] making sure we understand you can’t just win games in 20 minute spurts, you have to play 60 minutes,” said head coach Mark Coletta.

Since the Christmas break, the Clan have been on a tear, going 5-1-1 and scoring an average of four goals per game.

Since returning from the break, the trio of Jaret Babych, Brendan Lamont, and Mac Colasimone have been enormously effective. Babych, named the BCIHL player of the month, had four goals and eight points in January.

Starting on the third line, WHL alumnus Nic Holowko has made an immediate impact, putting up a point in both of his first two games.

However, SFU’s one regulation loss in 2018 came to the team they are facing tonight. SFU fell 4-1 to the Spartans at the Langley Events Centre. SFU are 1-3 this season against the league leaders.

Coming off a bye week, Trinity Western has been on fire as of late, having won their last 11 games.

The key to their success has been a well-balanced attack with good structure, leading the league in both goals scored and least goals allowed. They feature 12 players — including four defencemen — with double digit points, including four in the BCIHL top 10 scoring list.

Spartan goaltender Silas Matthys has put up another incredible season, having won back-to-back BCIHL goaltender of the month honors. In the month of January, he had a 1.98 GAA and a .946 SV%.

SFU currently sits in third in the BCIHL standings, behind Selkirk College and Trinity Western. To make the top two — and playoff home ice — Saturday is nearly a must-win for SFU, who sit seven points behind second, and nine behind TWU, with seven games to go.

This Saturday is Minor Hockey Officials Night. 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.