Missing a number of everyday starters? Starting six rookies? Playing against an undefeated opponent? Overcoming the odds and earning a massive win in Canada West play? A special Friday afternoon for the Timberwolves, who topped the Alberta Golden Bears 2-0 on Friday, September 22, 2023 in front of 1200 fans at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George, BC.

Steve Simonson's side came out content with defending against the dangerous Bears attack, digging in and matching the visitors from Alberta with tremendous shape and discipline. Alberta did generate some looks, as David Chung and Marcus Velado-Tgesaye had opportunities, but UNBC keeper Daniel Zadravec kept the chances out.

The counterattack proved effective for the TWolves in the 30^th minute when rookie Isaac Tate showed why he is considered one of the most dangerous first-years in the conference. The Victoria native took a pass from Charlie Stewart and proceeded to dribble his way through a number of Bears defenders before firing from 15 yards and beating a diving Chris Ezoua to make it 1-0.

The Timberwolves believed they earned a PK a few minutes later when a Michael Henman shot from inside the box went off a defenders arm on it's way to the gaping cage. The official ruled it to be a natural arm position, much to the chagrin of the Canada West Player of the Year, and the TWolves faithful.

In the second half, the courageous performance continued on the defensive end, as Koss Nystedt, Maarten Grombein, and Julian Daduica each blocked Alberta shots in-close to help protect the one goal advantage. Tate and Henman continued to give the Bears defenders trouble with their speed up front, earning some appetizing rushes up the pitch, but Ezoua wa sup to the task.

In the 60^th minute, on a harmless looking breakout play, Ezoua didn't see UNBC's Charlie Stewart outside the box as he played a pass up the middle to one of his teammates. The second-year forward intercepted the pass and proceeded to beat Ezoua to double the lead in front of a raucous Timberwolf crowd.

From there, the Timberwolves looked to defend and try to earn three well-earned poinst as the Bears looked to pour it on and chip away at the deficit. Jake Bosch had his chance in the 87^th minute saved by Zadravec, while Thomas Hope hammered a free kick just wide of the post, and the visitors from Edmonton ran out of time.

When the referee blew the whistle, UNBC had earned a 2-0 win, against a very talented and dangerous Golden Bears side.

Zadravec made eight saves for the clean sheet, and passed Tyrone Venhola for most wins in the program's Canada West history.

Alberta now travels to Langley to take on the Trinity Western Spartans, while UNBC will host the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Sunday afternoon at Masich Place.