For the first time since 2017, the University of Regina Rams are competing in the postseason as they host the UBC Thunderbirds at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Both matchups in the Hardy Cup playoffs this weekend will take place in Saskatchewan.

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies will host the University of Manitoba Bisons in Saskatoon.

Saturday’s contest will mark the third consecutive postseason game for the Rams against the Thunderbirds, with the two teams meeting in 2016 & 2017.

The two teams faced each other only once in the regular season with Rams picking up a 21-13 road victory in Vancouver back on September 23.

Assistant Coach Jeff Stusek was a guest on the SportsCage with Michael Ball earlier this week, he said one of the reasons the Rams were able to compile a 5-3 and a second place in the standings, was because of their depth, especially with their ground game.

“I don’t know how many running backs we’ve played this year, probably five, and they’ve all played well, and (Noah) Pelletier has played great as a young quarterback. ”

Stusek added. “It’s just next man up and that’s what we’re doing. ”

For their playoff matchup against UBC, the Rams are expecting to have Christian Katende , Olivier Savard and Jayse Easton all available at running back.

Defensively, the Rams will be led by defensive end, Anthony Bennett. It was a record breaking season for Bennett, as he set a new school record with eight. He was also named defensive player of the week on three separate occasions.

On Saturday, the U of R will be looking for the first playoff victory at the new Mosaic Stadium. The last time the Rams enjoyed a playoff victory was against their provincial rivals, the Huskies, back in 2012.

The winners of tomorrow’s Canada West semi-finals will meet in the 85th Hardy Cup final next week.

Full coverage of the Ram’s matchup against UBC on 620 CKRM begins with the pregame show at 3:45, opening kickoff is 4:00.