Send Our UBC Hockey Players to the FISU World University Games
Three UBC Thunderbirds–Jake Lee, Sam Huo, and Sasha Mutala–have earned the incredible honor of representing Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Torino, Italy. This is a rare opportunity for them to compete on the world stage, but to make it a reality, the players are responsible for covering their own travel and tournament expenses. We’re raising funds to ensure they have the support they need to proudly represent Canada and showcase the Thunderbird spirit!
Project Description
The FISU World University Games features the top post-secondary student-athletes from across the world. And from January 13 to 23, 2025, the Thunderbird trio will don the maple leaf and look to defend Canada’s title, following the team’s victory at the 2023 World University Games.
Jake Lee, Sam Huo, and Sasha Mutala are the first Thunderbirds to represent UBC at the FISU World University Games since 2015. These three athletes will not only make their team proud, but also their country, as they take the world stage with pride.
Before heading overseas, Lee, Huo, and Mutala will first compete with Team Canada in the annual Men’s Hockey All-Star Series, representing U SPORTS, where they’ll face off against Hockey Canada’s World Junior Championship Team Selection camp in Ottawa.
Challenges and Impact of Your Support
Our UBC student-athletes face the constant, dual pressures of excelling in both their studies and their sport. To add this additional expense of having to travel across the world in the middle of their university season is adding significant financial strain to these three athletes. This campaign seeks to alleviate this financial burden and provide the support necessary to ensure our three Thunderbird athletes can attend and perform at their highest level.
About our Three Thunderbird Student-Athletes
Sasha Mutala has led the Thunderbirds in scoring so far in the 2024-25 season. He has established himself as one of the leading playmakers in U SPORTS with consistent production both on the power play and at even strength. He is in the Sauder School of Business at UBC and was recently named an Academic All Canadian.
Sam Huo was a first team Canada West All-Star last year and he has been a model of consistency for UBC. He has already boasted seven multi-point games this season. Huo is also studying at the Sauder School of Business and was also named an Academic All Canadian this year.
Jake Lee has been in spectacular form for the Thunderbirds at both ends of the ice. The third-year defenceman was a second-team All Canadian last season and a first-team Canada West All Star. In his rookie season, he tied for the team lead in goals with 14 and last season led the Thunderbirds with 35 points.
Please support these star UBC Thunderbird student-athletes today! Your generosity will make a huge difference in their lives as they represent their country and UBC on the international stage.
This project is now closed. If you would like to learn more or would like the opportunity to donate, please reach out to crowd.fund@ubc.ca.