CW AGM Recap: Canada West approves new hockey schedule format for 2027-28
KELOWNA – Another Canada West AGM is in the books, highlighted by the approval of a new scheduling format for men’s and women’s hockey beginning in the 2027-28 season.
The change will see the conference return to a single division structure, which was previously used prior to the 2023-24 season. The new format will feature all nine teams competing in one division, with each team playing a 28-game schedule. Teams will face six opponents four times and two opponents twice.
The current two-division model will remain in place for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with this year's rotation featuring Calgary, Mount Royal, Alberta and MacEwan in one division, while UBC, Trinity Western, Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba comprise the other.
CW Board Elections
Three board members were re-elected at the AGM, highlighted by Ben Matchett (Calgary) returning for another two-year term as Canada West President. Robin D’Abreo (UBC) was also re-elected to a new two-year term as VP Sport, while Gene Muller (Manitoba) will serve another two-year term as VP Planning & Research.
Returning board members entering the second year of their current two-year terms in 2026-27 include Jeff Gamache (TWU), Loralyn Murdoch (UNBC) and Lindsay McAlpine (MacEwan). The Board will also appoint a new Director-At-Large, who will serve a one-year term, at a later date following the completion of Shannon Chinn’s (Saskatchewan) term.
Made up of volunteers from member institutions across the conference, the Canada West Board of Directors provides leadership and strategic oversight on behalf of the membership.
Simon Fraser Accepted as Probationary Member
Canada West also officially accepted Simon Fraser University (SFU) as a probationary member. SFU was confirmed as the conference’s 18th member after securing more than the 75 per cent membership approval required for Canada West acceptance.
The application remains dependent on SFU’s application for probationary U SPORTS membership, which will be reviewed at the U SPORTS Conference and Annual Meeting taking place June 2-4 in St. John's, N.L.
Student-Athletes Lend their Voice to AGM Discussions
Canada West was proud to welcome a pair of student-athletes to take an active part in the conference's annual general meeting, including Olayinka Odeleye from Manitoba track and field and Faith Christensen from Thompson Rivers women's volleyball.
Both student-athletes served on this season’s Canada West Student-Athlete Engagement Committee and used the AGM opportunity to share valuable insight and perspective on key topics impacting the student-athlete experience.
“It felt like I actually had a voice," said Olayinka. "To represent so many student-athletes and channel that into this meeting was such a euphoric experience. I want to thank Canada West for being a leader in this space and for allowing numerous stakeholders to take part in the AGM.”
“It was an incredible opportunity to be one of two student-athletes invited to take part and share our perspectives. To be in a position to contribute to these conversations is very powerful," said Faith.
"I think every student-athlete should be grateful for our athletic directors and the amount of time, effort and energy they put into shaping our university experience. I’m super grateful to have gained that insight - it was the experience of a lifetime.”
Canada West thanks Olayinka and Faith for their thoughtful contributions and leadership, helping to shape important conversations around the future of student-athlete success in the conference.
