CW BioSteel Players of the Week: Oct. 6

Oct. 6, 2026 - The playoff races are heating up across Canada West’s fall sports as the regular season enters the stretch drive.

The playoff picture remains wide open in CW football, thanks in part to Calgary’s dramatic 14-13 victory over Regina. The Rams appeared poised to win on a last-second field goal, but the kick clanged off the upright, allowing the Dinos to escape with the victory. Both teams are now 2-3.

Saskatchewan rallied in the fourth quarter to top UBC in a showdown for first place, with the Huskies improving to 4-1. The Thunderbirds are now tied with Manitoba at 3-2 after the Bisons earned an 18-3 road win over Alberta.

In Rugby 15s, UBC and Victoria swept their Alberta road trips and sit atop the standings heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. In field hockey, Victoria swept Calgary to stay within striking distance of first-place UBC.

There were plenty of intriguing results in men’s soccer as interdivisional play continued. UBC remained undefeated, edging a scrappy MacEwan side 3-2 before beating Calgary 2-0. UNBC earned a pair of impressive draws against Mount Royal and Calgary, while Victoria claimed a statement 2-1 win over Mount Royal before routing MacEwan 8-0.

In women’s soccer, UBC’s remarkable run continued with two wins, improving to 10-0 without conceding a goal this season. Calgary kept pace with a perfect record of its own, improving to 9-0 after sweeping home games against Saskatchewan and Regina.

Let's get to our BioSteel Players of the Week.

Football Offensive Player of the Week - Aulain Penner (Saskatchewan Huskies)

Week 5 vs UBC: 66 yards on 8 carries, 2 TDs, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards in 34-24 win

Aulain Penner played a pivotal role in Saskatchewan’s comeback victory over No. 7-ranked UBC at Griffiths Stadium. The third-year running back rushed eight times for 66 yards and scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, while adding two receptions for 12 yards in the passing game.

Penner’s late-game contributions helped the Huskies extend their winning streak to four games and move into sole possession of first place in the Canada West standings.

View CW Football News, Stats and More

Football Defensive Player of the Week - Porter Hanson (Saskatchewan Huskies)

Week 5 vs UBC: 12 tackles, 10 solo, 2.5 TFLs, 2 pass break ups in 34-24 win

Porter Hanson delivered the best performance of his young Huskie career in a crucial conference victory Saturday night. The second-year linebacker recorded 12 tackles, including 10 solo stops, added 2.5 tackles for loss, and broke up two passes while anchoring Saskatchewan’s defensive effort.

Hanson was a disruptive force from start to finish, consistently making things difficult for the No. 7-ranked T-Birds and helping the Huskies to a fourth consecutive victory.

View CW Football News, Stats and More

Football Special Teams Player of the Week - James Keane (Saskatchewan Huskies)

Week 5 vs UBC: 4/4 XPs, 33-yard FG, successful onside punt in 34-24 win

James Keane made an impact in all phases of the kicking game in Saskatchewan’s 34-24 home victory over UBC. The second-year kicker was perfect on all four extra-point attempts, connected on a 33-yard field goal, and executed a pivotal onside punt in the second quarter that shifted momentum and helped set up the Huskies’ first touchdown of the game.

Keane’s timely special teams play proved instrumental in helping Saskatchewan secure another top-10 win.

View CW Football News, Stats and More

Women's Rugby 15s - Sarah MacPherson (UBC Thunderbirds)

Oct. 1 at LET: 2 tries, 3 converts in 51-7 win

Oct. 4 at ALB: 2 tries, 4 converts in 62-31 win

Sarah MacPherson was a force in UBC's Alberta road trip sweep, powering the T-Birds to wins over both the Pronghorns and Pandas. Thursday in Lethbridge, MacPherson scored a pair of tries and kicked through three converts, outdoing herself three days later in Edmonton with another pair of tries and four converts.

The T-Birds have now won three straight and enjoy a much deserved bye week before hosting the Vikes on Saturday, Oct. 17 in a battle for first place in the conference.

View CW Rugby 15s News, Stats and More

Women's Field Hockey - Sadie Lee (Victoria Vikes)

Oct. 3 vs CGY: 1 goal in 3-1 win

Oct. 4 vs CGY: 1 goal in 3-0 win

Sadie Lee scored a goal in each game of a weekend sweep of the Calgary Dinos, helping Victoria improve to 4-1-1 in the Canada West standings.

Lee opened the scoring just five minutes into Saturday's match, setting the tone in a 3-1 win. The third-year Vancouver product then scored the Vikes' second goal in a 3-0 win on Sunday.

The Vikes will now enjoy an extended break and will prepare for a showdown with UBC to end the season on Oct. 24 and 25.

View CW Field Hockey News, Stats and More

Women's Soccer - Lillie Pearson (MacEwan Griffins)

Oct. 3 vs LET: 1 G, 1 A, 7 shots, 5 SOG, 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Lethbridge

Oct. 4 vs LET: 1 G (GWG), 6 shots, 2 SOG, 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Lethbridge

Continuing her impressive first season with the Griffins women's soccer team after transferring from Thompson Rivers, Lillie Pearson scored twice, took 13 shots and had three points to lead MacEwan to a six-point weekend versus the Lethbridge Pronghorns.

Although there are still four games remaining in the season, Pearson has already moved into a tie for the seventh-best offensive season in the program's Canada West history with nine points.

She's currently tied for second in the conference in goals (7) and points (9) and is fifth in shots (30).

View CW Women's Soccer News, Stats and More

Men's Soccer - Luke Norman (UBC Thunderbirds)

Oct. 2 vs GMU: 2 G, GWG, 1 A, 4 SOG, 82 mins in 3-2 win

Oct. 3 vs CGY: 1 SOG, 88 mins in 2-0 win

Luke Norman earns a second straight Player of the Week nod after helping the T-Birds to a weekend sweep of Alberta based rivals.

He kicked things off with a two goal, three point performance versus MacEwan on Friday night, helping the 'Birds stave off a scare from a scrappy Griffins side. The fourth-year from Vancouver got the 'Birds level at halftime with a stoppage time goal. Norman set up the go-ahead marker early in the second half and later scored the game winner in the 58th, his second of the game and fifth of the season. In on all three UBC goals, all at impactful moments of the match, Norman continued a stellar run of play of late that has him tied for third in conference points with eight.

Remaining undefeated, the T-Birds have now clinched a playoff berth heading into their final road weekend of the regular season starting with a Friday night battle at Thompson Rivers.

View CW Men's Soccer News, Stats and More

About Players of the Week:

The Canada West Players of the Week, Presented by BioSteel is a weekly celebration of athletic achievements across the conference. Each week, deserving student-athletes are nominated by SIDs from each member institution. Canada West office staff review nominations and select the recipients.

About BioSteel:

BioSteel is a leading sports hydration and nutrition brand, delivering clean, high-performance solutions trusted by professional athletes, top universities, and teams across North America and Europe, including major organizations like the NHL, MLB, NFL, MLS, NBA, and their affiliates. Alongside hydration, BioSteel offers premium protein and sports nutrition products, catering to athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those striving for a healthier lifestyle. Committed to excellence, BioSteel equips top athletes and active individuals with the essential tools to reach peak performance and sustain wellness every day.

About Canada West:

As the leading university athletic conference in the country, Canada West is home to student-athletes that excel in the classroom and their communities. The conference is comprised of 18 member institutions spanning from Victoria to Winnipeg, with over 3,200 student-athletes competing across 14 sports. Canada West’s mission is to train leaders and build champions by providing leadership in the delivery, regulation, and promotion of university level high performance sports programs throughout western Canada.