FB: Saskatchewan favourites to repeat as champs in 2022
Team-by-team previews released a week before season opens
CALGARY - The votes are in. Canada West football coaches have selected the Saskatchewan Huskies as the favourites for the 2022 season, which is only a week away.
In a close poll, the Huskies came out atop after capturing the Hardy Cup in commanding fashion last year. The team went 5-1 on the regular season before beating down the Manitoba Bisons 45-17 in the Cup final. The winningest school in CW football history will be looking to earn its 21st title this fall.
Their Hardy Cup foe, the Manitoba Bisons, finished second in the preseason poll, four points behind the Huskies. The Bisons are also coming off a strong season, having painted its players all over the defensive all-star roster. They’ll be hungry to avenge last year’s Hardy Cup loss and hoist the trophy for the first time since 2014.
British Columbia also fared well in the coaches’ poll, coming in third with 17 points. The team fell to Saskatchewan in last year’s Hardy Cup semi final, but have added several key pieces this season. The T-Birds’ squad also features the reigning CW Rookie of the Year at quarterback, who will look to guide them back atop West.
The wait is almost over. In one week, your favourites will look to take their first steps toward the Hardy Cup. On Friday, September 2, Calgary will welcome Saskatchewan at 5:30 p.m. MDT while the Regina Rams travel to Manitoba for a 7:00 p.m. CDT kick off. British Columbia and Alberta round out Week 1 action on the coast Saturday at 7:00 p.m. PDT.
CATCH THE GAMES ON TV
Can't make it to the game? You can catch all Canada West football games on Canada West TV – the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.
All Rams and Huskies games will also be available to SaskTel customers on maxTV Local on Demand. Viewers can find them on channels 48 or 348 for the Rams and 49 or 349 for the Huskies.
Fans in British Columbia and Alberta will be able to watch Showcase games on TELUS Optik TV, on channels 997 and 998. Showcase games are listed here.
2022 CW FB PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 24 (4)
- Manitoba Bisons - 20 (1)
- British Columbia Thunderbirds - 17 (1)
- Calgary Dinos - 11
- Alberta Golden Bears - 10
- Regina Rams - 8
Click here for your full team-by-team preview.