MBB: Victoria's Ethan Boag named CW Player of the Year

Feb. 26, 2026 - Victoria's Ethan Boag has been named the 2026 Canada West Men's Basketball Player of the Year.

The hometown Victoria product enjoyed a standout senior campaign, leading the defending national champion Vikes to a conference best 17-3 record and another appearance in the Canada West Final this upcoming weekend. The forward averaged a career best 14.1 points per game, sporting a sharp 45.9 FG% while also shooting 37% from beyond the arc. Already a three-time Canada West champion and a key part of last year's national championship winning team, Boag will look to add more hardware as the Vikes have their sights set on another Canada West championship.

The conference announced its complete list of major award winners on Thursday. The Vikes were also represented by Defensive Player of the Year Geoffrey James. Brandon's Munroop Gill was named Rookie of the Year after a dazzling debut season, while Winnipeg's Mike Raimbault was honoured as Coach of the Year. Thomas Olsen of Thompson Rivers was named the Student-Athlete Community Service Award recipient.

The Canada West Final is set for Friday night, as the Victoria Vikes host the rival UBC Thunderbirds. A Vikes victory would make it four conference titles in five seasons, while the T-Birds are seeking their first conference title since 2020. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST.

Fans can catch all the action streaming live on Canada West TV - Presented by BioSteel.

Recaps, highlights and schedule information is also available at WinTheWest.ca.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ethan Boag, Victoria Vikes

Forward | 5th Year | Victoria, B.C.

Ethan Boag delivered another standout campaign in his fifth Canada West season, further cementing his reputation as a proven winner for his hometown Victoria Vikes. A key figure in one of the conference’s most successful programs, Boag has played a big role in the Vikes' recent dynasty that has seen them capture three of the last four Canada West championships and last season’s U SPORTS national title, bringing championship pedigree to every possession.

A versatile and efficient scorer, Boag took his game to new heights in 2025-26. He consistently applied pressure on opposing defences with his ability to attack the rim while also stretching the floor, shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc. His experience and poise were most evident in high-stakes moments, garnering a reputation for delivering when the games matter most. After pouring in a season-high 30 points in the Vikes’ first matchup with UBC, Boag elevated his play again in the Canada West win-or-go-home semifinal, converting all seven of his field-goal attempts to lead Victoria back to the conference championship.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Geoffrey James, Victoria Vikes

Guard | Fifth Year | Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Geoffrey James anchored one of the nation’s premier defensive units with consistency and composure, earning Defensive Player of the Year honours. The veteran guard totalled 42 steals, ranking fifth in Canada West, and routinely drew the assignment of containing the opponent’s primary ball handler. His ability to disrupt the point of attack frequently stalled offensive plays before they could develop.

Serving as a steady presence and vocal leader, James captained a defensive group that limited opponents to just 71.9 points per game, the second lowest mark in the conference. His knack for generating turnovers also fuelled the transition game, effectively converting defensive pressure into offensive opportunities for the conference's most prolific scoring team.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Munroop Gill, Brandon Bobcats

Guard | First Year | Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Brandon Bobcats guard Munroop Gill has been named the Canada West Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, capping off a spectacular debut campaign. The freshman sensation was an offensive force all season, averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting an efficient 54.5 percent from the field and over 40 percent from beyond the arc. He ranked top-ten in several key scoring categories, including fourth in points per game, seventh in total points, third in total field goals, and seventh in both FG% and 3PT%.

His breakout year included a season-high 33-point performance against Saskatchewan in November, a performance that proved early on that he can compete with the conference's best. It is a well-deserved honour that signals a bright future for the Bobcats.

“Munroop has had an exceptional freshman season. He’s put in the work each day and really found his niche in our program. He would be the first one to thank his teammates for this individual award, but also everyone that’s helped him get to BU. Drive Basketball, Pasha And Karn, really helped us recruit Munroop here, and we owe them a ton, in trusting us with his development as an exceptional student-athlete.”- Bobcats Head Coach Gil Cheung

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Thomas Olsen, Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Forward | Fifth Year | Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Thomas Olsen is the conference's Student-Athlete Community Service Award recipient, recognizing a community impact extending far beyond the basketball court. Deeply committed to service in the Kamloops community, the Thompson Rivers University captain has played a leading role with Motionball, a non-profit supporting Special Olympics athletes. During his time as an executive committee member, the organization has helped raise more than $50,000 for programming and awareness initiatives. He also volunteers in the emergency department at Royal Inland Hospital and mentors local youth through the Play Forever program, encouraging youth to participate in sport.

Academically, Olsen has matched that same level of dedication. He carries a 4.33 GPA while pursuing a Bachelor of Chemical Biology, with plans to attend medical school following graduation. A five-time Academic All-Canadian, he has balanced elite academic achievement with the demands of Canada West men’s basketball, serving as team captain in his final season.

On campus, Olsen continues to lead by example. As a PACE (Pack Academic Edge) program leader, he guides study hall sessions for first-year WolfPack student-athletes and supports their transition to university life. He has also represented men’s basketball on the WolfPack Athletic Council for the past two years, contributing to fundraising initiatives, student-athlete programming, and community engagement efforts.

“We are extremely proud of Thomas Olsen for being named the recipient of the Canada West Student Athlete Community Service Award. He is the epitome of what being a student athlete is all about. An Academic All Canadian in the classroom, an active and contributing member in his community, and a fierce competitor and leader on the court, Thomas checks all the boxes of what this award truly entails. His hard work, commitment, and dedication to making a difference to all those around him, and his pursuit of excellence in everything he does is what made him such an impactful member of our program and our community.” - TRU WolfPack Head Coach Chad Jacobson

COACH OF THE YEAR: Mike Raimbault, Winnipeg Wesmen

Mike Raimbault led his team to another stellar season in 2025-26 as the Winnipeg Wesmen continued as one of the winningest programs in the conference.

The Wesmen posted their second straight 16-win season in Canada West play and their second straight 24-win season overall. They were among the tops in the country in a variety of categories under Raimbault’s tutelage, ranking second in the nation in assists per game, fifth in field goal percentage and eighth in net efficiency.

Under Raimbault, the Wesmen’s 62 conference wins over the past four seasons ranks second in the Canada West.

"We have believed for a long time that we have one of the best basketball coaches in the country leading our team and I'm pleased to see his peers recognize his work. The commitment to excellence and attention to detail that Mike brings to his job are what make him a great coach, and his devotion to the well-being of his student-athletes are what make him a great leader. We congratulate him on this tremendous honour." - Winnipeg Wesmen Athletic Director Cara Isaak