MHKY: 2025-26 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 2, 2025 – With four different champions in four seasons, parity across Canada West men's hockey has never been higher.

Who will lay claim to the Dr. W. G. Hardy Trophy in 2026? The journey begins on Friday night.

The Saskatchewan Huskies enter as defending champions, capturing their 12th CW title last season after defeating Mount Royal in a tightly contested three-game series. The Huskies sit atop this year’s Canada West coaches poll, earning seven first-place votes.

Mount Royal claimed second and received one first-place vote, while UBC placed third and also earned a first-place nod.

Rounding out the rankings are a retooled Alberta Golden Bears team in fourth, followed by Calgary, MacEwan, Manitoba, Regina, and Trinity Western.

With a strong returning core, Saskatchewan is well positioned for another title run in 2025-26. Depth up front, a mobile blue line, and stability in goal give the Huskies all the necessary ingredients to contend again.

"The Huskies return a strong core from their championship team, including top-five scorers Chantz Petruic and Dawson Holt, along with All-Star defenceman Landon Kosior," says Saskatchewan Head Coach Brandin Cote. "With a mix of proven veterans and high-end newcomers, the Huskies are built to contend once again in the ultra-competitive Canada West."

Coming off their best season since joining Canada West, Mount Royal remains hungry for a first-ever conference title. With much of their talent returning, including 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Connor Bouchard, expectations are high.

“With a large group of returning players there are high expectations internally to build on the experiences of last year," says head coach Bert Gilling. "The veteran leadership will be counted on to lead the way in what we believe will be another very competitive season in Canada West."

Just one year removed from their own conference title, the T-Birds enter 2025-26 with a “win-now” mentality. UBC returns four of its top five scorers from last season and boasts steady goaltending anchored by veteran Cole Schwebius.

Perennial powerhouse Alberta faces a reset with 13 new players on the roster, while Calgary is undergoing its own retooling with 16 newcomers. Both teams have the talent to surprise but will need to develop chemistry quickly to stay in title contention.

Parity across the league means every night will be a challenge, no matter the opponent. Don’t overlook MacEwan, which made its first playoff appearance last season and pushed UBC to the brink in the quarterfinals. The Manitoba Bisons will look to continue their steady climb after a three-win improvement last season, while the Regina Cougars enter a new era under first-year head coach Trevor Keeper. Meanwhile, the Trinity Western Spartans are banking on a blend of fresh talent and veteran growth to move their program forward.

2025-26 Division Breakdown

The Alberta Golden Bears and MacEwan Griffins will join UBC and Trinity Western to comprise the West Division in 2025-26. Calgary and Mount Royal move to the East Division, joining Manitoba, Regina and Saskatchewan.

The regular season runs through Feb. 14, with the best-of-three Canada West Final scheduled to begin March 6.

2026 U SPORTS nationals are headed to the maritimes, with the University Cup set to be hosted by Saint Mary's in Halifax from March 19-22.

Stream every game on Canada West TV

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV - Powered by BioSteel, which now allows fans to watch games on their mobile devices with Apple and Android apps, as well as popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku.

For the complete Canada West men’s hockey schedule, click here.

To view CW men's hockey history and records, click here.

2025-26 CW MHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: With a strong returning core, Saskatchewan is well positioned for another title run in 2025-26. With plenty of depth, a mobile blueline, and stability between the pipes, the Dogs possess all the necessary ingredients to pursue another conference title.

From the coach: “The Huskies return a strong core from their 2024-25 Canada West Championship team, including Top-5 scorers Chantz Petruic and Dawson Holt, along with All-Star defenceman Landon Kosior. An impressive recruiting class adds offensive standout Conner Roulette, defenceman Ben Saunderson, and goaltender Bryan Thomson to an already deep lineup. With a mix of proven veterans and high-end newcomers, the Huskies are built to contend once again in the ultra-competitive Canada West conference. Depth up front, a mobile blue line, and stability in goal will be key ingredients in their pursuit of another title.” - Brandin Cote

Key Performer: ​ Chantz Petruic
​Forward | 5th Year | Moose Jaw, Sask.

A veteran student-athlete entering his fifth season with the Huskies, Chantz Petruic has proven to be an important piece for the Huskies over the past few seasons. A key contributor at the offensive end and on the powerplay, Petruic has led the team in points in back-to-back seasons and expectations are for the forward from Moose Jaw to continue that into the 2025-26 campaign.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: Fresh off their best season since joining the Canada West, Mount Royal is still hungry for their first conference title. A heartbreaking loss to Saskatchewan in last year's league final left a bitter taste in their mouth. Expectations will be as high as ever as they have retained a substantial amount of their talent heading into the 2025-26 season.

From the coach: “With a large group of returning players there are high expectations internally to build on the experiences of last year. The veteran leadership will be counted on to lead the way in what we believe will be another very competitive season in Canada West. We feel our balance and depth is a strength and have learned how important that is to have consistent success through the regular season and playoffs.” - Bert Gilling

Key Performer: Connor Bouchard
​Forward | 4th Year | Cochrane, Alta.

Since joining the Cougars as a rookie in 2022-23, Bouchard has been one of the Canada West's best forwards. He is the all-time leader in numerous MRU program records, including points and assists. Entering his fourth year, Bouchard remains the star of the Cougars as he is poised for another outstanding year.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: Boasting a veteran roster and a deep lineup at every position, the T-Birds intend to take another run at a Canada West Championship. With four of last season's top five scoring leaders returning along with one of the conference's top goaltending duos, the T-Birds are officially in "win now" mode for 2025-26.

From the coach: “We're a team that's in win now mode. Between our experienced returning veterans and a group of freshmen who are ready to step in and fill valuable roles, our expectation is to compete for a title.” - Sven Butenschön

Key Performer: Sasha Mutala
​Forward | 4th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Leading UBC in both assists (18) and points (27) in 2024-25, Sasha Mutala maintains his status as one of the country's most dangerous offensive weapons. A two-time Canada West All-Star, the Vancouver product is just nine points shy of 100 in his CW career and is better than a point-per-game player in playoffs. Mutala also won gold with Team Canada at the FISU World University Games in Italy and tied for the team scoring lead with 12 points through seven games.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: Alberta enters the season with a roster featuring 13 new faces, setting the stage for a year of growth and development. The Bears will lean on their veterans to provide leadership and stability while the younger players look to prove themselves as they adapt to U SPORTS hockey. The program expects to emphasize a disciplined, hard-working style of play, with the mix of experience and new talent creating both challenges and opportunities.

From the coach: “It will be an exciting year for Bears Hockey with new challenges and opportunities. We will be a young team with a good mix of student athletes from various backgrounds ready to prove themselves. I am looking forward to witnessing the growth and development of this team.” - Ian Herbers

Key Performer: Alex Thacker
​Forward | 3rd Year | Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.

Returning for his third season with Alberta, the 2023-24 Canada West All Rookie Team member provides an offensive spark for the Golden Bears. His point per game efforts will be crucial to the Bears success in 2025-26.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: The Dinos will feature 16 newcomers this season in a significant turnover of the roster. Despite the notable number of changes, Calgary still has two of the top goaltenders in the conference. That, plus the addition of a number of key recruits and transfers, has Calgary once again entering the season with strong expectations.

From the coach:

“The goals for the Calgary Dinos have not changed, even though we have graduated 13 players and have plenty of new, younger players. We want to compete at the highest level and be one of the top teams in Canada West and win the league championship. This will be challenging as some teams did not graduate the amount of players we did and will be more experienced. We have a very energetic and hard working group which is essential when we are this young. Our strength will be our experience in goal and the depth we have on defence, which will provide our young forwards the time to gain the experience needed to compete in the demanding Canada West conference.” - Mark Howell

Key Performer: Adam Kydd
​Forward | 3rd Year | Regina, Sask.

Adam is entering his third season with the Calgary Dinos and will be counted on to lead the team in many areas. He is a strong two-way player who will play in all situations and be a leader on offence. Adam will be a leader off the ice, helping guide and mentor the vast amount of new players on the team.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: After making the Canada West playoffs for the first time in 2023-24, the Griffins took the next step last season by winning their first playoff game. MacEwan will be looking to go further in the playoffs and challenge for the Canada West title in the coming seasons as they continue to stack strong recruiting classes together. Deeper and more physical than they were in 2024-25, the Griffins will look to make some noise as they move to the West Division.

From the coach: “We look to be a team that plays fast, is structured and is hard to play against. We will rely on our depth to be successful.” - Zack Dailey

Key Performer: Kadyn Chabot
​Forward | 3rd Year | Cranbrook, B.C.

Possessing a lethal shot and ability to find open seams, Chabot is set to lead the Griffins' offence as he heads into the 2025-26 as a seasoned vet, now with two Canada West seasons under his belt.

Chabot is a shoot-first player, who regularly leads the Griffins in shots; in fact he holds the program record for the most by a MacEwan player in a Canada West season. The former Spruce Grove Saints forward is also an important member of the power play for the Griffins, scoring five points on the unit in 2024-25. More than that, he also plays a penalty killing role well, as evidenced by a short-handed tally he had last season.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Outlook: With a combined 20 first and second year players, the Herd will continue to build off the momentum built last season under third-year head coach Gord Burnett. The team improved their win total by three games a season ago, and had three players record over 30 points for the first time in over 20 years. ​

From the coach: “The Bisons look to continue to improve again this season with an eye towards a playoff birth. With another season of experience for their young roster. They will rely on that experience to help push the team forward this season.” - Gordon Burnett

Key Performer: Braden Holt
​Goalie | 2nd Year | Big Sky, Montana

Sophomore goalie Braden Holt made an immediate impact last year for the Herd, starting 21 games in his true freshman season, while recording 730 saves. The Bisons will ride with Holt as their lead man again in 2025-26, and his steady play will be the base that the Herd build from in other areas of the game.

A veteran of two NHL camps with Toronto and Nashville, Holt is mobile enough to cover post to post, but also big enough to post up at the top of the crease to deny the opposition.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Outlook: The refreshed Cougars, with new and returning coaches, will play a high tempo brand of hockey as they attempt to climb the standings and earn a playoff berth in a talented Canada West Conference.

From the coach: “The Cougars are turning the page with a new head coach, and a renewed approach to culture, commitment, and preparation. Eighteen returners will be joined by eleven first year Cougars as they look for continued improvement and a climb in the Canada West standings. Keys to a successful season lie in the ability of this young team to commit to each other and play collectively. There are no stars, but we intend to compete together.” - Trevor Keeper

Key Performer: Carson Whyte
​Forward | 3rd Year | Regina, Sask.

Following a season where he led the team in points, Coach Keeper is relying on Whyte alongside other returning players to lead the team culture and drive a high-tempo brand of hockey.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Outlook: After significant turnover from last season, the Spartans program enters the new campaign with a sense of renewal. A large recruiting class brings an influx of young, energetic players eager to make an impact at the U SPORTS level, while returning players have shown notable development and are expected to continue their growth. The team is built to play a fast, high-energy, physical style of hockey and aims to deliver an exciting product on the ice. With a mix of fresh talent and veteran progression, expectations are for the program to take another step forward this season.

From the coach: “We have had a lot of roster turnover heading into this season having graduated 11 players last year. We have a big recruiting class who are coming in with a ton of energy while we have several returning players moving into leadership roles which I am very excited about. We are going to be a hard working team that plays fast and are looking forward to the start of the 2025-26 season.” - Ben Walter

Key Performer: Christian Low
​Forward | 3rd Year | Port Moody, B.C. ​

Low took a huge step last season as a second-year player. He won the team MVP award and has come into this season hungry to accomplish more. Low has been named the team's captain ahead of the season and is someone who will be counted on in all situations.