MHKY: 2026-27 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 8, 2026 – The puck is ready to drop on a new season of Canada West men’s hockey, with the Saskatchewan Huskies chasing a third consecutive conference championship and eight other programs looking to end their reign.

The two-time defending champions enter as the clear favourites in the annual Canada West coaches poll, collecting the maximum eight first-place votes and 72 points. UBC finished second with 57 points, just ahead of Mount Royal with 55.

There was little separating the next two contenders, with Calgary placing fourth at 54 points and Alberta fifth at 52. The Golden Bears also received the remaining first-place vote.

For Saskatchewan, a refreshed roster brings plenty of reasons to believe another championship run is within reach.

Up front, newcomers Jaydon Dureau, Tyler Parr and Tyson Yaremko bolster a veteran group, while Logan McCutcheon joins a mobile defence corps anchored by Landon Kosior and Rhett Rhinehart.

The Huskies also boast an experienced tandem in goal, with reigning Canada West Championship MVP Nolan Maier returning alongside Bryan Thomson. A midseason addition last winter, Maier quickly established himself as Saskatchewan’s starter and helped guide the Huskies through an undefeated postseason.

“With depth at every position and experience throughout the lineup, the Huskies look to stay competitive in a challenging Canada West conference as they pursue a third straight conference title,” said head coach Brandin Cote.

Second-ranked UBC enters a new era following the departures of key veterans Jake Lee, Sasha Mutala and longtime captain Chris Douglas. With nine newcomers, including five true freshmen, the Thunderbirds will lean on their established defensive core as a younger roster finds its footing.

Cole Schwebius returns for his final Canada West season as the program’s career wins leader, while Alex Serraglio, Kayden Sadhra-Kang and Jace Weir provide stability on the blue line. UBC tied for the conference’s fewest goals allowed last season and will look to make defensive consistency a cornerstone once again.

“We need our D corps to take charge and lead the way, shutting other teams down while contributing offensively,” said head coach Sven Butenschön.

Up front, fourth-year forward Ty Thorpe will be central to the attack. The Canada West all-star finished fourth in conference scoring last season and will take on an even greater leadership role this winter.

Mount Royal rounds out the top three after a 20-6-2 regular season and a second straight appearance in the Canada West Final last spring.

The Cougars welcome 11 newcomers following a large graduating class, making the leadership of captain Connor Bouchard, Justin Lies and Dawson Milliken especially important. Bouchard, the team’s lone fifth-year player, returns after recording an excellent 39 points last season.

“The team does return established CW scorers in Connor Bouchard and Justin Lies who will be counted on to lead the offence,” said head coach Bertrum Gilling.

That veteran core will help guide a new-look roster as Mount Royal seeks to get over the hump and claim their first Canada West title.

Elsewhere, Calgary will lean on fifth-year goaltender Carl Tetachuk and an experienced defence after narrowly falling in the semifinals last year. Alberta begins a fresh chapter with 17 new faces and a temporary new home arena at Silent Ice Center in Nisku while Clare Drake Arena undergoes renovations.

Sixth-ranked Manitoba will look to build scoring depth while integrating new centres, while MacEwan aims to move beyond the opening playoff round after three consecutive postseason appearances. The Griffins return Kadyn Chabot, who tied for the conference lead with 18 goals last season.

Regina’s youth movement continues with 13 first-year players, while Trinity Western will count on increased depth and captain Christian Lowe as the Spartans look to take another step forward.

2026-27 Division Breakdown

The conference’s four Alberta-based teams - Alberta, MacEwan, Calgary and Mount Royal - will make up the East Division this season, setting the stage for plenty of local rivalry matchups. UBC, Trinity Western, Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba will compete in the West Division.

The regular season opens Oct. 9 and runs through Feb. 20, with the top three teams in each division advancing to the postseason. The Canada West Final is scheduled to begin March 12.

UQTR will host the 2027 U SPORTS national championships in Trois-Rivières, Que., from March 25 to 28.

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.

2026-27 CW MHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: The 2026-27 edition of the Saskatchewan Huskies features a reloaded and refreshed roster ready to begin their pursuit of a third consecutive Canada West title and the program's first University Cup Championship in over forty years.

Despite the graduation of some talented, veteran athletes and key contributors to the last two title runs, this year’s Huskie team may be the deepest and most talented yet. Newcomers with both professional (AHL, ECHL) and major-junior (WHL) experience enter the fold and join a competitive group of returning athletes hungry to remain atop the mountain that is Canada West hockey. From a skillful forward group, experienced and balanced defence corps, and what could be the strongest goalie tandem in the nation, the Huskies are well positioned and prepared to take on any test this season.

From the coach: “Built off back‑to‑back Canada West Championships, the Huskies enter 2026–27 with a veteran forward group strengthened by the additions of Jaydon Dureau, Tyler Parr, and Tyson Yaremko. A deep, mobile defensive corps led by Landon Kosior and Rhett Rhinehart is further bolstered by newcomer Logan McCutcheon. In goal, Nolan Maier - the 2026 Canada West Championship MVP - and Bryan Thomson form a strong veteran tandem. With depth at every position and experience throughout the lineup, the Huskies look to stay competitive in a challenging Canada West conference as they pursue a third straight conference title." - Brandin Cote

Key Performer: Nolan Maier
​Goaltender | 4th Year | Yorkton, Sask.

After leading the Huskies to an undefeated postseason record and second consecutive Canada West title, in which he was named the playoff MVP of, Nolan Maier returns to lead the Huskies through a full season in 2026-27. A mid-season addition out of the ECHL last year, Maier made an immediate impact as one of the best goaltenders in the conference, quickly securing his place as Saskatchewan's starter.

A veteran at the position and the second-winningest goaltender in WHL history, the Yorkton native is sure to provide the 2026-27 Huskies with security and confidence between the pipes with his sound, competitive play and show-stopping ability.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: While still boasting a talented roster at all positions, the Thunderbirds are entering a new era having lost the likes of Jake Lee, Sasha Mutala and long-time captain Chris Douglas to graduation. A much younger team in 2026-27 with nine new additions and five true freshmen, the program has undergone its most fundamental overhaul in head coach Sven Butenschön's decade-plus tenure.

The team's biggest strength may lie in goal as veteran Cole Schwebius returns for his final Canada West season, already the program wins leader, joined by returning netminder Nicholas Jones and incoming freshman Brenden Gee. Tied for the conference lead in lowest goals against in 2025-26, the T-Birds expect to be defensively stingy once again led by returning blueliners Alex Serraglio, Kayden Sadhra-Kang and conference All-Rookie Jace Weir.

From the coach: “We need to come together as a unit after the departures of key players and leaders both on the ice and in the dressing room. We need our D corps to take charge and lead the way, shutting other teams down while contributing offensively. I'm expecting a lot from our D, our team success will be driven from the back end out." - Sven Butenschön

Key Performer: Ty Thorpe
​Forward | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Finishing second in team scoring and fourth in the conference in 2025-26, centreman Ty Thorpe returns as a critical leader for the Thunderbirds both on and off the ice. Named a Canada West All-Star, Thorpe is a model of consistent production, hitting the scoresheet in all but six contests last season while tying for third all-time in single season program assists. Key in all situations for the T-Birds, Thorpe's contributions will be even more critical on a young UBC team in 2026-27.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: The Cougars enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on a 20-6-2 regular-season campaign that saw them finish first in their division and advance to the Canada West final. Despite losing in the Canada West Final and the opening game of the U SPORTS Championship, MRU returns a strong core led by captain and lone fifth-year Connor Bouchard, who recorded 39 points last season. With a strong recruiting class of 11 new players joining the roster, the Cougars will have a mix of veteran leadership and new talent.

From the coach: “The 2026-27 edition of our MRU Cougar men's hockey team will have a lot of new faces after a large graduating class departed this past spring. Success this year will come down to returning players stepping up and new players contributing in all three positions - goaltending, defence and forward. The team does return established CW scorers in Connor Bouchard and Justin Lies who will be counted on to lead the offence. But more importantly, they along with veteran forward Dawson Milliken will be serving as team captains and it will be their collective leadership on and off the ice, and the willingness for the rest of the group to follow, that will ultimately determine what level of success the team will achieve.” - Bertrum Gilling

Key Performer: Connor Bouchard
​Forward | 5th Year | Cochrane, Alta.

As the Cougars’ captain and lone fifth-year player, Connor Bouchard provides valuable leadership and experience both on and off the ice. The Cochrane, Alta. product is coming off a 39-point season (11G, 28A).

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: The Dinos return to the ice after narrowly missing out on the Canada West Final last year. After 16 changes last season, head coach Mark Howell welcomes more changes to the roster that will again, have strong expectations for the season.

From the coach: "The keys for success will start with fifth year goaltender, Carl Tetachuk, as well as the depth on defence with some key Canada West veteran defencemen. The forward group will rely on being a fast and relentless four line group. Being a strong and stingy team on defence will be paramount for the Dinos." - Mark Howell

Key Performer: Carl Tetachuk
​Goaltender | 5th Year | Lethbridge, Alta.

Carl enters his fifth season with the Calgary Dinos as one of the most decorated goaltenders in the program’s history. A two-time recipient of the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy (2023-24, 2025-26) and the 2022-23 Canada West Goaltender of the Year and First Team All-Star, he has been one of the most decorated goalies in the conference since his rookie campaign.

Carl continues a strong tradition of goaltending excellence for the Dinos, who have boasted one of Canada West’s top goalies in three of the last four years, and with a veteran presence like his between the sticks, Calgary will look to him for security at the back and set the tone for the group all year.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: The Golden Bears enter 2026-27 with a new-look roster and a temporary home at Silent Ice Center in Nisku while Clare Drake Arena undergoes renovations. Head coach Ian Herbers welcomes 17 newcomers and will lean on a returning core led by Blake Gustafson and forwards Alex Thacker, Bruce MacGregor and Vincent Lamanna. With 19 of 32 players in their first-or-second year, the focus is on how quickly this young group builds chemistry.

From the coach: “We have had a very good off season recruiting players and staff. We have student athletes with a variety of skill sets from various leagues that will make our team deeper and stronger this season. There is no ceiling with this group and I am excited to see what we can accomplish. It all starts with our strong veteran leadership group and our tenaciousness to excel.” - Ian Herbers

Key Performer: Alex Thacker
​Forward | 4th Year | Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.

One of only four players in their fourth-or-fifth years, Thacker's veteran experience will be crucial to a young team. His offensive output will play a major role in the success of the 2026-27 Golden Bears.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: The Manitoba Bisons men's hockey team is entering the 2026-27 season with a clear understanding of what it will take to take the next step. For head coach Gord Burnett, that starts with competition. The Bisons want to be a team that is physical, aggressive and relentless - one that makes opponents work for every inch of ice and every shift of the game. But there are also some significant changes to navigate. Manitoba lost a number of centres from last season and will now have three first-year players playing down the middle on a nightly basis.

From the coach: “The 2026–27 Bisons enter the season with an exciting mix of returning experience and what they believe to be impact additions. The key will be integrating the new recruits quickly, establishing strong goaltending and defensive consistency, and developing reliable scoring depth throughout the lineup. If the Bisons can play with pace, compete hard in all three zones, and stay disciplined, they should have the ingredients to make a strong push in Canada West.” - Gordon Burnett

Key Performer: Lucas Brennan
​Forward | 2nd Year | Narol, Man.

After a productive first year with the Bisons, Brennan spent the summer improving his conditioning and arrives at camp looking to build on that foundation.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Outlook: After making the Canada West playoffs for three straight seasons, the next step for the Griffins is getting past the first round and contending for the championship. Captain Sam Simard, leading scorer Kadyn Chabot and other key veterans like Vincent Scott, Myles Gauld, Ethan Sundar and Carter Chorney return to lead a deep and varied offence that's added some impressive rookie talent, front-lined by Zach Coutu out of the BCHL.

Defensively, MacEwan lost three of its top four D-men from last season, but have replenished the unit with four newcomers, led by Simon Fraser transfer Jack Franklin. Carson Ironside returns to lead a goaltending trio that's young and rising. Expect the Griffins to challenge for another playoff berth and beyond in 2026-27.

From the coach: “We are excited to kick off the new season with a great mix of experienced veterans and talented new players. We look forward to the opportunity to compete and grow as a team.” - Zack Dailey

Key Performer: Kadyn Chabot
​Forward | 4th Year | Cranbrook, B.C.

Chabot returns to MacEwan for a fourth season after rewriting the Griffins' program record book with a 37-point campaign in 2025-26. Boasting one of the best shots in the country, Chabot co-led Canada West in goals last season (18) and was the conference's leader in 5-on-5 points (26). Capable of pushing for the Canada West scoring crown, Chabot will be the leader of a deep and varied Griffins offence that will be one of the most dangerous in the conference.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Outlook: The youth movement is fully underway under second-year head coach Trevor Keeper, who will guide a squad with 21 of its 27 players in their first two seasons of U SPORTS eligibility. Defencemen Blake Heward and Leyton Holoien and forwards Jordan Borysiuk, Kade Runke, and Carson Whyte are the team's elder statesmen, while goaltender Ross Hawryluk – a transfer from the University of Manitoba – is the lone player in his fifth year of eligibility. The Cougars have 13 first-year players on the roster, including five with Western Hockey League experience.

From the coach: The University of Regina Cougars will be young, carrying 13 first year players in the program this year. After his first full season and time to recruit this year, head coach Trevor Keeper feels the acquisition of more depth at each position will allow the Cougars an opportunity to start climbing the Canada West ladder. The Cougars will need to be a very structured team and build confidence week by week, as they look to get the program back into playoff contention this year.

Key Performer: Damon Cunningham
​Goalie | 2nd Year | Sturgeon County, Alta.

Damon Cunningham was a workhorse in his first U SPORTS season last year, playing in 21 of the team's 28 Canada West games. He had a couple of highlight-reel performances, including making a season-high 46 saves in a 5-4 win over Saskatchewan in late January. Though the Cougars added a pair of high-quality netminders as Dylan Ernst joined the team for the winter semester last year and Ross Hawryluk is now eligible, Cunningham has had a strong start to the season and projects to be Regina's starting goalie for the season opener.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Outlook: The Spartans enter the 2026-27 season with increased depth throughout the lineup and heightened expectations. With added competition at every position, Trinity Western will look to play with speed while relying on greater accountability and competition within the roster. A number of newcomers are also expected to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as TWU looks to take another step forward this season.

From the coach: “There is a lot to be excited about with our group this year. We have more depth at every position than we have ever had and we have brought in some exciting new players. We also have a good core of veteran players who have been in the league for 2-3 years now and will provide some great leadership to a big incoming class. We want to play fast and physical and will look to continue to move in the right direction as a program." - Ben Walter

Key Performer: Christian Lowe
​Forward | 4th Year | Port Moody, B.C. ​

Christian embodies everything the Spartans have been building within their program. He is a player who has embraced the opportunity that was available to him and has grown immensely as a player over his time at TWU. As the Spartans captain, he brings a work ethic and attitude to the rink every day that his teammates follow. He has become one of the top forwards in Canada West and the Spartans will count on him to lead the way again this season.