MHKY: ALB favoured to run it back

CALGARY - The plays that ignite your spirit amid bone-chilling temperatures are set to return for another season Friday. And with Canada West's top skaters set to hit the ice, coaches from across the conference have weighed in on who they think will be the men's hockey champion this year.

With 64 points, and first-place votes from every other coach in the conference, it's the Alberta Golden Bears that are favoured to run it back for their astounding 30th CW title. But a full season of games, and teams hungry to avenge last year's disappointments stand in their way.

Mount Royal and British Columbia were voted in at two and three respectively, separated by only seven points. The Thunderbirds narrowly edged out the Cougars in the conference semi-finals last season, despite MRU boasting the league's top two scorers. Both teams appear poised to make their push for first this season as they both chase down their first-ever men's hockey conference banner.

Alberta will begin its title defence against Mount Royal in Calgary at 7 p.m. Friday. UBC will host Calgary at the same time, while Regina travels to MacEwan. The puck will drop between the visiting Trinity Western Spartans and Saskatchewan Huskies at 7:30 p.m. local time. The full schedule can be found here.

MEN'S HOCKEY ON CANADA WEST TV

Every men's hockey game will be available live and on demand this season exclusively on Canada West TV – the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here. 

2022-23 CW MHKY PRESEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

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