MHKY: Sasha Mutala named Canada West Player of the Year

March 5, 2026 - UBC forward Sasha Mutala has been named the 2026 Canada West Men's Hockey Player of the Year.

The Vancouver native delivered one of the most impressive offensive seasons in recent conference history, capturing the Dave “Sweeney” Schriner Scoring Trophy after leading Canada West with 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) in 28 games.

Mutala’s offensive prowess helped power the Thunderbirds to another strong season and cemented his place among the most decorated players in program history. His 32 assists set a new UBC single-season record, while his 46 points marked the highest total by a Thunderbird in three decades. The former Tri-City Americans standout also became the first Thunderbird to finish atop the conference scoring race since Bill Holowaty accomplished the feat back in 1985.

Mutala was one of four Thunderbirds honoured on Thursday, as the conference revealed it's full list of 2025-26 major award winners.

The Thunderbirds and Calgary Dinos were joint recipients of the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy, awarded to the goaltenders on the team with the fewest goals against during regular season play. Both teams surrendered just 67 goals through 28 contests, for a goals against average of 2.39.

The Alberta Golden Bears received the Fair Play Trophy, given to the team with the fewest penalty minutes.

All eyes now turn to this weekend's Canada West final, featuring a rematch between the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Mount Royal Cougars. Read the series preview here.

All the action will be streamed live and on-demand at Canada West TV – Powered by Biosteel. Fans can also view recaps and highlights from each match at WinTheWest.ca.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR and TOP SCORER: Sasha Mutala, UBC Thunderbirds

Forward | Fourth Year | Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

One of the greatest players in UBC men's hockey program history, Sasha Mutala becomes the team’s first Player of the Year recipient in 41 years. The former Tri-City American star also became the first Thunderbird to finish atop the conference scoring race since Bill Holowaty also accomplished the feat back in 1985. Mutala’s 46 points is the most in a single season by any Thunderbird since 1995-96, and the third highest total by any Canada West player in the last 12 years.

The Vancouver native set a new program record this regular season with 32 assists while his 137 career points in his four seasons with the blue and gold has his tied for fourth all-time in UBC history.

Named to the conference All-Rookie squad in 2022-23, Mutala has a pair of second team All-Star selections and now a first team nod to add to his growing collection of accolades.

A fifth-round draft pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, Mutala has also shone on the international stage having won a gold medal for Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games, finishing as the tournament’s highest scoring player with 12 points.

“He’s been the consummate pro since he’s been here. After his first season, he came and just asked what he needed to do to be the best player in the league. He’s learned to play a complete, professional game and his point production hasn’t been sacrificed by doing that. As a coach, that’s exactly what you want. We’re proud of him and if you ask him, he’ll give all his credit to his linemates and his teammates – that’s why we love him.” - UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Sven Butenschön

TOP GOALTENDER: Brett Mirwald, UBC Thunderbirds

Goalie | Second Year | Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.

With a conference leading 2.27 goals against average, an 11-1-2 record and a .907 save percentage, Brett Mirwald becomes just the second Thunderbird to be named Canada West Goaltender of the Year.

Tied with his crease-mate, Cole Schwebius, for the conference lead with 11 wins, the second-year from Saskatoon added a pair of shutouts and finished off the regular season with five straight wins while losing just once in regulation all year.

Together with Schwebius, Mirwald led the Thunderbirds to a tie with Calgary for the fewest goals allowed all season at 67, earning a share of the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy.

Earning WHL Goaltender of the Year honours in his final season with the Vancouver Giants in 2023-24, Mirwald improved his first-year Thunderbird numbers to the tune of a .054 boost in save percentage and nearly a full goal against better per game.

Mirwald joins former U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year, Rylan Toth, as the only T-Bird netminders to receive the conference honour.

“Mirsy is another feel-good story. He was the WHL Goaltender of the Year, he came in here and probably thought it was going to be easy and then once you realize the calibre of the hockey, it’s a real wakeup call, and he’s responded. He went home in the summer, I think he made a real pledge to himself that he was going to find his game and be the player and the goalie that he knew he could be. He’s another guy who off the ice has really matured and grown as an individual, therefore his trade is a little bit easier when he comes to work. He loves the game, he really breaks the game down, he loves the position and we’re expecting him to continue this and honestly he’s got a lot more to give too. If you ask him, he’s not even close to being satisfied or complacent. He’s extremely driven and he’s going to push even more.” - UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Sven Butenschön

TOP DEFENCEMAN (Mervyn “Red” Dutton Trophy): Jake Lee, UBC Thunderbirds

Defence | Fourth Year | Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alta.

Finishing his outstanding UBC career as the highest scoring blue liner in program history, Jake Lee becomes the first Thunderbird to win the Mervyn “Red” Dutton Trophy since Rick Amann in 1985.

A two-time first team Canada West All-Star and an All-Canadian, Lee not only re-wrote the UBC record books but proved himself to be one of the most dynamic defencemen the conference has seen.

His 34 points this season – matching his previous high water mark from two years ago – led all conference blue liners while his plus-37 rating was tops among all skaters by a wide margin. The Sherwood Park, Alta. native led all Canada West defencemen with 14 goals, while his 121 total shots were second only to teammate Sasha Mutala.

With 107 points in 101 career games over the past four seasons, Lee not only goes down as UBC’s highest scoring blue liner of all-time but sits tied for ninth in overall UBC points.

“He’s a special player. He’s grown up as a person off the ice over his time at UBC which has allowed him to flourish on the ice. I tell people, if you watch him on video it’s one thing, but then when you’re up close in person, and you see another team sending two guys at him as hard as they can in the corner to hit him, to slow him down and he shows his deception, and his skill set, it’s incredible. He’s not just offensive. I personally get really excited when I see him dig in on defence because he’s got a great stick, he boxes out, he doesn’t lose position and it does lead to offence. You’re looking at a complete package back there.” - UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Sven Butenschön

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (U of A Hockey Alumni Trophy): Conner Roulette, Saskatchewan Huskies

Forward | First Year | Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

A point-per-game player as a freshman, first-year Huskie Conner Roulette takes home the UofA Hockey Alumni Trophy as the Canada West Rookie of the Year.

Roulette finished tied for seventh in conferencing scoring among all players in 2025-26 and led all rookies with 15 goals and 20 assists. One of Saskatchewan’s most consistent performers, the former ECHLer and Tulsa Oiler recorded more multi-point games (8) than pointless games (6) in his debut campaign, adding 86 shots and a +16 rating.

Through the first two rounds of the postseason, he also been the Huskies top performer, recording four goals and four assists in a series sweeps of both the Alberta Golden Bears and UBC Thunderbirds.

Roulette becomes the 12^th conference Rookie of the Year in program history, and first since Jared Dmytriw in 2019-20.

“Conner has been a difference maker for us from day one. His character and competitiveness show up in everything he does, and his skill and hockey IQ allow him to impact the game in all areas. We’re proud of what he’s accomplished in his first season as a Huskie and thrilled to see him recognized as the Canada West Rookie of the Year.” – Saskatchewan Huskies Head Coach Brandin Cote

COACH OF THE YEAR: Sven Butenschön, UBC Thunderbirds

10th Season

For the third time in his UBC career and second in the last three seasons, Sven Butenschön has been named Canada West Coach of the Year.

His tenth season at the helm of the blue and gold proved to be his best yet as Butenschön guided the T-Birds to program single-season records in wins (23) and points (49). UBC’s truly dominant campaign saw the team lead the Canada West with 148 goals while conceding just 67, tied for the fewest, a goal differential of a whopping +81.

UBC’s special teams were perhaps even more impressive, finishing the regular season with a power play converting at 34.3 per cent. ​

With 83 regular season wins over the last four seasons, no team has won more than the UBC Thunderbirds with Butenschon leading his program to four series victories and a Canada West Championship during that span. The winningest coach in UBC Men’s Hockey history, Butenschon boasts a 148-74-22 conference record for a .607 win percentage.

“What Sven has accomplished in his tenure at UBC is extraordinary and this award is deserved recognition for his continued work to build and maintain one of the top hockey programs anywhere in Canada. A former Olympian, NHLer and long-time professional player, Sven’s passion for the game has never been stronger. He successfully combines his elite experience with an innate drive to constantly improve his program. Sven has made UBC a go-to destination for elite hockey players to continue to grow on and off the ice while setting them up for success in the game and life well beyond their time representing the blue and gold. Sven’s passion and commitment to his program and his players is unparalleled and we’re so excited for the future of this team. Go T-Birds!” - UBC Athletic Director Kavie Toor

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Blake Gustafson, Alberta Golden Bears

Defence | Third Year | Hometown: Ardrossan, Alta.

Blake Gustafson has been named the Canada West Men’s Hockey Community Service Award recipient for a second consecutive season, reflecting his incredible commitment to service and to bringing the University of Alberta student-athlete community together.

On the ice, the Golden Bears defenceman appeared in all 28 games, recording two goals and 13 assists for 15 points while providing steady two-way play. In the classroom, he has maintained elite academic standing, carrying a 3.9 GPA in 2025-26 after posting a 3.8 the previous year, earning U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian recognition in both 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Gustafson’s leadership within University of Alberta Athletics has been extensive and impactful. As President-Elect of the University Athletics Board - set to serve as President in 2026-27 - he helps lead biweekly meetings coordinating varsity-wide events and volunteer initiatives across all 22 teams. He created streamlined sign-up systems and promotional strategies to enhance student-athlete engagement, and spearheaded the second annual Golden Bears Hockey Teddy Bear Toss while expanding the initiative to include the first-ever Canada West Women’s Hockey Teddy Bear Toss. The campaign collected 1,002 teddy bears and raised $1,270 for the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, more than doubling the previous year’s impact.

Gustafson has also played a central role in safeguarding the long-term sustainability of varsity athletics at Alberta as Campaign Lead Assistant and Varsity Community Liaison for the 2026 Legacy Fund Plebiscite Committee. He coordinated directly with head coaches and student-athletes across all programs to drive awareness and participation, helped develop a varsity-wide communications strategy, and contributed to discussions on equitable distribution of Legacy Fund resources. Through sustained leadership, academic excellence and meaningful service, Gustafson continues to exemplify all that it means to be a Canada West student-athlete.

"Blake is an outstanding candidate for the Community Service Award. Not only is he a leader on the ice, dressing room, weight room and classroom for our team, he is a leader with our Athletics Board for all the sports teams on campus. Blake also finds time to be a community leader helping raise money and awareness for local charities. He never hesitates to lend a helping hand even though he has a very hectic schedule. Blake is the perfect example of a Golden Bear Hockey student-athlete!" – Alberta Golden Bears Head Coach Ian Herbers

UBC HOCKEY ALUMNI TROPHY FOR SPORTSMANSHIP AND ABILITY: Adam Kydd, Calgary Dinos

Forward | Third Year | Hometown: Regina, Sask.

It was a truly special season on the ice for Adam Kydd. The third-year forward was named captain in the offseason and was the leader of this year’s young Dinos squad on and off the ice.

One year removed from playing just 11 games after an injury marred campaign, Kydd showed his true potential – erupting out of the gates with six points in the season-opening series and 17 points in the first month of the season alone.

In all, the Regina native finished the regular season with 33 total assists – the most in all of U SPORTS on the year and tied for sixth-most in program history. His 41 points on the year finished the year ranking him second in Canada West and fourth in the nation.

“He had an unbelievable season,” Calgary head coach Mark Howell said. “He’s just a true professional in how he goes about his day-to-day business in school and also in hockey. I think everybody recognizes how hard he plays the game, but he plays it fairly and with lots of respect for his teammates, the opposition and the game of hockey. Very well deserving of the award. He exemplifies what it means to be a U SPORTS athlete and hockey player.

“He cares about his teammates. He’s very serious about his success, not only as an athlete but his success as a student-athlete, as well. He’s going to finish his business degree in three years, which is unheard-of in an institution like this. He’s dedicated to being successful in life and he’s going to with how hard he works at his craft.”

This marks the seventh time in program history a Dinos player has been named the recipient of the UBC Alumni Trophy and the first since Elgin Pearce earned it three years in a row from 2015-17.

ADAM KRYCZKA MEMORIAL TROPHY: Calgary Dinos and UBC Thunderbirds

The Calgary Dinos and UBC Thunderbirds finished tied for the conference lead in goals against, sharing the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the goaltenders on the team with the fewest goals allowed during the regular season. Both teams surrendered just 67 goals over 28 games.

UBC was led by the tandem of Brett Mirwald and Cole Schwebius, who tied for the conference lead with 11 wins apiece while each losing just once in regulation all season. Mirwald captured Canada West Goaltender of the Year honours, posting a conference-best 2.27 goals-against average along with a .907 save percentage and two shutouts while compiling an 11-1-1-1 record.

Schwebius was nearly identical in performance, finishing with a 2.30 GAA while matching Mirwald’s 11-1-1-1 record. The fourth-year goaltender allowed just 30 goals on 253 shots during the regular season, recording a .881 save percentage.

For Calgary, the dynamic goalie duo of Carl Stankowski and Carl Tetachuk were at it once again, giving the Dinos sensational performances between the pipes. This marks the third time in the last four seasons the Dinos have received the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy and the seventh time in program history.

After missing the most of last season due to injury, Stankowski shined in his return to the net as a fifth-year for the Dinos. The local product finished with a 10-4-1 overall record in the regular season, making 365 total saves with a 2.30 goals-against average. He also posted a .910 save percentage, tallied a pair of shutouts and had three shootout wins – allowing just two goals against 11 shots in game-deciding shootouts. Stankowski was also named a Canada West Second Team All-Star for his work this season.

For Tetachuk, he was the lone goalie in Canada West with a better save percentage than his teammate, finishing the year with an impressive .913 mark. He conceded just 28 goals all regular season – second fewest allow in all of U SPORTS this season. In all, Tetachuk posted a 2.29 GAA with one shutout and a 9-4 overall record in year another dominant season in net for the Scarlet & Gold.

"Credit to both Tetachuk and Stankowski, they work extremely hard at their craft. They push each other in practice and games. I think they’ll also be the first to say that the team around them helps with that, too. We have d-men that block a ton of shots, as well as some forwards. We don’t take an enormous amount of penalties and we play the right way. But, they’re the last line of defence and they’ve both had terrific seasons, playing excellent in every single game they were in net.” - Calgary Dinos Head Coach Mark Howell