WHKY: 2025-26 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 2, 2025 – The calendar has turned to October, which means a new season of Canada West women's hockey is set to begin.

The puck drops on Friday night, with the Alberta Pandas entering as defending Catherwood Cup champions. The Pandas ended UBC's three-year reign atop the conference last spring, claiming the Canada West final with a pair of overtime wins to secure their first conference crown since 2020.

It comes as no surprise the two powerhouse programs topped the annual Canada West coaches poll. The Thunderbirds took top spot with four first place votes, while the Pandas were second with a single first place nod.

Mount Royal finished third with two first place votes, while rising Trinity Western placed fourth. The Calgary Dinos placed fifth but also received two first place nods.

Eager to return to the top, UBC will ice what might be the most experienced roster in their program history. With 12 fifth-year players, including last year's Canada West and U SPORTS Player of the Year Grace Elliot, the Thunderbirds enter with lofty expectations and are aiming for the program's first national championship.

“Our team is very excited for the 2025-26 season," says UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "The Canada West competition is always very strong and we're looking forward to another great season.”

While the T-Birds are veteran-laden, the Pandas will skate a younger lineup than in previous seasons. Even so, the program believes it has the depth to stay competitive in Canada West, especially with proven strength in goal.

“We feel that we have the necessary ingredients to challenge the other teams in CW again, and we're excited to see how our new Pandas grow, and our returning Pandas evolve into key positions of leadership," says Pandas head coach Howie Draper. "We were blessed with three strong goaltenders in 2024-25 who all return to us and they'll need to backstop us through this period of growth.”

Challengers to Watch

Who else will push for the CW crown? The Mount Royal Cougars are a prime candidate, retaining many key players from a roster that came an overtime goal away from defeating Alberta in last year’s semis.

Entering their fifth Canada West season, the Trinity Western Spartans are in "win now" mode with a motivated senior class backstopped by fifth-year goaltender Kate Fawcett. Meanwhile, the Manitoba Bisons will look to build on a semifinal appearance with a new head coach in Jordan Colliton. ​

In Saskatchewan, both the Regina Cougars and Saskatchewan Huskies are poised to improve with another year of experience. At MacEwan, a veteran core could help the Griffins surprise.

2025-26 Division Breakdown

The conference's Edmonton based programs will join the West Division this season, with Alberta and MacEwan joining UBC and Trinity Western. Calgary and Mount Royal head to the East Division, joining Manitoba, Regina and Saskatchewan.

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

The 2026 U SPORTS nationals will once again be hosted by the University of Waterloo Warriors 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 women’s hockey schedule, click here.

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

2025-26 CW WHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: Icing perhaps the most experienced roster in Thunderbirds history, UBC enters 2025-26 with clear championship aspirations. Falling shy of a fourth consecutive conference title last season, and with 12 fifth-year players on the roster, the expectations within are for this year's squad to get back to the conference title series and take a run at the program's first national championship.

From the coach: “Our team is very excited for the 2025-26 season! The Canada West competition is always very strong and we're looking forward to another great season.” - Graham Thomas

Key Performer: Grace Elliot
​Forward | 5th Year | White Rock, B.C.

Grace Elliott is coming off one of the most impressive individual seasons by any skater in Canada West history. Leading the conference in goals (22), points (42) and +/- (+28) in 2024-25, the White Rock product was named Canada West Player of the Year and became the first Thunderbird to be named U SPORTS Player of the Year. Elliott enters her final CW season just 10 goals and 21 points behind the all-time program records.

Alberta Pandas

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: The defending champion Pandas will be skating a younger lineup this season compared to the past two years, which means there will be plenty of learning and opportunity along the way. Even so, the program believes they have the right pieces to stay competitive in Canada West.

From the coach: “We'll be icing a younger team than we have in the past two seasons so the learning curve will be high. Having said that, we feel that we have the necessary ingredients to challenge the other teams in CW again, and we're excited to see how our new Pandas grow, and our returning Pandas evolve into key positions of leadership. We were blessed with three strong goaltenders in 2024-25 who all return to us and they'll need to backstop us through this period of growth.” - Howie Draper

Key Performer: Natalie Kieser
​Forward | 5th Year | Sturgeon County, Alta.

Natalie has been a strong leader for the Pandas, particularly in her commitment to preparation, energy and her work ethic that she brings to the group on a daily basis. With the loss of some key on-ice contributors, the Pandas are looking forward to watching Natalie fill a greater role in leading the team in all on-ice situations throughout the season. ​

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: The Cougars are eyeing one of the top spots in a competitive Canada West but will have to do so without longtime star goalie Kaitlyn Ross. Despite her departure to the pros, MRU's talented roster remains mostly intact from last season, as they are keen to make a run at winning their first-ever conference title.

From the coach: “After graduating some significant contributors last season there are lots of opportunities for some of our younger players to step into bigger roles. All have demonstrated the ability to do so, but the key for our group will be for them to do it on a consistent basis.” - Scott Rivett

Key Performer: Summer Fomrades
​Defence | 3rd Year | Lethbridge, Alta.

After taking a big step in 2024-25, Summer Fomradas will be a focal point of the Cougars' blueline. Fomradas excelled in a more offensive role in her second season at MRU and will be tasked with leading the defence core as she enters her third year.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: The Spartans have a lot of unfinished business as they ended the season ranked 11th in Canada, and were one overtime goal short of advancing to the Canada West semifinals. As the program enters its fifth year, a large senior class is motivated to leave their time at TWU with a championship.

From the coach: “We finished the season ranked #11 in Canada as we all bought into the team on-and-off the ice with an extremely high standard. We were one goal away in triple OT from advancing to the semifinals for the first time in history. There are nine graduates who have a lot of unfinished business that are extremely motivated to end with a championship, while our new recruits are really pushing to play and contribute. We didn't lose any impactful players from last year’s team while other teams around the league have lost some key players. All this to say, it sets up for a great year ahead with no reason not to compete for the league with any team. For the first time our goal isn't to get into playoffs, it’s now to win it all. TWU is ready and excited for a big year!” - Peter Hay

Key Performer: Kate Fawcett
​Goalie | 5th Year | Tottenham, Ont.

"Taps" has been the backbone of the program for the last four seasons, keeping TWU in games and competitive around the league. Now as a senior, Taps is focused on leaving her time with TWU as a champion. She is part of the leadership team and has just come off a big playoff performance last year. She has lots of unfinished business and is extremely motivated to be the best goalie and teammate she can be to give this team a chance to reach its ultimate goal.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: After a disappointing finish down the stretch a season ago, the Dinos look to improve under third-year head coach Josh Gosling. The Dinos have a strong core of players that will look to take the next step on the ice this season, as well as a pair of highly recruited goaltenders that figure to make an impact after Calgary was forced to play the majority of last season with just one goalie.

From the coach: “This season, the Dinos are excited to build around a proven group of veterans and an exciting class of incoming players. We are determined to get back to the postseason with high compete and an exciting brand of hockey.” - Josh Gosling

Key Performer: Brooklyn Anderson
​Forward | 5th Year | Shellbrooke, Sask.

Brooklyn Anderson made a strong first impression with the Dinos a season ago. The Trinity Western transfer now looks to lead the Dinos to bigger things in her fifth and final year on the ice.

Manitoba Bisons

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: Manitoba enters 2025-26 with fresh energy, including a new head coach in Jordan Colliton, who has a proven track record of success at the U SPORTS level with Mount Royal. A versatile Bisons squad that includes 15 third-to-fifth years will help anchor a balanced attack. The leadership core of this roster helped the Herd to their first playoff series win in five years and will aim for more this season.

From the coach: “The Bisons are poised to show off their new brand and new identity, led by a new staff. We have a unique blend of veterans and first year student-athletes that will develop and grow as the year progresses. They are a highly committed and hungry group that are excited to build on the success of last season, making it to the Canada West semi-final.” - Jordan Colliton

Key Performer: Julia Bird
​Forward | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Forward Julia Bird enters 2025-26 as the most seasoned member of Manitoba's roster, having played in 94 career regular season games and 103 overall. The 5'8" veteran helps anchor Manitoba in the face off date, on special teams and five on five, and she's amassed double digits in points in three of four seasons with the Herd, including her true freshman season. Her 54 shots last year were also a career high.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Outlook: The Cougar women’s hockey team is looking to build on a successful 2024-25 season. With six fifth-year student-athletes, the returning players bring belief, gratitude, and a drive to compete for a Canada West title. The Cougars are eager to show their commitment to team-first behaviours and the grit to execute consistent habits in pursuit of wins. Nine Academic All-Canadians are back, balancing excellence in school, hockey, and community. With game-stealing goaltending and a strong defensive core, the Cougars are ready to battle every shift, generate positive energy, and chase success together.

From the coach: “The University of Regina Cougars are a collaboration of hardworking and skilled individuals. Teamwork, communication and decision making based on our individual strengths are our keys for success. Student-athletes will need to choose great team player behaviours more often and earn confidence through daily preparation, positive self-talk and momentum created from celebrated small successes. The Cougars are willing to take risks, try new things and figure out what makes them better.” - Brandy West-McMaster

Key Performer: Natalie Williamson
​Goalie | 5th Year | Brandon, Man.

Williamson was a major part of the Cougars' early success last season with her outstanding play and sportsmanship. She had two early shutouts and ended with a .935 save percentage in her 15 games. Her teammates also voted her both Most Sportsmanlike Player and Unsung Hero.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Outlook: The Huskies return a strong group of student-athletes for the 2025-26 season who are motivated and prepared to return to the postseason after missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades a season ago. Led by a core of experienced players, the Huskies have plenty of young talent who will be expected to take the next step and become consistent contributors. With a playoff appearance as the goal, the Huskies are poised to improve in 2025-26.

From the coach: “With a year of Canada West experience under their belt, the young Huskies team looks to improve on their 24-25 season. Now with an even mix of youth and veteran players, the Huskies are hungry to get back into the postseason after missing it for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Consistency and offensive production from across their roster will be important if the Huskies want to achieve their goal of playing playoff hockey this season. Goaltending looks to be strong with veterans occupying all three positions in that role.” - Steve Kook

Key Performer: Sara Kendall
​Forward | 5th Year | Ponteix, Sask.

The Huskies 2025-26 captain, Sara Kendall will look to lead Saskatchewan both on and off the ice in her fifth year with the team, bringing both experience and leadership to the roster. A veteran player who has showcased her offensive ability in seasons past, Kendall has impressed to start to the 2025-26 year and looks poised for another strong season.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Outlook: With a strong veteran core, is this the year the Griffins finally take the next step and land a playoff spot? They've come close since joining Canada West in 2021, but haven't yet cleared that hurdle. As always, their success will come from outworking teams, strong defensive play, terrific goaltending and being opportunistic on their chances in the offensive zone.

From the coach: “Success will stem from our ability to consistently elevate our competitiveness through playing a connected game all 200 feet of the ice for the full 60 minutes. Our team has demonstrated a commitment to growth together, which has our elevated our confidence and trust in one another and produced an environment that is conducive to accountability towards higher standards.” - Chris Leeming

Key Performer: Sydney Olsen
​Defence | 5th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Veteran two-way defenceman Sydney Olsen is back wearing the 'C' again in her final season with the Griffins. She provides steady, rock-solid play in all situations and is also able to contribute offensively, leading all Griffins' returning defensemen in points last season. Four of her seven points came on the power play in 2024-25, while she is equally adept at strong defensive play in her own zone. Olsen's leadership will anchor a MacEwan blue line, which includes three rookies in 2025-26.