WHKY: 2026-27 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 7, 2026 – The puck is ready to drop on a new season of Canada West women’s hockey, and if the annual coaches poll is any indication, it’s going to be a wide-open race for the Catherwood Cup.

The UBC Thunderbirds enter as defending conference champions, but it’s the Mount Royal Cougars who have roared to the top of the annual Canada West coaches poll. MRU claimed top spot with 67 points and four first-place votes, followed by the T-Birds with 61 points and three first-place nods. The Manitoba Bisons, fresh off their first nationals appearance since 2019, finished just one point behind the Thunderbirds while collecting the remaining two first-place votes.

Calgary placed fourth with 49 points, narrowly ahead of Saskatchewan with 48. Alberta, Trinity Western, Regina and MacEwan rounded out the poll.

The regular season begins Friday with a full slate of four games.

Cougars, T-Birds top the poll

Mount Royal enters with plenty to build on after a 19-7-2 campaign that saw the Cougars finish atop their division and rank second in Canada West in both offence and defence.

A playoff exit against Manitoba in the semifinals left the Cougars wanting more. Now, head coach Scott Rivett’s group will look to blend seven first-year players with a returning core anchored by fourth-year defender Summer Fomradas, a Canada West First Team All-Star who recorded 15 points last season.

“After graduating some significant contributors last season there are lots of opportunities for players this season,” says Rivett. “All have demonstrated the ability to contribute early on, but the key for our group will be for them to do it on a consistent basis.”

Meanwhile, it'll be new faces but similar expectations for a new-look UBC Thunderbirds group. The defending conference champions will have a decidedly different composition after graduating 12 players from a team that posted a remarkable 26-2 regular season record.

With 14 newcomers, the Thunderbirds will lean on returning veterans and a mix of freshmen and experienced transfers to keep the program among the conference’s elite. Third-year forward Vanessa Schaefer, UBC’s leading returning scorer, will be a key offensive presence.

“Although we experienced significant turnover within our program, we have an exciting young group that is hungry, competitive, and eager to establish its identity,” says UBC head coach Graham Thomas.

“The league is more competitive than it has ever been, and we know we need to bring a high level of intensity and consistency every night. Our group is excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

Challengers to watch

After reaching nationals last season, Manitoba enters with growing confidence under second-year head coach Jordan Colliton and will be led by fifth year forward Dana Goertzen.

“Our team got a taste of what it was like to be at nationals and we have a highly motivated group,” says Colliton.

Calgary also has experience on its side, returning 17 players from a team that went 16-12 and reached the postseason. Fourth-year forward Sydney Mercier, who scored 12 goals last season, will help lead the Dinos’ push for a deeper playoff run.

Saskatchewan is looking to return to the postseason after narrowly missing out last spring. Fifth-year forward Jayde Cadieux leads a group supported by an experienced defence and veteran goaltending tandem.

Alberta opens a new chapter under interim head coach Leah Copeland, with seven fifth-year players and three returning goaltenders providing stability as the Pandas welcome 10 newcomers amidst a temporary move to Silent Ice Center in Nisku, due to renovations ongoing at Clare Drake Arena.

Trinity Western will aim to build on last season’s semifinal appearance, leaning on senior leaders Kara Yackel and Presleigh Giesbrecht to guide what will be a younger roster.

Regina hopes to climb the standings behind returning offensive leader Pippy Pritchard and goaltender Amy Swayze, who earned Canada West All-Rookie Team honours last season. At MacEwan, interim head coach Izzy Cropper takes over a young group seeking its first Canada West playoff berth, with standout netminder Taya Currie anchoring the Griffins’ efforts.

2026-27 Division Breakdown

The conference's Alberta based teams will comprise the East Division this season, featuring Alberta, MacEwan, Calgary and Mount Royal. The West Division will consist of UBC, Trinity Western, Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba.

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

The 2027 U SPORTS national championships will be hosted by UNB in Fredericton, N.B. 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 women’s hockey schedule, click here.

2026-27 CW WHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: The Cougars enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on a 19-7-2 campaign that saw Mount Royal finish atop its division while ranking second in Canada West in both offence and defence. With seven first-year players joining a veteran core, the Cougars will look to combine fresh talent with the experience of players like fourth-year defenseman and Canada West First Team All-Star Summer Fomradas, who anchors a strong blue line after recording 15 points last season.

Head coach Scott Rivett enters his 17th season behind the bench, bringing a wealth of experience as Mount Royal looks to advance beyond last year's second-round playoff exit against Manitoba and get back into Championship contention.

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

Key Performer: Summer Fomradas
​Defence | 4th Year | Lethbridge, Alta.

Summer Fomradas enters her fourth season as a key veteran presence on the Cougars blue line after earning Canada West First Team All-Star honours last season. The Lethbridge, Alta. product recorded 15 points (3G, 12A) in 28 games and will be relied on to provide both defensive stability and offensive support from the back end.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: Graduating 12 players from last season's Canada West Championship squad, the UBC Thunderbirds look very different with 14 new faces in total. Despite losing a number of key pieces in all positions, the team still boasts solid returning veterans in goal, on defence and up front while having added a bevy of talent in both true freshmen and experienced transfers. Hard to replicate the program's incredible 26-2 record from a season ago, there's every expectation the team will be very competitive once again in 2026-27.

From the coach: “Although we experienced significant turnover within our program, we have an exciting young group that is hungry, competitive, and eager to establish its identity. The league is more competitive than it has ever been, and we know we need to bring a high level of intensity and consistency every night. Our group is excited and looking forward to the challenge.” - Graham Thomas

Key Performer: Vanessa Schaefer
​Forward | 3rd Year | Langley, B.C.

UBC's leading returning forward scorer from last season, Schaefer enters 2026-27 as a clear leader both on and off the ice. Earning an Olympic bronze medal with Switzerland at Milano-Cortina, Schaefer is a critical piece of UBC's offence featuring in all situations. Now entering her third season, the Langley, B.C. product will be a leader on a very young team.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: Now in their second season under head coach Jordan Colliton, the Bisons women's hockey team has settled into a new culture that has already been evident at training camp. They'll use this mentality along with their experience from U SPORTS Nationals last season as they look to take next steps in their development. The team does have a lot of rookies but some strong veterans will look to make their mark.

From the coach: “We look to continue to build upon the success of last season. Our team got a taste of what it was like to be at nationals and we have a highly motivated group. We have a better understanding of what it takes to have success in Canada West, our process is what drives us and our depth is what will help propel us through the grind of a very difficult Canada West conference." - Jordan Colliton

Key Performer: Dana Goertzen
​Forward | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Dana's voice has become an important part of the Bisons' identity, bringing a high compete level and physicality to practices and games.
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​"She sets the tone in practice and games," says Colliton. "Her compete level and physicality is a quality that sets her apart not only from her teammates but from the majority of Canada West."
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​Colliton says Goertzen has arrived at training camp with a clear purpose, and Manitoba will look to her to help guide the group throughout the season.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: After returning to the postseason following a 16-12 conference record, the Dinos will look to take the next steps under fourth year head coach Josh Gosling. Calgary returns 17 players, including nine in their fourth and fifth years, giving the group a strong veteran core that will be hopeful of a deeper run this coming year.

From the coach: “We had a busy preseason, worked to build chemistry and establish our identity as our program continues to develop. With new players joining a strong returning group we are excited to build off of last season, there has been a lot of energy around our group. Knowing that we will have to play the right way, detailed and with a lot of pace We’re excited about the progress we’ve made so far and are looking forward to continuing to grow as a team heading into the regular season.” - Josh Gosling

Key Performer: Sydney Mercier
​Forward | 4th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

Sydney enters her fourth year with the Calgary Dinos off the back of an impressive 2025-26 season, racking up 12 goals and seven assists on 71 shots. Her talent was previously recognized with her inclusion on Team Canada's roster for the 2025 FISU Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy. Her selection marked the fourth time a member of the Dinos Women's Hockey Program of Excellence earned that distinction.

Calgary will look to her to drive play and create scoring chances as it chases another strong season this year.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: The latest edition of the Saskatchewan Huskies features a deep and talented group of athletes ready to take the next step as a team and return to the Canada West postseason after narrowly missing out a season ago. Like many teams, the 2026 offseason saw the departure of several key contributors from the last few seasons. Despite this the Huskies remain poised to compete in a competitive conference, thanks to a number of now experienced athletes prepared to fill those roles. Sporting a skillful forward group, veteran defensive corps, and veteran goalie tandem, the Huskies have plenty of athletes with the potential to be game changers each and every time they step on the ice.

From the coach: “Despite graduating several key players, we are excited about the future of our program. The majority of our roster is now entering the stage of their careers where they are considered experienced players, and we expect significant growth from this group. Their increased game experience, development, and leadership will be important factors in our success moving forward.” - Steve Kook

Key Performer: Jayde Cadieux
​Forward | 5th Year | Cold Lake, Alta.

A talented scorer and gifted playmaker, Jayde Cadieux returns for her fifth and final season with the Huskies in 2026-27. The Cold Lake, Alberta product was the Huskies leading scorer a season ago, and a key piece to a team that just missed out on the 2026 postseason. Now an experienced veteran in Canada West, she will once again be relied on to lead an up and coming squad on the attack.

Alberta Pandas

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: The 2026-27 Pandas open a new chapter with Leah Copeland as interim head coach and a move to Silent Ice Center in Nisku, their first season away from Clare Drake Arena. Seven fifth-year players, including Mackenzie Dojahn, Hailey Carothers, Abby Soyko, and Alex Black, anchor a veteran group that returns all three goaltenders. Ten newcomers join the roster, including Merrimack's Daniella Martorana and U SPORTS transfers Jaylah Bottle and Scarlett Jones. The focus will be how that blend of experience and new talent comes together under a new bench boss.

From the coach: “Key to success: Solid goaltending, a full team effort covering 200 feet, and continued development of our young roster. We’re building on the Pandas program’s foundation and aim to be a tough opponent to play against.” - Leah Copeland

Key Performer: Abby Soyko
​Forward | 5th Year | Prince Albert, Sask.

Fifth-year forward Abby Soyko brings an unwavering work ethic and speed to the team, and has been proven to be very tough to play against with her quick, accurate shot. The Pandas look forward to her leading the team on-and-off the ice this season.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Outlook: The Spartans, who made it to the CW semi-finals last season, enter the 2026–27 season with a young, skilled roster supported by an experienced senior leadership group. TWU will look to Kara Yackel and Presleigh Giesbrecht, CW second-team all-star, to lead a mix of returning players and talented newcomers. The Spartans are once again looking to make another playoff run in a wide-open Canada West.

From the coach: “We are a very young team with most players at or under their third-year. We have a great core leadership group of seniors with a good mix of compete and skill all around. We have three young goalies so we might take some time to find our step but with the group and strong culture we have once we find it we will be a very competitive team that will compete with anyone.” - Peter Hay

Key Performer: Presleigh Giesbrecht
​Defence | 5th Year | Gretna, Man.

Presleigh has worked very hard this summer and is wanting to help the Spartans compete for a long run in playoffs while becoming the top D in our league and earning a chance to play in the PWHL. Presleigh is an incredibly hardworking, fast and competitive defender who will log large minutes and be a huge part of special teams.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Outlook: With a strong group of returning players, the Regina Cougars will look to make a jump in the standings in head coach Brandy West-McMaster's third season at the helm. Pippy Pritchard, who led the Cougars in all major offensive categories last season, headlines the returning group while defender Quinn McLaren is expected to anchor the blue line in her final U SPORTS season. In goal, Canada West All-Rookie Team selection Amy Swayze returns after a sensational first season and is expected to again shoulder the majority of the workload between the pipes.

From the coach: “We are a young team with lots of skill and a focus on competing to be the best we can be everyday. With our strong goaltending, our players are able to take a more aggressive approach and play free. At the UofR, we expect to turn some heads this year and teams will know it will be a hard battle every single shift. Our new players will need to gain confidence early in the season and play some important minutes to propel our team forward in playoffs.” - Brandy West-McMaster

Key Performer: Amy Swayze
​Goaltender | 2nd Year | Weyburn, Sask.

Amy Swayze established herself as one of Canada West's top goaltenders in her first season with the Cougars, earning All-Rookie Team honours while posting a .935 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average. Swayze gives the Cougars a proven presence in goal after a rookie season that included two shutouts and several standout performances against some of the conference's top teams.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Outlook: Searching for their first playoff berth since joining Canada West in 2021, the Griffins will be aiming for the post-season with a roster that's younger, but full of potential. After serving as an assistant coach the past two seasons, Izzy Cropper heads into her first season as interim head coach, looking to turn the team into a contender. With strong goaltending and hard-working defenders, the Griffins are again built from the back end out. The focus this year will be trying to create more offence after only scoring 25 goals in 28 games in 2025-26. Their success in that regard will determine how close they come to a playoff spot in the tough East Division.

From the coach: “With a number of new players, we like how our group has been working to become and play like a team over the course of our preseason. We are very encouraged by the coachability of our group and are eager to see how they progress throughout the season. There is a lot of excitement and energy around our program, and we look forward to getting started on Oct. 9.” - Izzy Cropper

Key Performer: Taya Currie
​Goaltender | 3rd Year | Parkhill, Ont.

After an impressive first season at MacEwan in 2025-26 where she broke the program record for save percentage (.933) and finished as the Canada West leader in saves/game average (33.00), Currie returns as the backbone of the Griffins. The former Providence Friars goaltender - who was the first female drafted in the Ontario Hockey League - brings elite athleticism, poise and mental fortitude that makes her one of the best netminders in the conference. Currie has Canada West goaltender of the year potential and will be looking to make a difference for a young Griffins team.