The defending champs are favoured to repeat – according to the annual Canada West University Men’s Hockey Conference Coaches Poll.

The defending champs are the Saskatchewan Huskies, who earned seven of nine first place votes. The Dogs open the regular season tomorrow night with a banner-raising at Merlis Belsher Place against Mount Royal, whom they beat in last year’s Conference final. First faceoff is 7 o’clock. On the women’s side, the Coaches Poll had the U of S in eighth spot out of nine teams with U-B-C pegged to be the top team. Saskatchewan travels to Calgary to play Mount Royal this weekend. Following are the news releases from the Canada West Conference…..

Oct. 2, 2025 – With four different champions in four seasons, parity across Canada West men’s hockey has never been higher.

Who will lay claim to the Dr. W. G. Hardy Trophy in 2026? The journey begins on Friday night.

The Saskatchewan Huskies enter as defending champions, capturing their 12th CW title last season after defeating Mount Royal in a tightly contested three-game series. The Huskies sit atop this year’s Canada West coaches poll, earning seven first-place votes.

Mount Royal claimed second and received one first-place vote, while UBC placed third and also earned a first-place nod.

Rounding out the rankings are a retooled Alberta Golden Bears team in fourth, followed by Calgary, MacEwan, Manitoba, Regina, and Trinity Western.

With a strong returning core, Saskatchewan is well positioned for another title run in 2025-26. Depth up front, a mobile blue line, and stability in goal give the Huskies all the necessary ingredients to contend again.

“The Huskies return a strong core from their championship team, including top-five scorers Chantz Petruic and Dawson Holt, along with All-Star defenceman Landon Kosior,” says Saskatchewan Head Coach Brandin Cote. “With a mix of proven veterans and high-end newcomers, the Huskies are built to contend once again in the ultra-competitive Canada West.”

Coming off their best season since joining Canada West, Mount Royal remains hungry for a first-ever conference title. With much of their talent returning, including 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Connor Bouchard, expectations are high.

“With a large group of returning players there are high expectations internally to build on the experiences of last year,” says head coach Bert Gilling. “The veteran leadership will be counted on to lead the way in what we believe will be another very competitive season in Canada West.”

Just one year removed from their own conference title, the T-Birds enter 2025-26 with a “win-now” mentality. UBC returns four of its top five scorers from last season and boasts steady goaltending anchored by veteran Cole Schwebius.

Perennial powerhouse Alberta faces a reset with 13 new players on the roster, while Calgary is undergoing its own retooling with 16 newcomers. Both teams have the talent to surprise but will need to develop chemistry quickly to stay in title contention.

Parity across the league means every night will be a challenge, no matter the opponent. Don’t overlook MacEwan, which made its first playoff appearance last season and pushed UBC to the brink in the quarterfinals. The Manitoba Bisons will look to continue their steady climb after a three-win improvement last season, while the Regina Cougars enter a new era under first-year head coach Trevor Keeper. Meanwhile, the Trinity Western Spartans are banking on a blend of fresh talent and veteran growth to move their program forward.

2025-26 Division Breakdown

The Alberta Golden Bears and MacEwan Griffins will join UBC and Trinity Western to comprise the West Division in 2025-26. Calgary and Mount Royal move to the East Division, joining Manitoba, Regina and Saskatchewan.

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

2026 U SPORTS nationals are headed to the maritimes, with the University Cup set to be hosted by Saint Mary’s in Halifax from March 19-22.

2025-26 CW MHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL

Team – Points (First-place votes)

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: With a strong returning core, Saskatchewan is well positioned for another title run in 2025-26. With plenty of depth, a mobile blueline, and stability between the pipes, the Dogs possess all the necessary ingredients to pursue another conference title.

From the coach: “The Huskies return a strong core from their 2024-25 Canada West Championship team, including Top-5 scorers Chantz Petruic and Dawson Holt, along with All-Star defenceman Landon Kosior. An impressive recruiting class adds offensive standout Conner Roulette, defenceman Ben Saunderson, and goaltender Bryan Thomson to an already deep lineup. With a mix of proven veterans and high-end newcomers, the Huskies are built to contend once again in the ultra-competitive Canada West conference. Depth up front, a mobile blue line, and stability in goal will be key ingredients in their pursuit of another title.” – Brandin Cote

Key Performer: ​ Chantz Petruic
​Forward | 5th Year | Moose Jaw, Sask.

A veteran student-athlete entering his fifth season with the Huskies, Chantz Petruic has proven to be an important piece for the Huskies over the past few seasons. A key contributor at the offensive end and on the powerplay, Petruic has led the team in points in back-to-back seasons and expectations are for the forward from Moose Jaw to continue that into the 2025-26 campaign.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: Fresh off their best season since joining the Canada West, Mount Royal is still hungry for their first conference title. A heartbreaking loss to Saskatchewan in last year’s league final left a bitter taste in their mouth. Expectations will be as high as ever as they have retained a substantial amount of their talent heading into the 2025-26 season.

From the coach: “With a large group of returning players there are high expectations internally to build on the experiences of last year. The veteran leadership will be counted on to lead the way in what we believe will be another very competitive season in Canada West. We feel our balance and depth is a strength and have learned how important that is to have consistent success through the regular season and playoffs.” – Bert Gilling

Key Performer: Connor Bouchard
​Forward | 4th Year | Cochrane, Alta.

Since joining the Cougars as a rookie in 2022-23, Bouchard has been one of the Canada West’s best forwards. He is the all-time leader in numerous MRU program records, including points and assists. Entering his fourth year, Bouchard remains the star of the Cougars as he is poised for another outstanding year.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: Boasting a veteran roster and a deep lineup at every position, the T-Birds intend to take another run at a Canada West Championship. With four of last season’s top five scoring leaders returning along with one of the conference’s top goaltending duos, the T-Birds are officially in “win now” mode for 2025-26.

From the coach: “We’re a team that’s in win now mode. Between our experienced returning veterans and a group of freshmen who are ready to step in and fill valuable roles, our expectation is to compete for a title.” – Sven Butenschön

Key Performer: Sasha Mutala
​Forward | 4th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Leading UBC in both assists (18) and points (27) in 2024-25, Sasha Mutala maintains his status as one of the country’s most dangerous offensive weapons. A two-time Canada West All-Star, the Vancouver product is just nine points shy of 100 in his CW career and is better than a point-per-game player in playoffs. Mutala also won gold with Team Canada at the FISU World University Games in Italy and tied for the team scoring lead with 12 points through seven games.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: Alberta enters the season with a roster featuring 13 new faces, setting the stage for a year of growth and development. The Bears will lean on their veterans to provide leadership and stability while the younger players look to prove themselves as they adapt to U SPORTS hockey. The program expects to emphasize a disciplined, hard-working style of play, with the mix of experience and new talent creating both challenges and opportunities.

From the coach: “It will be an exciting year for Bears Hockey with new challenges and opportunities. We will be a young team with a good mix of student athletes from various backgrounds ready to prove themselves. I am looking forward to witnessing the growth and development of this team.” – Ian Herbers

Key Performer: Alex Thacker
​Forward | 3rd Year | Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.

Returning for his third season with Alberta, the 2023-24 Canada West All Rookie Team member provides an offensive spark for the Golden Bears. His point per game efforts will be crucial to the Bears success in 2025-26.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: The Dinos will feature 16 newcomers this season in a significant turnover of the roster. Despite the notable number of changes, Calgary still has two of the top goaltenders in the conference. That, plus the addition of a number of key recruits and transfers, has Calgary once again entering the season with strong expectations.

From the coach:

“The goals for the Calgary Dinos have not changed, even though we have graduated 13 players and have plenty of new, younger players. We want to compete at the highest level and be one of the top teams in Canada West and win the league championship. This will be challenging as some teams did not graduate the amount of players we did and will be more experienced. We have a very energetic and hard working group which is essential when we are this young. Our strength will be our experience in goal and the depth we have on defence, which will provide our young forwards the time to gain the experience needed to compete in the demanding Canada West conference.” – Mark Howell

Key Performer: Adam Kydd
​Forward | 3rd Year | Regina, Sask.

Adam is entering his third season with the Calgary Dinos and will be counted on to lead the team in many areas. He is a strong two-way player who will play in all situations and be a leader on offence. Adam will be a leader off the ice, helping guide and mentor the vast amount of new players on the team.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: After making the Canada West playoffs for the first time in 2023-24, the Griffins took the next step last season by winning their first playoff game. MacEwan will be looking to go further in the playoffs and challenge for the Canada West title in the coming seasons as they continue to stack strong recruiting classes together. Deeper and more physical than they were in 2024-25, the Griffins will look to make some noise as they move to the West Division.

From the coach: “We look to be a team that plays fast, is structured and is hard to play against. We will rely on our depth to be successful.” – Zack Dailey

Key Performer: Kadyn Chabot
​Forward | 3rd Year | Cranbrook, B.C.

Possessing a lethal shot and ability to find open seams, Chabot is set to lead the Griffins’ offence as he heads into the 2025-26 as a seasoned vet, now with two Canada West seasons under his belt.

Chabot is a shoot-first player, who regularly leads the Griffins in shots; in fact he holds the program record for the most by a MacEwan player in a Canada West season. The former Spruce Grove Saints forward is also an important member of the power play for the Griffins, scoring five points on the unit in 2024-25. More than that, he also plays a penalty killing role well, as evidenced by a short-handed tally he had last season.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Outlook: With a combined 20 first and second year players, the Herd will continue to build off the momentum built last season under third-year head coach Gord Burnett. The team improved their win total by three games a season ago, and had three players record over 30 points for the first time in over 20 years. ​

From the coach: “The Bisons look to continue to improve again this season with an eye towards a playoff birth. With another season of experience for their young roster. They will rely on that experience to help push the team forward this season.” – Gordon Burnett

Key Performer: Braden Holt
​Goalie | 2nd Year | Big Sky, Montana

Sophomore goalie Braden Holt made an immediate impact last year for the Herd, starting 21 games in his true freshman season, while recording 730 saves. The Bisons will ride with Holt as their lead man again in 2025-26, and his steady play will be the base that the Herd build from in other areas of the game.

A veteran of two NHL camps with Toronto and Nashville, Holt is mobile enough to cover post to post, but also big enough to post up at the top of the crease to deny the opposition.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Outlook: The refreshed Cougars, with new and returning coaches, will play a high tempo brand of hockey as they attempt to climb the standings and earn a playoff berth in a talented Canada West Conference.

From the coach: “The Cougars are turning the page with a new head coach, and a renewed approach to culture, commitment, and preparation. Eighteen returners will be joined by eleven first year Cougars as they look for continued improvement and a climb in the Canada West standings. Keys to a successful season lie in the ability of this young team to commit to each other and play collectively. There are no stars, but we intend to compete together.” – Trevor Keeper

Key Performer: Carson Whyte
​Forward | 3rd Year | Regina, Sask.

Following a season where he led the team in points, Coach Keeper is relying on Whyte alongside other returning players to lead the team culture and drive a high-tempo brand of hockey.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Outlook: After significant turnover from last season, the Spartans program enters the new campaign with a sense of renewal. A large recruiting class brings an influx of young, energetic players eager to make an impact at the U SPORTS level, while returning players have shown notable development and are expected to continue their growth. The team is built to play a fast, high-energy, physical style of hockey and aims to deliver an exciting product on the ice. With a mix of fresh talent and veteran progression, expectations are for the program to take another step forward this season.

From the coach: “We have had a lot of roster turnover heading into this season having graduated 11 players last year. We have a big recruiting class who are coming in with a ton of energy while we have several returning players moving into leadership roles which I am very excited about. We are going to be a hard working team that plays fast and are looking forward to the start of the 2025-26 season.” – Ben Walter

Key Performer: Christian Low
​Forward | 3rd Year | Port Moody, B.C. ​

Low took a huge step last season as a second-year player. He won the team MVP award and has come into this season hungry to accomplish more. Low has been named the team’s captain ahead of the season and is someone who will be counted on in all situations.

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.

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.