VANCOUVER - Ahead of the opening weekend of the season, the Canada West released its preseason poll and team previews on Thursday with the conference coaches tapping the UBC Thunderbirds as the team to beat in 2021.

The three-time defending conference champion Thunderbirds collected 143 total points, including 11 first-place selections, in the annual preseason coaches poll. UBC has been a dominant force in the Canada West, reaching the conference final every season since 2015.

The Mount Royal Cougars picked up 124 points to take second spot in the poll. The Cougars finished the 2019 season with the best record of all Central Division teams, at 9-4-1.

One of the top challengers in the West Division are the Trinity Western Spartans, who finished third in the poll with 115 points and a first-place vote.

Right behind the Spartans with 114 points and a first-place vote were the Alberta Golden Bears. Alberta is the last team other than UBC to win a Canada West title when they captured both the conference and national banners in 2016.

The Canada West season opens up on Friday, September 10 with a trio of West Division matchups. UBC visits the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, the Victoria Vikes host the UNBC Timberwolves, and Trinity Western welcomes in the UBC Okanagan Heat. All six teams will face each other again on Saturday.

Most of the Central Division will wait until September 24-25 to get the 2021 campaign underway. Mount Royal and the Lethbridge Pronghorns will kick off the Central Division action a week early with a single match on Saturday, September 18.

COMPLETE 2021 CW MEN'S SOCCER SCHEDULE

Teams will play the 2021 CW regular season exclusively within their own divisions (West & Central) after alternate playing formats were announced by the conference on May 5.

MEN'S SOCCER ON CANADA WEST TV PRESENTED BY CO-OP

Every men's soccer game will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV Presented by Co-op - the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass, click here.

2021 CW MSOC PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. UBC Thunderbirds - 143 (11)
2. Mount Royal Cougars - 124
3. Trinity Western Spartans - 115 (1)
4. Alberta Golden Bears - 114 (1)
5. Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 90
6. Saskatchewan Huskies - 89
7. Calgary Dinos - 73
8. Victoria Vikes - 71
9. Fraser Valley Cascades - 58
10. UNBC Timberwolves - 46
11. UBCO Heat - 43
12. MacEwan Griffins - 30
13. Lethbridge Pronghorns - 18

NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-12. First-place votes worth 12 points, second-place worth 11 points etc.

2021 TEAM PREVIEWS

• West Division
  • UBC Thunderbirds
  • UBCO Heat
  • Fraser Valley Cascades
  • UNBC Timberwolves
  • Thompson Rivers WolfPack
  • Trinity Western Spartans
  • Victoria Vikes
• Central Division
  • Alberta Golden Bears
  • Calgary Dinos
  • Lethbridge Pronghorns
  • MacEwan Griffins
  • Mount Royal Cougars
  • Saskatchewan Huskies

UBC THUNDERBIRDS

2019 CW regular season record: 10-2-3, 1^st in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 4-2, CW Champions
Head Coach: Mike Mosher (26^th season) / 197-53-57 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2019 / 20
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2013 / 13

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 35 goals, 1^st in CW
• Defence: 14 goals against, 2^nd in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 10 - Victory Shumbusho, F
• Assists: 4 - Thomas Gardner, M / Mihai Hodut, M / Mackenzie Cole, M
• Points: 10 - Victory Shumbusho, F
• Wins: N/A
• Shutouts: N/A

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Tristan Nkoghe / F / 3 / Sherbrooke, Que. / University of New Brunswick
• Bradley Richardson / F / 4 / Hong Kong / Tiffin University
• Manmeet Jhutty / D / 1 / Surrey, B.C. / Surrey United

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jason Roberts / GK / Richmond, B.C. / 5
• Sean Einarsson / M / Surrey, B.C. / 5

Key performer:

• Victory Shumbusho
• Forward
• 4^th Year
• Chilliwack, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: 10 Goals / 0 Assists / 10 Points

The Thunderbirds' leading returning goal scorer, Victory Shumbusho lead the Canada West with 10 goals and was named both a Canada West All-Star and All-Canadian. Shumbusho scored the Canada West championship-winning goal as the Thunderbirds captured their conference-leading 20^th title

UBC OKANAGAN HEAT

2019 CW regular season record: 6-6-4 (5^th Pacific)
2019 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Dante Zanatta - 11^th season/39-53-34 regular season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 17 goals for (10^th)
• Defence: 17 goals against (4^th)

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 4 - Sam McDonald (Defender)
• Assists: 1 - Sam McDonald (Defender), Pierson Stanley (Forward), Jimmy Steel (Midfielder), Taylor Piche (Defender)
• Points: 5 - Sam McDonald (Defender)
• Wins: 6 - Nicholas Rietsma (Goalkeeper)
• Shutouts: 6 - Nicholas Rietsma (Goalkeeper)

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Malachi Emerson - Midfielder, 1, Surrey, B.C., Surrey United SC
• Ryan Gatheru - Forward, 1, Calgary, Alta., 1up Soccer
• Jaxon Scholfield - Goalkeeper, 1, Delta, B.C., Mountain United FC
• Tommy Millar - Midfielder, 1, Langley, B.C., Fraser Valley Premier

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Hamish Walde - Defender, Salt Spring Island, B.C., 5
• Luke Warkinten - Forward, Surrey, B.C., 4
• Tyler Dhillon - Midfielder, Surrey, B.C., 2
• Corbin Beauchemin - Midfielder, Kelowna, B.C., 4

Key performer:

• Name: Nicholas Rietsma
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Eligibility Year: 4
• Hometown: Kelowna, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: 16 GS, 6-6-4, 1.11 GAA, 0.795 SV%, 6 SO

Rietsma, the veteran keeper, returns for his fourth year of eligibility, but sixth year with the program. Starting all 32 games for the Heat from 2018 to 2019, his veteran leadership and shot-stopping ability promises to be an important factor on a UBCO squad which features 16 athletes in their first year of eligibility.

FRASER VALLEY CASCADES

2019 CW regular season record: 5-6-4, 6th in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Tom Lowndes / 7th season / 29-31-14

Last CW championship / total CW championships: N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 19 goals, 9th in CW
• Defence: 22 goals against, 7th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders:

• Goals: 2 - Parman Minhas, M; Trevor Zanatta, M
• Assists: 1 - Zanatta; Manpal Brar, F
• Points: 3 - Zanatta
• Wins: N/A
• Shutouts: N/A

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Nikhil Reddy (Midfielder / Year 5 / Surrey, B.C. / UBC Okanagan)
• Tobias Spiess (Defender / Year 1 / Nuremberg, Germany / SC 04 Schwabach)
• Taylor Richardson (Forward / Year 4 / Langley, B.C. / Douglas College)
• Jaskarn Sodhi (Defender / Year 1 / Surrey, B.C. / Surrey United)

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Gurmaan Jhaj (Midfielder / Aldergrove, B.C. / 5 years)
• Brady Weir (Midfielder / Pitt Meadows, B.C. / 5 years)
• Tyler Henderson (Defender / Surrey, B.C. / 3 years)
• Nawaf Binsaleh (Defender / Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / 1 year)

Key performer:

• Ryan Donald
• Left back
• Year
• Surrey, B.C.

Ryan Donald has been one of Canada West's elite defenders since stepping into the starting lineup as a rookie in 2016. The Cascades' senior captain provides leadership both vocally and by example, and will be a vital part of anchoring the back four once again. Donald is a prototypical fullback - a strong one-on-one defender and good distributor whose mobility, work rate and soccer IQ elevate those around him.

UNBC TIMBERWOLVES

2019 CW regular season record: 4/8/3, 7^th position in Pacific
2019 post-season record:
Head Coach: Steve Simonson: 6th season / 20-39-17

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 15 GF, 11th
• Defence: 24 GA, 9th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 5 - Stu Rowlands, F
• Assists: 4 - Owen Stewart, F
• Points: 6 - Owen Stewart, F
• Wins: 1 - Daniel Zadravec, GK
• Shutouts: 1 - Daniel Zadravec, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Maarten Grombein / D / 1 / Buch, DE / TSV Emmelshausen
• Dominic Parris / F / 1 / Falmouth, Jamaica / York Lions
• Toranosuke Omori / M / 1 / Tokyo, Japan / Gakushuin University

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jonah Smith / D / Victoria, BC / 5
• Reid Adams / F / Victoria, BC / 1
• Aidan Way / D / Victoria, BC / 5

Key performer :

• Owen Stewart
• Forward
• 5th Year
• Prince George, BC
• 2019 Stats: Stats from 2016 with UFV (2 G / 4 A / 6 Pts )

Heading into his fifth and final season with the Timberwolves, hometown product Owen Stewart is looking to lead UNBC back to the Canada West playoffs. The midfielder set career-highs in points in his fourth season, leading the team in points in 2019, but will need to step up in his senior season as the TWolves ready for the conference season.

THOMPSON RIVERS WOLFPACK

2019 CW regular season record: 6-5-5, 4th Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 0-1, Lost in CW Quarter-final
Head Coach: John Antulov 15th season / 29-37-15 Career CW reg. season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 3rd in 2017-18 & 2018-19
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: 3rd in 2017-18

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 27 goals, 4th
• Defence: 23 goals against, 7th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 8 - James Fraser, Forward
• Assists: 3 - Daniel Sagno, Midfield
• Points: 8 - James Fraser, Forward
• Wins: 5 - Jackson Gardner, Goalkeeper
• Shutouts: 4 - Jackson Gardner, Goalkeeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Elijah Dos Santos / D / 1st-year / Coquitlam, B.C. / Mountain FC
• Jost Hausendorf / F / 3rd-year / Ammersbeck, GER / West Virginia Wesleyan
• Patrick Izett / M / 3rd-year / North Delta, B.C. / Capilano
• George La Motte / F / 2nd-year / Arima, TTO / West Virginia Wesleyan
• Jonathan Rinaldi / M / 1st-year / Kamloops, B.C. / TOFC
• Marques Scott / M / 3rd-year / Winnipeg, MB / Sheridan College

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Justin Donaldson / Midfield / Kamloops, B.C. / 3
• Adam Swanson / Defender / North Vancouver, B.C. / 4

Key performer:

• James Fraser
• Forward
• 5th-Year
• Penticton, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: (8 Goals / 8 Pts in just 8 GP)

The lone fifth-year on the roster, James Fraser is a clinical finisher that will once again be counted on to pour in the goals for the Thompson Rivers WolfPack. The product of Penticton who started his career with Simon Fraser University has tallied 15 goals in the 36 Canada West regular season matches he has played.

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS

2019 CW regular season record: 9-6-1, 2^nd in Pacific Division
2019 post-season record: 0-1, Tied for 5^th
Mike Shearon: 5^th season / Career CW reg. season record: 43-29-10

Last CW championship: 2007 / total CW championships: 2005, 2006, 2007 / 3 CW Championships
Last U SPORTS championship: 0 U SPORTS Championships

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 30 goals for, 2^nd
• Defence: 21 goals against, 6^th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 5 - Jacob Low, M/F
• Assists: 5 - Jacob Low, M/F
• Points: 10 - Jacob Low, M/F
• Wins: 9 - Sebastian Colyn, GK
• Shutouts: 7 - Sebastian Colyn, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Christian Rossi / F / 1^st year / Surrey, BC / Surrey United
• Jonny Grant / 1^st year / Ottawa / John McCrae
• Brandon Torresan / 1^st year / North Vancouver, BC / Surrey United
• Thomas Powell / 1^st year / Coquitlam, BC / Coquitlam Metro Ford

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Vaggeli Boucas / D / Langley, BC / 5 years
• Domenic Poletto / M / Calgary / 5 years
• Caleb Johnson / M/D / Strathmore, AB / 5 years
• Cody Fransen / F / Lynden, WA / 5 years
• Jake Ruby / D / North Vancouver, BC / 1 year

Key performer:

• Name: Sebastian Colyn
• Position: GK
• Year: 4^th year
• Hometown: Langley, BC
• 2019 Stats: (7 W, 58 Saves, 7 SO)

Sebastian Colyn will be looking to improve upon the strong reputation he has built in his four years as the Spartans starting goalkeeper. After bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2017, Colyn has never looked back, continuing to provide a steady backbone for the Spartans. Colyn has started 44 games throughout his career, posting a record of 23-12-9 in the process. As Colyn will be putting on the armband for his fourth year of eligibility with the Spartans, the team will surely be relying on him to come through in the biggest moments of the 2021 season.

VICTORIA VIKES

2019 CW regular season record: 8-6-1 (3rd Pacific)
2019 post-season record (CW and U SPORTS combined): 0-1 (CW Quarterfinals)
Head coach: Bruce Wilson

Last CW championship / total CW championships (if no championships, list highest previous finish): 2009 / 13
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships (if no championships, list highest previous finish): 2011 / 5

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 23, 5th
• Defence: 25, 11th

2019 CW regular season leaders:

• Goals: 9- Isaac Koch, M
• Assists: 8 - Isaac Koch, M
• Points: 17- Isaac Koch, M
• Wins: 8 - Jas Lally, GK
• Shutouts: 6 - Jas Lally, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Dusan Mitrovic / M / 1 / New Westminister / New Westminister Secondary
• Hamish Ogden/ M/ 1 / Coquitlam / Charles Best Secondary

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jas Lally/GK/Surrey/5

Key performer:

• Evan Libke
• Defender
• Fifth-year
• North Vancouver, B.C.

The Vikes look in good shape heading into the season with only one loss from 2019 in goalkeeper Jas Lally. The six-foot-five co-captain Evan Libke will be an important part of the 2021 lineup bringing size, speed and leadership to the back line. The central defender from North Vancouver, B.C. will be critical for the Vikes both offensively and defensively.

Libke's ability to win the ball in the air has made him integral in the middle of the pitch, while being left footed also makes him an asset. As fifth-year player Libke will suit up as a co-captain, alongside another fifth-year in Isaac Koch. Together the dynamic duo of size and speed will lead the team on and off the field.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

2019 CW regular season record: /5-6-3/, 4^th, Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: /0-1/, L vs UBC, CW Quarter-Final
Head Coach: Martin Fenger-Andersen: 3^rd Year / 5-6-3 Career CW reg. season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2016 / 11
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: 2016 / 5

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 19 goals, 7^th
• Defence: 19 goals against, 5^th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 7 - Garry Onyejelem, Forward
• Assists: 3 - Matthew Miki, Midfield
• Points: 7 - Garry Onyejelem, Forward
• Wins: 4 - Liam Collens, Goal Keeper
• Shutouts: 4 - Liam Collens, Goal Keeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Dylan Atwal / Right Back / 1^st / Victoria, BC / U23 Pacific Tridents
• Adyn Lamont / Centre Back / 1^st / Duncan, BC / Cowichan FC
• Armaan Nijjar / Centre Back / 1^st / Victoria, BC / U23 Pacific Tridents
• Carlos Patino / Midfield / 1^st / Tulua, Columbia / Cavalry FC

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Janko Vong / Defender / Coquitlam, BC / 5
• Cam Borrett / Midfield / Sturgeon County, AB / 6
• Daniel Barker-Rothschild / Midfield / Edmonton, AB / 5

Key performer

• Ajeej Sarkaria
• Forward
• 4^th
• Edmonton, AB
• 2019 Stats: DNP (Professional Contract)
• 2018 Stats: 10 Goals / 10 Assists / 20 Points

Not only has Bears head coach Martin Fenger-Andersen brought in an impressive recruiting class for 2021, but has also added arguably the best player in Canada West history to his roster for the fall.

Ajeej Sarkaria spent three seasons with the Bears (2016-18), setting the Canada West scoring record with 62 points in 42 conference games, while his 37 career goals only two behind the CW record of 39. Sarkaria spent the 2019 season with FC Edmonton of the Canadian Premier League, appearing in 10 professional matches.

The three-time CW first team All-Star will lead a talented Bears roster this season, as they look for their first conference banner since Sarkaria's rookie season in 2016.

CALGARY DINOS

2019 CW regular season record: 7-6-1, 3rd in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 2-1, CW silver medal (U SPORTS - T-7th)
Head Coach: Brendan O'Connell (6th season) / 37-25-8 (Career CW reg. season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 1980 / 1
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: none

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 20 goals, 6th in CW
• Defence: 25 goals against, tied 11th in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 3 - Derek Brust, F
• Assists: 4 - Eryk Kobza, M
• Points: 6 - Eryk Kobza, M
• Wins: 7 - Jake Ruschkowski, GK
• Shutouts: 3 - Jake Ruschkowski, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Gabriel Craiovan / M / 1 / Carseland, Alta. / Calgary Villains
• Kundai Dziwa / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Foothills

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Christiano De Carvalho / M / Rio de Janeiro, BRA / 5
• Mark Bohdan / F / Calgary, Alta. / 5
• Jared Fillo / M / Calgary, Alta. / 5
• Dominik Zuczek / F / Calgary, Alta. / 4

Key performer:

• Eryk Kobza
• Midfield
• 2nd-year
• North Vancouver, B.C.
• 2019 Stats: (2 Goals / 4 Assists / 6 Points)

While most of the returning athletes in Canada West will be shaking off the rust early in the 2021 season, Eryk Kobza is one of the exceptions.

The reigning Dinos male rookie of the year found playing time overseas last fall in Poland, all while continuing his education, playing professionally for Sokol Ostroda and Podlasie Biala Podlaska. Kobza was a key contributor for the Dinos in 2019, leading the team in assists in points, as the program made its first-ever appearance at the national championship.

LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS

2019 CW regular season record: /0-11-3-/, 13th position
2019 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Randy Bardock: 30^th season / 51-238-56 Career CW reg. season record

Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year /N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: Year / N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 8 goals, 13^th
• Defence: 32 goals against, 13^th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 1 - Danilo Morales, Midfield/ Landon Veluw, Midfield/ Damon Field, Defence
• Assists: 1 - Danilo Morales, Midfield/ Landon Veluw, Midfield
• Points: 2- Danilo Morales, Midfield/ Landon Veluw, Midfield
• Wins: N/A
• Shutouts: N/A

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Jeremy Dalla Costa/ Defender/ 2^nd year/ Calgary, AB/ MRU
• Ty Cook/ Defender/ 1^st year/ Winnipeg, MB/ E&E Sports Academy
• Simon Rolfson/ Striker/ 1^st year/ Billings, Montana/ Billings Senior

Key performer:

• Name: Nolan French
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Year: 5^th year
• Hometown: Calgary
• 2018 Stats: 12 GP 2.34 gaa 0-8-3

Following two years away from the sport due to a serious knee injury and then a cancelled season, 5^th year goalkeeper Nolan French is the lone senior on the young Pronghorn team. French will be counted on to lead the team from the crease out and close out his Pronghorn career on a high note.

MACEWAN GRIFFINS

2019 CW regular season record: 1-8-5 / 5^th Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: N/A
Head Coach: Adam Loga / 6th season / 8-38-12

Last CW championship / total CW championships: None
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: None

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 13 goals for / 12th
• Defence: 24 goals against / T9th

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 2 - Stefan Gajic, M
• Assists: 2 - Rakan Yassin, F & Stefan Gajic, M
• Points: 4 - Stefan Gajic, M
• Wins: 1- Simon Dawe, GK
• Shutouts: 1 - Simon Dawe, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Chance Carter / M / 1 / Edmonton, AB / FC Edmonton
• Jakob Sievert / M / 1 / Ravnegiersburg, GER / TUS Kirchberg
• Andreas Hafellner / D / 1 / Proleb, AUT / FC Proleb
• Alvin Mazaheri / F / 1 / Copenhagen, DEN / Vanløse IF
• Ali Yildiz / M / 1 / Edmonton, AB / FC Edmonton
• Issac Milambo / F / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / FC Manitoba

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Everett Orgnero / F / Calgary, AB / 2
• Michel Enes / M / Sturgeon County, AB / 2
• Kapri Simmons / F / Edmonton, AB / 3
• Seth Johnstone / GK / Edmonton, AB / 3
• Zibusiso Moyo / F / Edmonton, AB / 4
• Alexander Mosca / D/M / Calgary, AB / 5

Key performer:

• Stefan Gajic
• Position: Midfielder
• Year: 3
• Hometown: Edmonton, AB
• 2019 Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists for 4 points in 13 GP

The veteran box-to-box midfielder tied for the Griffins' scoring lead in 2019 with four points in 13 games and will be a key figure in MacEwan's offensive push again in 2021.Gajic has a strong ability to strike from distance and is a technician with the ball at his feet, constantly pressuring opposing defensive units with his speed and finesse.

With improvement in defensive organization since his first season, Gajic is a true threat on both sides of the ball.His leadership will be key in guiding a young core in the Griffins' attack this season.

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS

2019 CW regular season record: /-/, position 9-4-1, 1st in Prairies.
2019 post-season record: /-/, playoff finish 2-1-0, 3rd overall, Bronze at Canada West

Head Coach: # season / Career CW reg. season record
Ryan Gyaki, (attach headshot): 7th season, 35-26-13

Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / # N/A
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: Year / # N/A

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 29, 3rd overall
• Defence: 11, 1st overall

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 9 goals, Mohamed El Gandour, Forward
• Assists: 7 assists, Dane Domic, Midfield
• Points: 22 points, Mohamed El Gandour, Forward
• Wins: 2 wins, Sterling Kerr, Goalkeeper
• Shutouts: 1 shutout, Sterling Kerr, Goalkeeper

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Joshua Flaksman / Forward / 1 / Calgary, AB / EP Scarlett
• Niklas Liebich / Midfield / 1 / Berlin, Germany / F.F. Runge Gymnasium
• Keisean Brooks / Defence / 3 / Calgary, AB / University Hill Secondary School

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Kyran Valley / Goalkeeper / Calgary, AB / 4
• Parminder Rai / Midfield / Calgary, AB / 4

Key performer:

Although new to the Cougars, Joshua Flaksman has high ambitions of dominating the Prairie Division this season. Flaksman is a powerhouse on the field, consistently demonstrating he is a strong technician with a solid understanding of the game. Using his creative flair, he is able to generate magic offensively in areas that others may not see. His impact translates to defence well, proving he is a threat as a two-way player.

To the Cougar men, this season is all about finding their rhythm. After a year without play, the team is hoping to stay composed in what is bound to be their most unpredictable year of competition yet. They are prepared to take each game individually and know they need bounces to go their way in order to make the playoffs this year, even after a first place finish in the Prairie Division during the 2019 season. Head coach, Ryan Gyaki, has a roster filled with veterans, ready to step up and put forward a winning performance.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES

2019 CW regular season record: 7-3-4, 2^nd in Prairie Division
2019 post-season record: 1-1, Lost to MRU in Canada West Final Four
Head Coach: Bryce Chapman 17^th season / 87-92-41 (CW career regular season record)

Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014 / 1
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: none

2019 CW regular season ranks:

• Offence: 19 goals, T7 in Canada West
• Defence: 15 goals against, 3^rd in Canada West

2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):

• Goals: 3 - Nikolas Baikas, F; Kuhle Bekwayo, M
• Assists: 2 - Nikolas Baikas, F
• Points: 5 - Nikolas Baikas, F
• Wins: 7 - Marcus Baxter, GK
• Shutouts: 5 - Marcus Baxter, GK

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):

• Aaron Hidalgo-Mazzei / D / 2 / Winnipeg, MB / FC Winnipeg Lions
• Kevin Garic / D / 2 / Winnipeg, MB / WSA
• Mathew Hnatiw / M / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Woodbridge Strikers
• Luke Mackie / M / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Saskatchewan Whitecaps Academy
• Ahmed Mohammed / F / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Bethlehem Catholic High School

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):

• Jacob Powell / D / Coquitlam, BC / 5
• Marcello Gonzalez / M / Regina, SK / 5
• Gabriel Buatois / Saskatoon, SK / 5

Key performer:
Name: Nikolas Baikas
Position: F
Year: 3
Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
2019 Stats: 3 Goals / 2 Assists / 5 Pts

The Huskies will be looking to build upon a collective team approach for success during the 2021 season. Led by returning players Nikolas Baikas, Kuhle Bekwayo, Tobias Hyrich-Kruegor and Marcus Baxter, the Huskies will be looking for every player on the roster to make a difference at different times of the season.