WHKY: Pandas tabbed as conference favourites
October 14, 2021
VANCOUVER - The two-time defending Canada West champion Alberta Pandas are the coaches' pick as the team to beat once again in 2021-22.
Alberta finished atop the annual preseason coaches poll with 57 points and four first-place votes. After winning their 14th Canada West banner in 2019-20, the Pandas return to the ice for the start of the regular season on Friday night.
Hot on the Pandas' heels are 2019-20 silver medalists, the Mount Royal Cougars. The Cougars picked up 56 points in the poll along with four first-place votes.
UBC (53 points) and Saskatchewan (37 points) complete the top four coming in at third and fourth respectively, with UBC picking up the final first-place vote.
Manitoba (35 points) finished fifth in the poll followed by Calgary (31 points) and Regina (29 points).
Rounding out the poll are a pair of new Canada West teams. The MacEwan Griffins (17 points) and Trinity Western Spartans (9 points) make their long awaited debuts after being approved as hockey members in May of 2019.
The 2021-22 season opens this weekend with a full slate of games Friday night, with only the Saskatchewan Huskies idle in Week 1. For a complete look at the conference schedule, click here.
Every women's hockey game will once again be available exclusively this season on Canada West TV Presented by Co-op. You can purchase your all-access, or sport pass by clicking here.
2021 CW WHKY PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Alberta Pandas - 57 (4)
- Mount Royal Cougars - 56 (4)
- UBC Thunderbirds - 53 (1)
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 37
- Manitoba Bisons - 35
- Calgary Dinos - 31
- Regina Cougars - 29
- MacEwan Griffins - 17
- Trinity Western Spartans - 9
NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-8. First-place votes worth 8 pts., second-place worth 7 pts. etc.
2021 TEAM PREVIEWS
Alberta PandasUBC Thunderbirds
Calgary Dinos
MacEwan Griffins
Manitoba Bisons
Mount Royal Cougars
Regina Cougars
Saskatchewan Huskies
Trinity Western Spartans
ALBERTA PANDAS
2019-20 CW regular season record: /19-8-1-0/, 1st
2019-20 post-season record: /4-0/ Canada West Champions
Head Coach: Howie Draper / 25th Year / 392-99-7 CW Record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2020 / 14
Last U SPORTS championship / total championships: 2017 / 8
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 81 goals, 1st
- Defence: 31 goals against, 1st
- Power play: 25.2%, 1st
- Penalty kill: 90.7%, 1st
2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
- Goals: 11 - Madison Willan, Forward
- Assists: 14 - Madison Willan, Forward
- Points: 25 - Name, Position
- Wins: 11 - Kirsten Chamberlin, Goalie
- Shutouts: 6 - Kirsten Chamberlin, Goalie
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Raegan Yewdall / Forward / 1st / Winnipeg, MB / Winnipeg Ice
- Bethan Wilson / Defence / 5th / Calgary, AB / Carleton Ravens
- Megan Wilson / Forward / 3rd / Calgary, AB / Carleton Ravens
- Kallie Clouston / Forward / 1st / Olds, AB / Okotoks Raiders
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Autumn MacDougall / Forward / Cole Harbour, NS / 5
- Alex Poznikoff / Forward / Edmonton, AB / 5
- Cayle Dillon / Defence / Edmonton, AB / 5
- Kennedy Ganser / Forward / Provost, AB / 5
Key performer:
- Madison Willan
- Forward
- 2nd-Year
- Edmonton, AB
With the core of the 2017 U SPORTS Championship squad having graduated or signed professional contracts, the 2021 Pandas will have a young and fresh look this season. Leading this iteration of the Pandas will be second-year forward, Madison Willan.
Willan, who also competes with the Pandas Golf team, was sensational as a rookie in 2019/20. The Edmonton product led all U SPORTS rookies with 25 points in 28 conference games, which was also the third highest point total in Canada West.
Willan was named both the Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year in 2020, and should be near the top of the scoring race again in 2021. Willan will also enter the season as a favourite for MVP in just her second season in Canada West.
UBC THUNDERBIRDS
2019-20 CW regular season record: 9-13-1-5, 6th in CW
2019-20 post-season record: 2-2, lost to Alberta in CW Semifinal
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2017 / 3
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: none
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 41 goals, 7th
- Defence: 59 goals against, 6th
- Power play: 12.3%, 5th
- Penalty kill: 80.7%, 7th
2019-20 CW regular season leaders (returning):?
- Goals: 4 - Hannah Koroll, D
- Assists: 9 - Shay-Lee McConnell, F
- Points: 11 - Hannah Koroll, D
- Wins: 9 - Tory Micklash, G
- Shutouts: 5 - Tory Micklash, G
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Grace Elliott / F / 1 / White Rock, B.C. / Delta Hockey Academy
- Joelle Fiala / F / 3 / Clavet, Sask. / Robert Morris University
- Mya Healey / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Fire
- Annalise Wong / F / 1 / Richmond, B.C. / Fraser Valley Rush
- Mia Bierd / F / 1 / Calgary, Alta. / Edge School
- Kailee Peppler / D / 1 / Saskatoon, Sask. / Rink Academy Kelowna
- Kayla McDougall / G / 1 / Puslinch, Ont. / Stoney Creek Junior Sabres
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Hannah Clayton-Carroll / F / Vancouver, B.C. / 5
- Mathea Fischer / F / Oslo, Norway / 5
- Tory Micklash / G / East St. Paul, Man. / 5
Key performer:
- Ashley McFadden
- Forward
- 3rd
- Winnipeg, Man.
One of UBC's top returning forwards, McFadden will no doubt be counted on to help lead a young group which hasn't played a Canada West game in 19 months. In her rookie season, the Winnipeg native was named to the conference's all-Rookie team with 8 goals and 16 assists and she'll be looking to return to that form this season.
CALGARY DINOS
2019-20 CW regular season record: 18-7-1-2, 2nd in CW
2019-20 post-season record: 1-2, lost in CW SF to Mount Royal
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2012 / 1
Last U SPORTS championship / total championships: 2012 / 1
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 61 goals, 2nd in CW
- Defence: 42 goals against, T-2nd in CW
- Power play: 20.8%, 2nd in CW
- Penalty kill: 88.0%, 3rd in CW
2019-20 CW regular season leaders (returning):?
- Goals: 13 - Elizabeth Lang, F
- Assists: 9 - Elizabeth Lang, F
- Points: 22 - Elizabeth Lang, F
- Wins: 2 - Gabriella Durante, G
- Shutouts: N/A
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Alli Borrow / F / 4 / Clearwater, BC / Univ. of Lethbridge
- Jessica Martens / F / 1 / Cochrane, AB / Banff Hockey Academy
- Bridget Rezansoff / D / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Saskatoon Stars
- Ashley Sutherland / D / 3 / Airdrie, AB / Red Deer College
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Sara Craven / F / Calgary, AB / 5
- Delaney Frey / F / Weyburn, SK / 5
- Paige Michalenko / D / Saskatoon, SK / 5
- Kelsey Roberts / G / Kitimat, BC / 5
Key performer:
- Elizabeth Lang
- Forward
- 3
- Edmonton, AB
Elizabeth Lang was the key driver of the University of Calgary Dinos' offence in 2019-20 and helped them reach the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Edmonton native scored 13 goals and added nine assists for 22 points - tying her for the team lead and fifth best in the conference. Lang was also named a Canada West First Team All-Star.
MACEWAN GRIFFINS
2019-20 ACAC regular season record: 21-3-0, 1st
2019-20 post-season record: 4-0, Playoffs cancelled with Griffins leading best-of-five final 2-0
Last CW championship / total CW championships: Last won ACAC championship in 2018-19 / 4 ACAC titles in program history
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: None
2019-20 ACAC regular season ranks:
- Offence: 80 goals, 1st
- Defence: 34 goals against, 1st
- Power play: 17.9%, 1st
- Penalty kill: 89.6%, 1st
2019-20 ACAC regular season leaders (returning):
- Goals: 12 - Chantal Ricker, F
- Assists: 10 - Chantal Ricker, F
- Points: 22 - Chantal Ricker, F
- Wins: 11 - Natalie Bender, G
- Shutouts: 4 - Natalie Bender, G
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Aryn Chambers / D / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Red Deer Chiefs (AFHL)
- Kallie O'Hearn / D / 1 / Surrey, BC / Delta Hockey Academy (CSSHL)
- Hailey Maurice / F / 1 / Abbotsford, BC / Fraser Valley Rush (FMAAA)
- Mila Verbicky / F / 2 / Bowser, BC / Lethbridge Pronghorns (U SPORTS)
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Morgan Casson / F / Edmonton, AB / 5
- Carley Jewell / D / Winnipeg, MB / 5
- Shyla Jans / F / Edmonton, AB / 5
- Jaime Erickson / D / Leduc, AB / 4
Key performer:
- Kyrelle Skoye
- Defence
- Year: 5
- St. Albert, AB
One of two players on the Griffins entering their final season of university eligibility, Skoye brings all of the intangibles you'd expect in a veteran leader.
The workhorse rearguard, known for her top-end shot blocking ability and responsible defensive play, figures to play huge minutes as the veteran leader of a young, but promising Griffins blueline.
Skoye will also bring a blossoming offensive game to a crucial role on the MacEwan powerplay. A key member of three-straight ACAC Championship teams with the Griffins (2017, '18, '19), Skoye and the rest of her teammates were on the verge of a fourth-straight title, up 2-0 in the 2019-20 best-of-five championship series before it was cancelled due to COVID.
The Griffins are hoping that championship experience rubs off on two solid recruiting classes contributing to the team's success in their inaugural Canada West season.
MANITOBA BISONS
2019-20 CW regular season record: 10-17-1, 7th in CW
2019-20 CW post-season record: N/A
Head coach: Jon Rempel (17th season) / 254-136-34 Career CW reg. season record
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2017-18 / 3
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2017-18 / 1
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 34 goals, 8th in CW
- Defence: 63 goals against, 7th in CW
- Power play: 8.7%, T-7th in CW
- Penalty kill: 87.5%, 4th in CW
2019-20 CW regular season leaders:
- Goals: 8 - Kate Gregoire, F
- Assists: 5 - Halle Edwards, F
- Points: 9 - Kate Gregoire, F
- Wins: 6 - Erin Fargey, G
- Shutouts: 2 - Erin Fargey, G
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Ashley Keller / F / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / St. Mary's Flames
- Kylie Lesuk / F / 1 / Oakbank, MB / Eastman Selects
- Julia Bird / F / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / St. Mary's Flames
- Rachel Gottfried / D / 1 / Winnipeg, MB / Winnipeg Avros
- Jena Barscello / F / 1 / Brandon, MB / Yellowhead Female Chiefs
- Meagan Relf / G / 1 / Oakbank, MB / St. Mary's Flames
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Jordy Zacharias / F / Winnipeg, MB / 4
- Jenai Buchanan / F / Crystal City, MB / 4
- Megan Neduzak / D / Morden, MB / 4
- Sheridan Oswald / F / MacGregor, MB / 4
Key performer:
- Lauren Warkentin
- Defence
- 4th Year
- Steinbach, MB
With two years of recruitment classes coming in, fourth-year defencewoman Lauren Warkentin will be a key leader for the Manitoba Bisons in the 2021-22 season.
The 5'8" native of Steinbach, Manitoba has been an unsung hero for the Bisons throughout her four years with the program. She scored clutch goals for Manitoba in two straight runs to the U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship in 2018 and 2019 and backed that up with five assists on a young squad in 2019-20.
Following the pandemic break, Warkentin will be relied on for her experience even more, with plenty of promising young players joining Manitoba. She's played in 79 of a possible 84 regular season games and all nine playoff games since joining the Bisons. She's a critical piece of Manitoba's special teams too, with all five of her season assists in 2019-20 coming on the power play and only two minutes spent in the sin bin in 28 games.
Warkentin, a student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, joined the Herd from the Eastman Selects for the 2017-18 season.
MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS
2019 CW regular season record: /-/, position 14-14-0-0, 4th for regular season.
2019 post-season record: /-/, playoff finish 18-17-0-0, 2nd overall, Silver at Canada West.
Head Coach: # season / Career CW reg. season record
Scott Rivett, 13th season, 78-130-25
Last CW championship / total CW championships: Year / # N/A
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: Year / # N/A
2019 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 43, 6th overall
- Defence: 44, 4th overall
- Power play: 9.7%, 6th overall
- Penalty kill: 86.8%, 5th overall
2019 CW regular season leaders (returning):
- Goals: 11 - Anna Purschke, F
- Assists: 8 - Tatum Amy/Breanne Trotter
- Points: 18 - Anna Purschke, F
- Wins: 8 - Kaitlyn Ross
- Shutouts: 4 - Kaitlyn Ross
- Courtney Kollman / Forward / 3 / Calgary, AB / Robert Morris University
- Taylor Sawka / Forward / 3 / Cochrane, AB / Clarkson University
- Alex Spence / Defense / 1 / Lloydminster, AB / Lloydminster Steelers
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Daria O'Neill / Defense / Cochrane, AB / 2
- Nic Seper / Forward / Cochrane, AB / 4
Key performer:
- Name: Anna Purschke
- Position: Forward
- Year: 5th year
- Hometown: Sherwood Park AB.
Anna Purschke came to MRU from Sherwood Park back in the 2016-17 season and has since been a regular contributor to the Cougars stats sheet. Coach Scott Rivett can only predict more success for this fifth year senior going into this regular season after already demonstrating she is a force to be reckoned with in the exhibition round.
"Anna will be a key leader for us who will also be heavily relied upon in every situation on the ice," Rivett said. This seasoned veteran is set to lead her team with her knowledge on the ice and her undeniable skill this season.
Brief description of importance.
For the Cougars women, they are looking to complete what was cut short in the 2019-20 season with Coach Rivett saying there is certainly a sense of unfinished business for the team. They are excited to demonstrate their ability on the ice and highly motivated to make an appearance at nationals this season. The group is grateful to be back on the ice with the opportunity to play and are ready to make the most of it.
REGINA COUGARS
2019-20 CW regular season record: 9-13-5-1 (5th, Canada West)
2019-20 post-season record: 0-2 (lost conference QF)
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2001 / 1
Last U SPORTS championship / total championships: (none)
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 48 goals (4th)
- Defence: 54 goals against (5th)
- Power play: 18.0% (3rd)
- Penalty kill: 89.5% (2nd)
2019-20 CW regular season leaders (returning):
- Goals: 7 - Jordan Kulbida, F
- Assists: 5 - Lilla Carpenter-Boesch, F
- Points: 10 - Jordan Kulbida, F
- Wins: (none returning)
- Shutouts: (none returning)
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Lauren Focht / F / 1st / Regina, Sask. / Regina Rebels
- Arden Kliewer / G / 1st / Saskatoon, Sask. / Saskatoon Stars
- Megan Long / D / 1st / Sturgeon County, Alta. / Edmonton Pandas
- Shaylee Scraba / F / 1st / Souris, Man. / Westman Wildcats
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Jane Kish / G / Weyburn, Sask. / 5
- Jaycee Magwood / F / Killarney, Man. / 5
- Tamara McVannel / D / MacGregor, Man. / 5
- Shaelyn Vallotton / D / Glenboro, Man. / 3
Key performer:
- Name: Heather Fiske
- Position: Forward
- Year: 2nd
- Hometown: Esterhazy, Sask.
After playing a supporting role in her first U SPORTS season two years ago, Heather Fiske looks poised to have a breakout year for the Cougars in 2021-22. Fiske is coming off a four-goal weekend against the University of Saskatchewan in the U of R's final two non-conference games of the preseason schedule. A product of the Melville Prairie Fire Midget AAA program, Fiske is likely to start the season on a line with Paige Hubbard and rookie Trinity Grove.
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
2019-20 CW regular season record: 17-7-1-2, 3rd in Canada West
2019-20 post-season record: 0-2, playoff finish, eliminated in QF by UBC
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2014 / 1
Last U SPORTS championship / total championships: none
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
- Offence: 55, 3rd in CW
- Defence: 42, T2 in CW
- Power play: 13.6%, 4th in CW
- Penalty kill: 83.1%, 6th in CW
2019-20 CW regular season leaders (returning):
- Goals: 12 - Bailee Bourassa, F
- Assists: 8 - Sophie Lalor, F
- Points: 19 - Bailee Bourassa, F
- Wins: 12 - Jessica Vance
- Shutouts: 5 - Jessica Vance
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Bornwyn Boucher / Forward / 1st / Sturgeon County, AB / St. Albert Slash
- Kendra Zuchotzki / Defence / 1st / Dorintosh, SK / Notre Dame Hounds
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
- Jessica Vance / Goalie / Prince Albert, SK / 2
- Leah Bohlken / Defence / Moose Jaw, SK / 5
- Brooklyn Haubrich / Forward / Hodgeville, SK / 5
Key performer:
- Bailee Bourassa
- Forward
- 5th
- Weyburn, SK
Bailee Bourassa returns to the Huskies for her fifth and final year. Bourassa is a lethal goal-scorer who led the Huskies with 19 points during the 2019-20 season, where she finished tied for third in Canada West in goals (12) and was a Second Team Canada West All-Star. Bourassa will wear the C as she hopes to lead the Huskies back to the post-season.
TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS
Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
- Brooklyn Anderson / C / 1st year / Shellbrook, SK / PA Northern Bears AAA
- McKenzie Mayo / D / 1st year / Saskatoon, SK / PA Northern Bears AAA
- Reilley Kellner / C / 1st year / Langley, BC / Ontario Hockey Academy
- Neisha Germann / Wing / 3rd year / Lloydminster, AB / Red Deer College
- N/A
- Neisha Germann
- Wing
- 3rd year
- Lloydminster, AB