Playing any sport for Canada West for aspiring young athletes means taking your game to the next level which requires not just dedication but the desire to reach the pinnacle of success for the individual.
Saturday saw both Calgary and UBC look to put an end to Victoria’s six-year reign at the top of the Canada West field hockey six-year reign over the conference.
Looking back to 2024 the Vikes managed to extend their dynasty that saw them capture a sixth straight Canada West crown as well as their sixth consecutive national title, but seven will be hard pressed.
Last year’s race for the CW banner was one of the tightest in recent memory, with UBC forcing a winner-take-all showdown on the final day of the regular season that saw Victoria prevail 3–0 in that match to retain the title.
The Vikes then swept through the revamped Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Championship, earning the program’s 17th national banner with a 1–0 win over host York in the gold medal game.
Despite graduating several key players, Victoria returns veteran leadership and a strong core of third-year student-athletes.
Four-time Canada West All-Star and two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian Libby Hogg is back for her final season, anchoring a defence that recorded 10 shutouts in 2024.
UBC, led by reigning Coach of the Year Geoff Matthews in his second season, will be determined to dethrone their West Coast rivals.
The Thunderbirds will look for another standout campaign from Sydney Le, who burst onto the scene last season by earning the conference’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honours.
Coming off a winless campaign, Calgary hopes an extra year of experience will spark improvement from their young roster.
With 17 players in their first or second year of eligibility, the Dinos will still be one of the youngest teams in the nation, but second-year head coach Jenn Beagan is excited about the changing culture and growth she’s seen from the program.
On the field, the Dinos will once again be led by fourth year defender Isabella Green, who will be counted upon to provide a steady presence in the Calgary midfield.
The regular season features 12 total contests, beginning with UBC visiting Calgary this Saturday and Sunday. Victoria opens their title defence the following weekend, also in Calgary.
Each team plays eight games, facing each opponent twice at home and twice on the road. The season wraps with a pivotal series between UBC and Victoria, hosted by the Vikes on Oct. 18 and 19.
The regular season champion will be crowned Canada West champion and advance to the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS National Championship.
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