Saskatchewan Huskies top Canada West preseason poll rankings

Preseason coaches’ poll

1. Saskatchewan Huskies – 24 points (4 first-place votes)
   
2. Manitoba Bisons – 18 points (2)
   
3. Regina Rams – 17 points
   
4. British Columbia Thunderbirds – 16 points
   
5. Calgary Dinos – 8 points
   
6. Alberta Golden Bears – 7 points
   

Alberta entered the 2025 season with the odds stacked against them, ranked sixth in the Canada West preseason coaches’ poll. The Golden Bears opened their schedule at home against the top-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies, where a second-half comeback effort from the Huskies resulted in the Bears starting the season with a loss. 

With a talented division, first year Head Coach Stevenson Bone will be required to draw up complex gameplans each week. Here’s a look at how the Bears stack up against each Canada West opponent this year:

Saskatchewan Huskies

The Huskies, who lost in last year’s Hardy Cup, opened 2025 with a win over Alberta and look every bit the contender again. Quarterback Anton Armundrud has one of the league’s top weapons in receiver Daniel Wiebe, making Saskatchewan’s offence a difficult assignment for any defence. The Bears’ first test showed just how fine the margins will be when facing the conference’s best.

Manitoba Bisons

Manitoba finished atop the regular season standings last year and return quarterback Jackson Tachinski to lead a balanced attack. Their ability to stretch the field makes them one of the most dynamic teams in Canada West. When Alberta meets the Bisons, the Golden Bears’ secondary will need to limit big plays to keep things manageable.

Regina Rams

Defending Hardy Cup champions Regina are ranked third but have the roster to repeat. Left tackle Ethan Graham is a key piece of their protection unit, giving the offence a steady foundation. The Bears’ defensive front will need to find ways around Graham to disrupt the Rams’ rhythm.

UBC Thunderbirds

UBC has consistently produced elite offensive linemen — several have even gone on to the CFL or NFL in recent years. On defence, lineman Deacon Sterna (four sacks last season) gives them a presence in the trenches. Alberta’s matchup with UBC will be decided by whether the Bears can hold their own physically against one of the league’s most disciplined teams.

Calgary Dinos

Calgary continues to retool but still fields game-changing defensive talent. They roster the highest number of rookies of any team in Canada West (34), which gives them room to grow as a team. Defensive lineman Liam Reid, who also recorded four sacks last season, is a disruptive force that Alberta’s offensive line will have to contain. The Bears’ head-to-head battle with the Dinos will be crucial in shaping their place in the standings.

Alberta Golden Bears

The Bears are in transition under Bone, with Hetlinger leading the offence and Tataryn anchoring the defence. Young talent fills out the roster, giving the Bears an exciting outlook for the future. While their September 29 loss to Saskatchewan highlighted the elite competition within Canada West, it also showed how the Golden Bears can hold their own against top teams. Alberta’s path forward will be defined by how they stay consistent in winnable games and how competitive they can be against the conference’s upper tier.