LANGLEY, British Columbia – The Trinity Western Spartans open the Canada West season ranked No. 9 in the Canada West preseason coaches' poll. The Spartans kick off the season Friday night at 7 p.m. with a road game against the No. 8-ranked Regina Cougars, then play game two of the two-game series Saturday at 5 p.m. Both matches can be seen live on Canada West TV.
The Spartans enter the 2026-27 season with increased depth throughout the lineup and heightened expectations. With added competition at every position, Trinity Western will look to play with speed while relying on greater accountability and competition within the roster. A number of newcomers are also expected to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact as TWU looks to take another step forward this season.
2026-27 CW MHKY PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 72 (8)
- UBC Thunderbirds - 57
- Mount Royal Cougars - 55
- Calgary Dinos - 54
- Alberta Golden Bears - 52 (1)
- Manitoba Bisons - 35
- MacEwan Griffins - 31
- Regina Cougars - 21
- Trinity Western Spartans - 20
From TWU coach Ben Walter: "There is a lot to be excited about with our group this year. We have more depth at every position than we have ever had, and we have brought in some exciting new players. We also have a good core of veteran players who have been in the league for 2-3 years now and will provide some great leadership to a big incoming class. We want to play fast and physical and will look to continue to move in the right direction as a program."
Key Performer: Christian Lowe
Forward | 4th Year | Port Moody, B.C.
Christian embodies everything the Spartans have been building within their program. He is a player who has embraced the opportunity that was available to him and has grown immensely as a player over his time at TWU. As the Spartans captain, he brings a work ethic and attitude to the rink every day that his teammates follow. He has become one of the top forwards in Canada West, and the Spartans will count on him to lead the way again this season.
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 15 U SPORTS team championships and 35 Canada West team championships.
About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
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