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Preview: August 26-30, 2026: SASKATCHEWAN at AUSTRIA
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (2025-26: 19-7-2, 25-9-5, OHT35 #7)
VIENNA CAPITALS (2025-26: 18-5-4-21, ICEHL #7)
KLAGENFURT A.C. (2025-26: 29-4-6-9, ICEHL #2)
H.C. MILANO (2025-26: n/a)Links:
➤ Hockey News (German): ICEHL: The KAC invites you to the first edition of the “corrugated card-Trophy”! [/url]The U-Sports pre-season kicks off tomorrow when the Saskatchewan Huskies will culturally enrich Austria with a healthy dose of banjo music. Neither the U of S site, nor the Huskie Fan site, have an update on this tour nor have they posted their 2026-27 roster.
The Banjo-Mutts are taking part in a 4-team tournament for the Wellcard Trophy, which is translated as the “Corrugated Card Trophy” when the German language stories in the links are translated by my app. The wording in those stories often sounds kind of funny, but is amusing and informative.
The entire tournament is being held in Klagenfurt, Austria. All three Sask opponents play in the ICE (International Central European) Hockey League. It is based in Austria and was formerly called the EBEL. It has nine teams from Austria, three from Italy, and one each from Hungary and Slovenia, for a total of 14. It is Europe’s 6th-ranked league and this gives them three berths in Europe’s Champions Hockey League. Teams from the countries involved have come-and-gone over the years. Unlike North America, cross-border leagues in Europe have many regulatory hurdles to overcome from national regulatory bodies.
The Milano team is new this year, and rises from the ashes of past teams which operated in Italy’s Series A and other leagues. At one time, they were supposedly trying to get a franchise in the KHL.
WELLCARD TROPHY SCHEDULE
Tuesday, August 25: Klagenfurt v Milano (19:15, 11:15 CDT)
Wednesday, August 26: Vienna v Saskatchewan (19:15, 11:15 CDT)
Thursday, August 27: Saskatchewan v Milano (19:15, 11:15 CDT)
Friday, August 28: Klagenfurt v Vienna (19:15, 11:15 CDT)
Saturday, August 29: Milano v Vienna (16:00, 8:00 CDT)
Sunday, August 30: Klagenfurt v Saskatchewan (17:30, 9:30 CDT)August 20, 2026: HALL OF FAME CONNECTION & MACEWAN’S ROSTER RELEASED
MANITOBA BISONS
A new Bison recruit has the unique honour of a Hockey Hall of Fame connection before even playing a game in the CW. Hayden Wheddon has had the helmet he wore in the Niverville Nighthawks’ run to the Centennial Cup on display at the HHOF. He was the MJHL’s leading scorer with 90 points in 57 games.Links:
➤ MJHL: Nighthawks helmet featured in Hockey Hall of FameMACEWAN GRIFFINS
Last week, I pointed out that the Family Guys had activated their 2026-27 roster page. However, it only had the returning players. They have now added their recruits. They get credit for being the second CW team to do so, after Regina. The stats for the conference-wide recruits were posted on July 14, 2026 and there was an update in a post on August 6, 2026.Goaltenders:
Returning:
1 Zac Onyskiw G (5-7-1, 4.24 GAA, .859 S%)
35 Carson Ironside G (3-1-0, 2.48 GAA, .921 S%)Arrivals:
29 Colin Reay – G – Prince George (BCHL)The Family Guys had a rotation of hot-cold cycles throughout the season in their net. Eric Ward had been their #1, but Onyskiw took over from him, only to have 3rd-stringer Ironside come up with some hot games. He made a case, no doubt argued by Perry Mason, to be their playoff starter.
Defencemen:
Returning:
4 Carson Haynes D (10-0-1-1)
16 Jack Parker D (14-0-1-1)
20 Dylan Bidyk D (17-0-1-1)
21 Tyson Kowaluk D (27-0-6-6)Arrivals:
6 Reid Larson D – Canmore (AJHL)
7 Jack Franklin D – Simon Fraser (Indy/NCAA2)
26 Casey Black D – Canmore (AJHL)
93 Sam Ward D – Flin Flon (SJHL)The big problem for MacEwan this year could be getting goals from their blueline. Their departed players finished 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 23, and 27 in team scoring last year. That’s pretty good. However, that includes their top four offensive defencemen, including Keaton Dowhaniuk who has transferred to UBC. Not one of the four returning blueliners scored a goal last year. The recruits do not appear to be offensive-minded.
Forwards:
Returning:
9 Rhett Dekowny F (26-1-8-9)
10 Ethan Sundar F (27-10-16-26)
11 Tanner Fincaryk F (15-1-1-2)
12 Myles Gauld F (28-8-10-18)
17 Blake Eastman F (2-0-0-0)
18 Kadyn Chabot F (27-18-19-37)
19 Liam Hughes F (25-8-4-12)
22 Vincent Scott F (22-8-14-22)
23 Sam Simard F (28-12-16-28)
91 Ethan Mercer F (25-0-4-4)
96 Carter Chorney F (25-5-5-10)Arrivals:
13 Evan Sundar F – Vernon (BCHL)
15 Zach Coutu F – Trail (BCHL)
25 John Szabo F – Canmore (AJHL)
27 Walker Erickson F – Simon Fraser (Indy/NCAA2)
44 Garrett Thom F – West Kelowna (BCHL)The Mythical Mutants return their top five scorers from a year ago. Although there are no stand-out recruits, they should easily replace the departed players. They have 16 forwards on the roster, so those selected to dress should be as good as last year’s line-up.
August 13, 2026: CWTV SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The CanadaWest.TV early bird pricing ends on August 16th. It is hard to find out about this. Two years ago, I missed all notifications and had to renew at full price. The CW used to put up a notice at each sport’s page, and each CW team in each sport put up a notice as well. They didn’t even send out an email to past subscribers. You have to go to CanadaWest.TV and click on “PASSES”. It will take you to the link. They have all sports (which includes playoffs), sport-specific, and per game passes as well.
Links:
➤ CanadaWest.tv: https://canadawest.tv/packagesMACEWAN GRIFFINS
The Family Guys’ 2026-27 Roster Page is now active, but does not include any new recruits. On the chance that this is a “work-in-progress” I will delay the roster breakdown for now.August 7, 2026: T-IRDS SIGN FIVE MORE
U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS
Using the format of the Transactions Summary above, here are the players:Brayden Schuurman – C/RW – Colorado College (NCAA) [prior: Victoria, Moose Jaw, Seattle (WHL)]
NCAA: 36 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 Pts
WHL: 235 GP, 83 G, 97 A, 180 PtsZeke Nicholson – C/LW – Robert Morris (NCAA) [prior: Alberni Valley (BCHL)]
NCAA: 12 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pts
BCHL: 183 GP, 37 G, 46 A, 83 PtsAustin Fraser – F – Simon Fraser (Indy/NCAA2) [prior: Lindenwoods (NCAA), Prince George & Coquitlam (BCHL)]
NCAA: 24 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 Pts
Indy: 40 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 Pts
BCHL: 126 GP, 31 G, 30 A, 61 PtsEwan Rennie – F – Estevan (SJHL) [prior: Langley & Surrey (BCHL)]
SJHL: 109 GP, 55 G, 77 A, 132 Pts
BCHL: 82 GP, 6 G, 14 A, 20 PtsArjun Bawa – F – Chilliwack (BCHL) [prior: Red Deer, Seattle, Prince George (WHL)]
WHL: 177 GP, 17 G, 20 A, 37 Pts
BCHL: 93 GP, 8 G, 18 A, 26 PtsPrior to this announcement, they had just four recruits (a goaltender and three defencemen) confirmed by themselves and Elite Prospects. It seems that there are large numbers of recruits this year in the CW:
Regina – 13
Alberta – 12
Manitoba – 10
MacEwan – 9
U.B.C. – 9
Mount Royal – 8
Calgary – 6
Saskatchewan – 6
Trinity – 5Links:
➤ GoThunderbirds.ca: Forward recruit class adds dynamism to new-look ‘BirdsAugust 6, 2026: STORIES AROUND THE CW
MANITOBA BISONS
Calgary, MacEwan, and Mount Royal issued press release stories this week, and the Bisons got another story from local press. They are sure getting a lot of such stories this off-season. The story about goaltender Austin Dubinsky and is from The Carillon (from Steinbach) and the picture is from the Centennial Cup semi-final where Niverville beat Canmore, AB.Links:
➤ The Carillon: Dubinsky commits to University of ManitobaCALGARY DINOSAURS
After goaltender Carl Stankowski left the Town of Bedrock for Scotland the Brave, forward Mack Stewart is off to the Stuttgart Rebels of the Oberliga Süd which is Germany’s third tier. A few years back the Bisons played teams from Germany’s second tier.MACEWAN GRIFFINS
The Family Guys have announced their 9th recruit, who’s also listed at Elite Prospects. Here’s the summary in the format of the Transactions Summary above:Sam Ward – D – Flin Flon (SJHL) [prior: Swift Current & Wenatchee (WHL), Vernon & Victoria (BCHL)]
WHL: 92 GP, 4 G, 12 A, 16 Pts
BCHL: 71 GP, 5 G, 20 A, 25 Pts
SJHL: 35 GP, 8 G, 15 A, 23 PtsMOUNT ROYAL COUGARS
The pipeline to Europe continues to flow with CW graduates. Josh Tarzwell is leaving the Bluegars to take the high road to the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lormond. He might be willing to skate 500 miles, and even 500 more, but I would recommend that he take a plane. The Bisons once faced the Glasgow Clan on a tour of their own.July 24, 2026: BISONS HAVE A HAT-TRICK OF STORIES
Three recruits previously announced on Elite Prospects and the LOI registry now have press release stories and flashy new pictures. All three are accustomed to skating around with a trophy. I have prior posts on all (from July 1st & 8th) which contain links and background material, which I will not repeat here.
LIAM LONGO – D – Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
Here’s the website caption:A two-way defenceman, Longo contributed 20 points in 45 OJHL games. He was even more dynamic in the playoffs, helping the Patriots to a conference title and berth at nationals for the first time in 12 years with ten points in 20 games.
COLE UNGER – D – Melfort Mustangs (SJHL)
Unlike the others listed today, Unger won his SJHL titles in 2024 and 2025. Here’s his caption:Over three seasons with Melfort, Unger advanced to the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) national championship twice, competing for the Centennial Cup in both 2024 and 2025 following league titles in the SJHL. During two runs to the final of the CJHL’s most prestigious tournament, Unger recorded three points over ten total games.
NOAH LODOEN – F – Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
Lodoen’s caption is brief:Lodoen is the second member of the Toronto Patriots to sign with Manitoba, alongside defenceman Liam Longo
Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Buckland Cup Champ Liam Longo commits to ManitobaREGINA COUGARS
After issuing a story announcing the end of a 13-man recruiting class, the Banjo-Cats have one more kitten in the litter. Here’s the details, in the form of the above omnibus post of CW recruits to date:Braydan Smith – D – Blackfalds Bulldogs (BCHL) [prior: Nanaimo, Victoria, & Trail (BCHL), Des Moines (USHL)]
BCHL: 110 GP, 3 G, 13 A, 16 Pts
USHL: 47 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 PtsJuly 23, 2026: BISON EXHIBITION SCHEDULE INCLUDES SIX GAMES V. NCAA
MANITOBA BISONS
Link: https://gobisons.ca/sports/mens-ice-hockey/scheduleFri Sep 18 Regina at Manitoba 7:00 CDT
Sat Sep 19 Regina at Manitoba 2:00 CDT
Fri Sep 25 Manitoba at Regina 7:00 CST/8:00 CDT
Sat Sep 26 Manitoba at Regina 2:00 CST/3:00 CDT
Fri Oct 02 Manitoba at Minnesota State 12:00 CDT
Sat Oct 03 Manitoba at St. Thomas 6:00 CDT
Sun Oct 04 Manitoba at North Dakota 3:00 CDT
Wed Oct 07 Manitoba at Nebraska-Omaha 7:00 CDT
Sat Jan 02 Manitoba at Minnesota-Duluth 1:00 CST
Sun Jan 03 Manitoba at Minnesota State 2:00 CSTThe Bisons have their usual home series against Regina (without a 3rd partner from Lakehead), but when they play at Regina there is no 3rd and/or 4th team (like Saskatchewan and/or Briercrest) so as to provide multiple opponents. The Bisons have been getting more than their share of opponents in the Excited States. The unique thing here is that they will visit Minnesota State twice (once in October and once in January). I do not recall that happening before. It also looks like there’s no room for games against the Manitoba Moose.
July 21, 2026: BISONS ANNOUNCE RECRUIT, DINO HEADING TO SCOTLAND
MANITOBA BISONS
AUSTIN DUBINSKY – G – Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL)
Dubinsky was announced on Elite Prospects two weeks ago. He’s now announced at GoBisons.ca. My post two weeks ago contains the links and background, but the official announcement has a new photo! The captional blurb is:
The 20-year-old Ardrossan, Alberta native received the Ed Belfour Top Goalie Award in the MJHL after finishing first in the MJHL in wins, third in goals-against average, and second in save percentage. He was also the MJHL Playoff MVP, CJHL Goaltender of the Year and a First Team All-Star in a historic season for Niverville.
Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: National champion, CJHL’s Top Netminder Austin Dubinsky joins the HerdCALGARY DINOSAURS
After a great career in the Town of Bedrock, Carl Stankowski is off to Scotland to play with the Dundee Stars of the EIHL. Earlier this year, Sean Strange signed a deal with the same team. He used up his eligibility in USports. His tandem partner, Carl Tetachuk, has played four seasons. I don’t know if he’ll be back. It would be hard to replace them both in the same season.
July 8, 2026: BISONS HAVE THREE LOI PLAYERS
The Bisons have three new recruits listed on the LOI, but none are confirmed at Elite Prospects nor on the team website. They were all in the last Centennial Cup. The Bisons are heavy on players who hoisted trophies last spring. Here’s the background.
AUSTIN DUBINSKY – G – Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL)
Here we have the first Bison recruit at goaltender. The three goaltenders on last year’s roster are eligible to return, and are capable. But so is Dubinsky. He was the CJHL goaltender of the year in 2025-26, and led the Niverville Nighthawks to the Centennial Cup, which ranks him high on the recruiting list this year.
Today’s recruits are all originally from outside Friendly Manitoba. Dubinsky is from Ardrossan, Alberta. He started his junior career in the AJHL with the Grande Prairie Storm before heading to Niverville in 2024-25. His numbers in both MJHL seasons have been stellar. In 2024-25 he was 22-11-1, 2.53 GAA, .925 S% and in 2025-26 he was 34-3-1, 2.18 GAA, .931 S%.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Austin Dubinsky Career Stats
NOAH LODOEN – F – Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
The Bison recruiting class this year has more out-of-province recruits than usual, and the shopping spree extends to the Centre of the Universe. The Toronto Patriots were the champions of the OJHL last year, and Bison scouts were no doubt able to watch them against Niverville in the Centennial Cup tournament. The Patriots lost the semi-final to Niverville 4-3, after holding a 3-0 lead.
Lodoen had a decent stats line (56 GP, 23 G, 27 A, 50 Pts), and added 5 points in 6 games in the nationals. He is 5′ 9″, 170 lbs, and shoots left. He is from Newmarket, Ontario.
LIAM LONGO – D – Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
While Longo has a registered LOI, he had previously committed to play of SUNY-Plattsburgh in NCAA3. That goes back to February, and the LOI was filed on June 24, 2026. So we’ll keep an eye on this one.
In any event, Longo is 6′, 190 lbs, and shoots right. The recruiting class now stands at one goaltender, two defencmen, six forwards, and one forward/defenceman.
July 2, 2026: T-IRDS RECRUITS & MONKEY MERCHANDISE
UBC THUNDERBIRDS
Recruiting news from around the loop has gone stale for a month now. The T-irds broke that slump with four new names, two of which are at Elite Prospects.The players are:
– Brendan Gee (G – Fort McMurray of AJHL & Vernon of BCHL);
– Carter Savage (D – Tri-City Americans of WHL);
– Gabriel Guilbeault (D – Kelowna & Wenatchee of WHL);
– Keaton Dowhaniuk (D – poached from MacEwan of the CW).I believe that the T-irds are losing a fair number of players this year. The three additions on the blueline are good recruits. Dowhaniuk was on the CW’s all-rookie team last year. I have mixed feelings on the no-redshirt rule. There should be many more announcements coming up.
Links:
➤ UBC: T-Birds add blend of experience and skill to blue line and goalALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS
The Evil Monkeys and Fat Pandas announced an on-lined merch store. Nothing unusual about that. It seems they’re selling the usual stuff. The unique thing is that the green jersey with a diagonal “Alberta” in Ranger-style is marked down, and a new green one with the Monkey logo is for sale. The white one always had the Monkey logo. Nice to see them embrace their primate heritage.BTW, unless they changed the rules on jersey rotation, 2026-27 is a “home team in dark” season. I prefer the “away team in dark” seasons because that way every game has a new colour.
