Calgary Dinos and MRU Cougars Face High-Stakes Playoff Battles This Week
The University of Calgary Dinos and Mount Royal University Cougars are preparing for a week packed with crucial playoff action across multiple sports. The schedule includes a basketball championship showdown, the Crowchild Classic hockey rivalry, volleyball playoffs, and the national wrestling championships.
Women's Basketball Championship Quest
The University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball team is heading to Vancouver for a Saturday showdown against UBC, competing for the Canada West championship. The Dinos finished the regular season with an impressive 16-4 record, earning them the No. 6 seed in this year's tournament. Their playoff journey has been remarkable, defeating No. 11 Manitoba 91-67 and No. 3 Trinity Western 76-47 to reach the semifinals.
In a stunning upset last Saturday, the Dinos not only knocked off top-ranked Saskatchewan but also snapped the Huskies' incredible 51-game win streak. Ironically, it was the Dinos who had handed Saskatchewan its previous two losses at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.
While the Dinos' offense has found its rhythm, the hallmark of first-year head coach Sarah Besselink's squad has been their formidable defense. Calgary held Saskatchewan to just 58 points in that conference semifinal victory, which was 25 points below the Huskies' season average. Throughout the playoffs, Calgary has been allowing just over 57 points per game.
UBC also finished the regular season at 16-4 and claimed the No. 1 seed in this year's tournament after topping the Pacific Division. The Dinos are seeking their first conference banner since 2001 and their ninth overall championship.
With their victory in last weekend's conference semifinals, the Dinos have secured their spot in the U SPORTS Final 8 in Quebec City. This marks the third time in the last four years that the Dinos have advanced to the national tournament and their 19th overall appearance.
Men's Hockey: Crowchild Classic Rivalry Renewed
Mount Royal University is hosting the Dinos in the third Crowchild Classic post-season edition in men's hockey, marking the first time the Cougars are serving as the home team. The best-of-three Canada West semifinal at Flames Community Arenas runs Friday, Saturday, and if necessary, Sunday, with all games starting at 7 p.m.
The Dinos advanced comfortably past MacEwan in last week's quarterfinals in Edmonton, outscoring the Griffins 10-5 in a two-game sweep, despite not playing their best hockey. MRU, which earned a first-round bye, claimed top spot in the Canada West East Division with a 20-6-2 regular-season record. Calgary finished third with a 19-8-1 mark.
The teams faced each other six times during the regular season, with MRU holding a 4-2 edge. All but one of those matchups were decided by a single goal, with two games going to a shootout.
Women's Hockey Semifinal Action
The Cougars are hosting Manitoba in a Canada West women's hockey semifinal at Flames Community Arenas on Friday, Saturday, and if necessary, Sunday, with all games beginning at 2 p.m.
MRU topped the East Division with a 19-7-2 record but struggled down the stretch, losing four of their last five games heading into the playoffs as their play was marked by inconsistency. However, the extended time off after earning a first-round bye has allowed the roster to address lingering injuries.
The Cougars' depth could prove to be a key factor in the upcoming series. Four MRU players reached double digits in goals this season: Allee Gerrard led with 11, while Sydney Benko, Julia Duke, and Jerzey Watteyne each recorded 10 goals.
The Cougars will be facing a highly motivated Manitoba team that is fresh off knocking out defending Canada West champion Alberta in the quarterfinals. The Bisons are guided by first-year head coach and former Mount Royal assistant Jordan Colliton.
Men's Volleyball Quarterfinal Challenge
The Dinos men's volleyball team joins the women's basketball team in traveling to Vancouver for a best-of-three quarterfinal series against UBC that runs Thursday, Friday, and if necessary, Saturday. All matches will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The Dinos turned heads with their 2-1 series win over Mount Royal in this past week's Canada West play-in round. Calgary had gone 0-10 in conference road games during the regular season and dropped the playoff opener at MRU before rallying for two five-set thrillers at Kenyon Court.
It was a massive weekend for fifth-year outside hitter Erik Godwin. After battling an injury down the stretch of the regular season, Godwin was determined not to let his time as a Dino end prematurely. He led the way with 45 kills in the three victories, including a season-high 21 in Game 3.
The Thunderbirds were the No. 1-ranked team in the nation for all but one week this season and finished the conference schedule with a 19-1 record. These two teams faced each other just a few weeks ago in Calgary, when UBC claimed the opener 3-1 before securing a straight-sets win in the rematch.
National Wrestling Championships
In addition to the team sports action, the national wrestling championships are also taking place this week, featuring athletes from both Calgary and Mount Royal universities competing for individual and team honors at the highest level of university competition.
