In a stunning display of skill and perseverance, the University of Calgary Dinos curling program has etched its name into the history books. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Edmonton's Saville Centre, the Dinos men's team captured the school's first Canada West conference championship in 62 years, while the women's team battled to a bronze medal, securing a coveted spot at the national championships.
A Historic Victory on the Pebbled Ice
The triumph marks the pinnacle of a rapid ascent for a program that was only revived in 2022. After finishing as conference silver medallists twice in their first three seasons back, the men's squad, led by skip Kenan Wipf, finally broke through. "I'm so glad that we were able to bring a Canada West championship to Calgary," Wipf said. "It's a great way to finally show all the hard work that has been put forward."
The path to gold was dominant. The Dinos posted a remarkable 9-1 record over the four-day Canada West championships, earning the top playoff seed with a 7-1 round-robin performance. After a semifinal victory over Victoria, they faced the host Alberta Golden Bears in the final—a team they had already defeated in round-robin play.
In the championship match, the Dinos left no doubt. Strategic shot-making led to scores of two in the first and third ends, followed by a steal of one in the fourth. This gave Calgary a commanding 5-2 lead at the break. They sealed the historic 7-4 victory after seven ends, ending a conference title drought that had lasted since 1964.
Women's Team Shows Grit to Reach Nationals
Not to be outdone, the Dinos women's curling team authored a story of resilience. Competing in nine grueling games over five days, the squad faced adversity head-on. Their determination paid off in the bronze-medal game, where they delivered a convincing 7-3 win over the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
This victory was more than just a podium finish; it punched their ticket to the U SPORTS national championships. It marks the first national berth for the women's program since curling returned to the UCalgary campus. The team's success was bolstered by Heather Rogers being named the Canada West Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
Looking Ahead to the National Stage
The hard work of both teams has been richly rewarded with dual qualifications for the 2026 U SPORTS Curling Championships. The national tournament is scheduled for February 17-21 at the Callie Curling Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.
The Dinos men will be joined at nationals by the Alberta Golden Bears and the host Regina Cougars, setting the stage for an epic showdown. The entire Dinos curling roster, including men's first-team all-stars Wipf, Ky Macaulay, Ethan Drysdale, and Spencer Else, has proven that the University of Calgary is once again a powerhouse in Canadian university curling.
This historic weekend at the Saville Centre signifies more than just medals; it represents the culmination of a four-year journey of rebuilding, dedication, and exceptional athletic performance, firmly re-establishing UCalgary's curling legacy.
