Crowchild Classic Returns: Dinos and Cougars Clash in Pivotal Hockey Showdowns at Saddledome
The annual Crowchild Classic is set to ignite the ice once again as the University of Calgary Dinos and Mount Royal Cougars hockey teams prepare for their highly anticipated rivalry games on Thursday at Scotiabank Saddledome. This storied matchup brings together both women's and men's squads in a doubleheader that promises intense competition with significant implications for playoff positioning in the Canada West conference.
Women's Hockey Showdown: A Battle for Division Supremacy
Play begins with the women's contest at 4:30 p.m., where the No. 7 nationally ranked Mount Royal Cougars (18-5-1) currently sit atop the Canada West East Division. They hold a commanding seven-point cushion over the second-place Calgary Dinos (13-5-4), who are still fiercely competing for the top spot and a coveted first-round playoff bye with six games remaining in their regular season.
The Cougars have already clinched a playoff spot following a home split with Regina last weekend, but they face a determined Dinos squad that has shown resilience despite recent challenges. Calgary was swept by UBC two weeks ago but managed to secure one point in an overtime loss during their Vancouver trip.
Key players to watch include fourth-year Cougars forward Kiana McNinch, who enters her fourth Crowchild Classic playing some of the best hockey of her Canada West career. For the Dinos, their goaltending trio has been exceptional this season, with veteran Amelia Awad and rookie Maisie Cope ranked first and second in the conference for save percentage, placing them among the top five nationally. Fellow newcomer Alyssa Barrett has also performed admirably in limited action during her inaugural campus season.
The rivalry between these city opponents has been particularly spirited in recent years. While Mount Royal has prevailed in three of four matchups this season, the Dinos hold an impressive 8-3 all-time record at the Saddledome, including victories in five of the last six encounters. Last year's memorable 2-1 shootout win for Calgary adds another layer of anticipation to this year's contest.
Men's Hockey Clash: Red-Hot Teams Collide
Following the women's game, the men's teams will hit the ice at 7:30 p.m. for what promises to be another electrifying chapter in this rivalry. The ninth-ranked Calgary Dinos (17-5) are looking to bounce back from their first back-to-back losses of the season, having been swept by UBC in their most recent outing.
Meanwhile, the fourth-ranked Mount Royal Cougars (16-6-2) have been on an absolute tear since the start of the second semester. In their six games following the break, the Cougars have compiled an impressive 5-1 record that includes a weekend sweep at UBC, a home split with Saskatchewan, and a dominant performance against Regina where they outscored their opponents by a staggering 21-3 margin across two games.
Fourth-year winger Connor Bouchard enters the contest with tremendous momentum, coming off a nine-point weekend where he set the Mount Royal goals record in the U SPORTS era with his 52nd marker for the school. This offensive prowess will test a Dinos defense determined to regain their winning form.
The season series between these men's teams has been evenly matched so far, with Calgary and Mount Royal splitting their first two weekend series. The Dinos claimed both opening games, while the Cougars responded with victories in the subsequent Saturday matchups. In last year's Saddledome battle, Calgary secured a convincing 4-0 win, giving them a narrow 6-5 edge in the all-time series.
Rematch Details and Venue Information
Both teams will have immediate opportunities for redemption following Thursday's contests. The women's squads will reconvene for a rematch on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Father David Bauer Arena, while the men's teams will face off again at Flames Community Arenas, also at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Crowchild Classic represents more than just regular season hockey games—it's a celebration of collegiate athletic excellence and city rivalry that brings together students, alumni, and hockey enthusiasts from across Calgary. With playoff positioning at stake and bragging rights on the line, these matchups promise to deliver the intensity and excitement that has come to define this annual tradition.
