2025-26 schedule: Griffins renew growing UBC rivalry in season opener Oct. 3
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The Griffins men's hockey team won't have to wait long to renew pleasantries with the UBC Thunderbirds as the two teams will meet in their season opener Oct. 3-4 in Vancouver – 222 days after their fierce 2024-25 Canada West quarter-final series wrapped up.
That's the kickstart to their 28-game 2025-26 regular season released by the conference on Tuesday.
MacEwan's home opener is set for Oct. 11 when they host cross-town rival Alberta (5 p.m., Downtown Community Arena, Canada West TV).
"I'm excited for the season ahead — a chance to compete, grow as a team, and proudly represent our university every time we hit the ice," said Griffins head coach Zack Dailey. "Make sure to come out and support these amazing student athletes."
SEE THE GRIFFINS' FULL SCHEDULE HERE
MacEwan and Alberta will both shift to the West Division this season, swapping places with fellow Alberta clubs Calgary and Mount Royal who took their turn in that loop in 2024-25.
So, there will be three playoff spots up for grabs between MacEwan, Alberta, UBC and Trinity Western. The top three post-season positions in the East Division will come out Calgary, Mount Royal, Saskatchewan, Regina and Manitoba.
For the Griffins' schedule, that means they will have all season to renew that rivalry with UBC as, besides opening weekend, will also face the Thunderbirds Nov. 14-15 at home and Jan. 30-31 on the road. They will also see Trinity Western, their 2021 Canada West expansion cousins, and Alberta six times this season.
MacEwan's regular season concludes with a home-and-home against the Golden Bears Feb. 13-14.
The Canada West quarter-finals will begin Feb. 20, the semifinals Feb. 27 and the conference championship final March 6.
The 2026 U SPORTS national championship is slated for March 19-22, hosted by St. Mary's in Halifax, N.S.
