Bears host Huskies on Friday to open 2025 season

If last year taught us anything, it's to expect the unexpected in Canada West football.

The 2024 campaign ended with one of the most remarkable championship stories in recent memory, as the Regina Rams — a team that entered the playoffs with a 3-5 record — went on a stunning, unforgettable Hardy Cup run.

The Rams' triumph was the perfect exclamation point on a season that showcased the razor-thin margins separating all six Canada West programs. From top to bottom, every team proved capable of beating the other on any given weekend — a level of parity that sets the stage for another unpredictable and drama-filled fall.

The results of the 2025 Canada West Coaches Poll are in, and that trademark level of parity was reflected once again. The Saskatchewan Huskies were voted the favourites, receiving four first-place nods, while Manitoba (2), Regina (3), and UBC (4) were separated by just three points in the poll. Calgary came in fifth, one point ahead of Alberta.

In Edmonton, the Alberta Golden Bears will look to regroup from a 2-6 campaign under the guidance of first year head coach Stevenson Bone.

2025 CW FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1) Saskatchewan Huskies - 24 (4)
2) Manitoba Bisons ? - 18 (2)
3) Regina Rams - 17
4) UBC Thunderbirds - 16
5) Calgary Dinos - 8
6) Alberta Golden Bears - 7
 

TEAM PREVIEW

Alberta Golden Bears

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #6
2024 Regular Season Record: 2-6
 
Team Outlook: The Golden Bears goal for the season is the same as any other year — win a championship — but under new head coach Stevenson Bone, their focus is on how they get there. That means controlling what they can control each day: attitude and effort. If the team buys in, competes with intent, and leans into the pressure they create for each other, the Bears expect to be in the mix come the last game of the season.

From the coach: "In 2025, our program is focused on consistency. There's no question that when CFL players like Matthew Peterson, Mack Bannatyne, and Ty Anderson move on, along with an All-Canadian like Daniel Shin on the offensive line, there are big shoes to fill. Last season, only Western and Montreal had more draft selections than the University of Alberta, which speaks to the level of talent Alberta has been developing.

This year, our focus is simple: continue improving and getting 1% better every single practice and every single game. Because of the talent that has graduated, we likely won't be picked to finish near the top of the conference. But if we can put ourselves in position to reach the playoffs, I believe we'll be a dangerous, much-improved team—one that thrives on the pressure of being overlooked. We will be much younger on defense and offense then in years past.
 
This group has the ability to win games in Canada West, and if we embrace that mentality, we hopefully can surprise a lot of people this season." - Stevenson Bone

Key Offensive Performer

Carter Kettyle
?REC | 4th Year | Grovedale, Alta.
2024 stats: 2 Games Played, 11 receptions, 171 yards, 4 TDs

Returning healthy after a strong offseason, Kettyle brings experience, reliability, and playmaking ability to the receiving corps.

Key Defensive Performer

Chase Tataryn
?LB | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask. 
2024 stats: 54.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 Fumble, 1 INT

Returns from the BC Lions. Athletic and instinctive, Chase has the range to cover sideline-to-sideline and the toughness to set the tone physically.