The U SPORTS hockey championships are set to captivate fans as both men's and women's tournaments commence on March 20, 2025, in Ontario. With teams representing top-tier universities, the excitement is palpable as players gear up for a battle for national supremacy.
The men's championship games will be held at The Arena at TD Place in Ottawa. The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds enter as the top seed, riding on a remarkable regular season record of 28 wins, one loss, and one overtime defeat (28-1-1), along with a perfect playoff run of 5-0. Following closely is the Saskatchewan Huskies, who clinched the Canada West championship with a robust season of 23 wins and five losses (23-5-0). The tournament promises thrilling matchups, starting with the quarterfinals on March 20 and continuing through to the finals on March 23.
Women’s hockey will unfold at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira, Ontario. Here, the University of Alberta Pandas dominate as the number one seed after achieving a stellar record of 24-3-1 in the regular season and 4-1 during the playoffs. Their performance places them as the team to beat, but they will face challenging competition from other strong teams like the Toronto Varsity Blues and Bishop's Gaiters.
On March 19, U SPORTS recognized excellence in the hockey realm by handing out All-Canadian honors at the U SPORTS All-Canadian Breakfast. Among the notable awardees was Roddy Ross, a goaltender from the University of Saskatchewan. Ross received Second Team All-Canadian recognition, marking him as the 40th Huskie in the program's history to achieve this distinction. His standout season featured a leading save percentage of .928 and a goals-against average of 1.99 in Canada West, showcasing his prowess between the pipes.
In describing Ross's journey, it's important to note that he is the first Huskie to be named a U SPORTS All-Canadian since Connor Hobbs achieved First Team status in the 2022-23 season. Ross's remarkable year included a seven-game winning streak and a crucial 4-1 victory over the Alberta Golden Bears that solidified his team's standings. His stellar performance culminated in a championship title after leading the Huskies to a Canada West Final series victory over the Mount Royal Cougars, where he recorded a shutout in game three.
The men's and women's hockey action is set to begin with quarterfinals on March 20. In men's basketball, the March 20 matchups see number five Mount Royal Cougars taking on number four Toronto Metropolitan Bold at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the top-seeded UNB Reds facing off against the Ottawa Gee-Gees at 7 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, on the women's side, the quarterfinals will kick off with Concordia going up against STFX at 1 p.m. ET and Alberta facing Waterloo at 7 p.m. ET.
As both tournaments unfold, anticipation builds for the semifinals slated for March 22, with championship matches scheduled for March 23. Broadcasts will be available through CBC Sports and Radio Canada, allowing fans near and far to tune into the excitement.
There's a palpable sense of urgency as these teams vie for the ultimate prize. The U SPORTS hockey championships not only celebrate athletic excellence but also showcase remarkable stories of determination and skill. As teams battle on the ice, they are not just chasing titles; they are creating unforgettable moments for players, fans, and everyone involved.
All eyes will be transfixed on the arenas as history unfolds. Will top seeds maintain their momentum, or will underdogs rise to the occasion? The thrill of competition is undeniable, and fans are encouraged to engage with the action as the championships showcase the best of Canadian university hockey in its full glory.
