Courtesy: Huskie Athletics

By Wray Morrison

Listen: Coach's Show with Steve Kook

Bisons visit Huskies to kick off ’26 calendar year

Jan 9, 2026 | 9:39 AM

Steve Kook can’t help but to be happy with his team’s progress. The (8-6-2) Huskie women’s hockey coach has watched his squad collect points in 10 of the first 16 games of the 2025-26 season and sit with 18 points, in third place, in the Canada West, east standings. USask had just five regulation time wins and 16 points in 28 games last season.

After feeling that his team let some points get away early in the season, Kook feels the group found its stride before the December-January break. “I’m pleased with where we are, just being more consistent as the season went on. We were much better at that later in the (calendar) year.”

Kook is also pleased that his veteran players such as forwards Jayde Cadeiux, Sara Kendall and Shelby Williamson along with defenders Kendra Zuchotski and McKenna Bolger have elevated their play. “All of our senior players have stepped up their game”, Kook said.

Younger players have also made major contributions. First-year forward Peppi Virtanen has seven points in 12 games this season while second-year goaltender Clara Juca has 1.30 goals against average in six starts this season.

The Huskies, who sit in the final playoff spot in the east division, hold a five-point lead over the University of Regina with 12 games remaining in the regular season. The Manitoba Bisons visits the Huskies for the January 9^th-10^th weekend. Friday will mark the Huskies’ first game since December 6^th at student athletes return from exams and the holiday break. “We had about nine practices to get ready”, said Kook. “In some ways it’s like training camp all over again.”

Season wrap up

HuskieFAN partners hosts USask women's hockey team

Mar 31, 2026

St. Mary's pulls out OT win over USask

Huskies eliminated at University Cup

Mar 20, 2026

University Cup preparations continue

Roulette named U SPORTS men's hockey rookie of the year

Mar 18, 2026

USask faces a Bison team that has just four regulation wins and 12 points in the Canada West standings. Friday’s Bison-Huskie game starts at 7:00 PM at Merlis Belsher Place, the Saturday contest starts at 5:00 PM. Both games can be heard on the free HuskieFAN app.

Huskie head coach Steve Kook chatted with HuskieFAN about his team and this weekend’s series against Manitoba.

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

X: @wraymorrison