Huskies begin the 2023 calendar year with a visit to Trinity Western University

Following the rewarding experience of sharing the ice with the Ukrainian Under-25 hockey team during the Christmas break, the Huskie men’s hockey team returns to Canada West conference play this weekend in Langley B.C. for a weekend set against the Trinity Western Spartans. Saskatchewan sits in fourth spot in the standings, three points back of third place Mount Royal.

The top four teams are at home for the first round of the playoffs and with just ten games to go in the conference schedule there is a sense of urgency for the 10-4-1 Huskies. Just eight points separate the top five teams in the standings, an illustration of how important the stretch drive will be. While the Huskies have played tough, and find themselves in the thick of the standings, head coach Brandin Cote knows other teams will increase intensity between now and playoff time. “We have to find more ways to score five on five”, said Cote. “The reality of it is being hungry around the net.

Huskie starting goaltender Roddy Ross will be leaving the team following this weekend’s series in Langley. Ross and Saskatchewan forward Jared Dmytriw will be representing Canada at the FISU Games in Lake Placid, New York from January 12^th to the 22^nd. Along with Kooy and Dmytriw, Huskie team manager, Cord Ivanco, is also part of the Canadian contingent that will be in New York state.

This will mean that back up goaltenders Jordan Kooy and Declan Hobbs will see elevated roles in the month of January. Kooy, who joined the Huskies mid-way through last season after wrapping up his OHL career, has appeared in eight games this season and has three wins to his credit. “It’ll be a great opportunity”, Kooy said. “Every point matters.” Cote is confident that Kooy will deliver while Ross is away. “Jordan has played very well lately.”