Chasing down a playoff spot

After opening the 2026-27 season on the road in Calgary, the Huskie women’s hockey team will play five of six games at home beginning October 16th. The team is counting on a strong start enroute to the Canada West playoff spot this season. The Huskies missed the post-season by just two points in February of 2026. 

USask head coach Steve Kook has 10 new players on his team and as a result will be looking for returnees to take on big leadership role. Forward Jayde Cadieux, last season’s leading scorer, will be asked to continue that pace and help guide the newcomers and youngers players on the team. 

Now that Finnish transfer Peppi Virtanen has a season of Canada West hockey under her belt, Kook is looking forward to seeing her take another step in her career. “She’s an older player”, he said. “She did say her first year was a an adjustment, her second half (of last season) was way better than her first”, Kook said. “We are looking forward to her continuing that.” 

3rd year goaltender Clara Juca will now take the reins in net according to Kook. The New Westminster BC product played in 9 games last season with a 2.00 Goals Against Average and a 9.29 save percentage.