VANCOUVER - The Calgary Dinos, reigning Hardy Cup and Vanier Cup champions, look to be the team to beat in the Canada West once again, as the annual preseason coaches poll was unveiled Thursday.

The Dinos narrowly edged the Saskatchewan Huskies for top spot in the poll as both programs finished with 23 points, with Calgary earning three first place votes to Saskatchewan's two. The two programs have met in the last two editions of the Hardy Cup with each side claiming a victory.

The Dinos finished first in the conference in 2019 with a 6-2 record. Post-season wins over the Manitoba Bisons and Saskatchewan earned the program its 18th Hardy Cup. Calgary went on to knock off McMaster in the Mitchell Bowl before a 27-13 win over Montreal secured their fifth Vanier Cup.

Saskatchewan comes into the season as the favourite to dethrone the reigning champions, a feat they accomplished in 2018. The Huskies finished second in the 2019 standings with a 5-3 record.

After missing out on the post-season in 2019, the Regina Rams look poised for a rebound in 2021, slotting in third with 15 points in the poll. The Bisons, who finished 2019 with a 4-4 record and nearly upset the Dinos in the Hardy Cup semifinal, were ranked fourth by the coaches, with 14 points.

Rounding out the poll were the Alberta Golden Bears (9 points) in fifth and the UBC Thunderbirds (6 points) in sixth.

Canada West football makes its long awaited return to the field on Saturday with all six teams in action to open the 2021 season.

The Rams visit the Bisons on the Canada West Football Showcase at 2 p.m. CDT. It's a CW Football Showcase double-header with the Dinos hosting the Huskies, in a rematch of the past two Hardy Cups, at 4 p.m. MDT. Both games are available on SaskTel and TELUS.

The Golden Bears host the Thunderbirds at Edmonton's Foote Field at 1 p.m. MDT exclusively on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.

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2021 CW FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. Calgary Dinos - 23 (3)
2. Saskatchewan Huskies - 23 (2)
3. Regina Rams - 15
4. Manitoba Bisons - 14
5. Alberta Golden Bears - 9
6. UBC Thunderbirds - 6

NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-5. First-place votes worth 5 pts., second-place worth 4 pts. etc.

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CW FOOTBALL ON CANADA WEST TV PRESENTED BY CO-OP

All games will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV Presented by Co-op - the official streaming home of the conference. To purchase your pass and view the schedule, click here.

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2021 TEAM PREVIEWS

• Alberta Golden Bears
• Calgary Dinos
• Manitoba Bisons
• Regina Rams
• Saskatchewan Huskies
• UBC Thunderbirds

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

2019 CW regular season record: 4-4, Third
2019 post-season record: 0-1/, L to SSK in Hardy Cup Semifinal

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 1981 / 16
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1980 / 3

2021 CFL Draft picks:
DL - Cole Nelson - Edmonton Elks

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 25.3 PPG, 5th
Total offence: 399.4 YPG, 4th
Points against: 29.5 PPG, 4th
Total defence: 411.4 YPG, 3rd

2019 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 2,328 - Brad Launhardt, Quarterback
Rushing yards: 347 - Jonathan Rosery, Running Back
Receiving yards: 799 - Ben Kopczysnki, Receiver
All-purpose yards: 927 - Ben Kopczysnki, Receiver
Tackles: 51 - Josiah Schakel, Linebacker
Sacks: 4.0 - Jassen Brown, Linebacker
Interceptions: 3 - Jayden Dalke, Safety

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Luca Rudich / Defensive Line / 1^st / Lakeway, Texas / Lake Travis High School
Deon Williams-Morgan / Offensive Line / 1^st / Calgary, AB / Henry Wise Wood HS
Carter Stuart / Offensive Line / 1^st / Calgary, AB / Notre Dame High School
Zac Montgomery / Quarterbacl / 2^nd / Knightstown, Indiana / Franklin College

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Carter O'Donnell / Offensive Line / Red Deer, AB / 4
Ben Kopczynski / Receiver / Calgary, AB / 5
Cole Nelson / Defensive Line / Ponoka, AB / 6
Troy Hansen / Defensive Back / Edmonton, AB / 2

Key offensive performer:

• Brad Launhardt
• Quarterback
• Third-Year
• Edmonton, AB

As with most football teams, the success of the Golden Bears in 2021 will heavily rely on the strength of their quarterback play. If Launhardt can duplicate his all-star season from 2019, which saw him throw for 2,328 yards, rush for 322, and score 10 touchdowns, the Bears are a legit Hardy Cup threat. Launhardt will have both Jonathan Rosery and Matthew Peterson returning at slot and tailback, and will have one of the best offensive lines in the nation protecting him this season.

Key defensive performer:

• Jayden Dalke
• Safety
• Second-Year
• Leduc, AB

One issue with the Bears in previous seasons was their lack of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. That is now an area of strength, with players like Josiah Schakel, Jassen Brown, and Jayden Dalke returning to the Evergreen and Gold. Dalke was named a Canada West All-Star and first team U SPORTS All-Canadian safety after recording 44.5 tackles, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown in 2019.

Dalke was also ranked in the CFL Scouting Bureau's Top 20 chart in early September. The Leduc, Alberta product is 6th ranked defensive back product, but the second highest DB playing in U SPORTS.

CALGARY DINOS

2019 CW regular season record: 6-2, 1st in CW
2019 post-season record: 4-0, Hardy Cup Champions (U SPORTS - Vanier Cup Champions)

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2019 / 18
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2019 / 5

2021 CFL Draft picks:
OL - Peter Nicastro - Toronto Argonauts
LB - Grant McDonald - Edmonton Elks
DB - Deane Leonard - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
LB - Charlie Moore - Calgary Stampeders
OL - Logan Bandy - Saskatchewan Roughriders
OL - Tyler Packer - BC Lions

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 30.8 PPG, 2nd in CW
Total offence: 3649 YPG, 2nd in CW
Points against: 20.8 PPG, 2nd in CW
Total defence: 2673 YPG, 1st in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1979 - Adam Sinagra, QB
Rushing yards: 285 - Robinson Rodrigues, RB
Receiving yards: 771 - Jalen Philpot, R
All-purpose yards: 2112 - Adam Sinagra, QB
Tackles: 40.5 - Grant McDonald, LB
Sacks: 2.5 - Grant McDonald, LB
Interceptions: 4 - Deane Leonard, DB

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Ben Abrook / RB / 3 / Saskatoon, Sask. / Saskatoon Hilltops
Tyreese Bristol / DB / 4 / Calgary, Alta. / Calgary Colts
Vince Triumbari / K / 1 / Stoney Creek, Ont. / St. John Henry Newman HS

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Deane Leonard / DB / Calgary, Alta. / 3
Grant McDonald / LB / Tsawwassen, B.C. / 4
Peter Nicastro / OL / Calgary, Alta. / 4
Adam Sinagra / QB / Pointe Claire, Que. / 5

Key offensive performer:

• Josiah Joseph
• QB
• 5
• Peachland, B.C.

In 2017, Josiah Joseph joined the program alongside Adam Sinagra. The two become friends while competing for their position on the quarterback depth chart. While Sinagra won that battle and went on to earn several honours, including the 2018 Hec Crighton Trophy and the Vanier Cup MVP, Joseph became a leader in the Dinos' locker room as he waited for his turn. During his career at UCalgary, he has appeared in 32 games, collecting 1,092 passing yards, 414 rushing yards, and 23 touchdowns.

Key defensive performer:

• Matthew Lucyshyn
• DB
• 4
• Calgary, Alta.

The lost season saw the Dinos lose several key names that could have contributed to a Vanier Cup defence in 2020. In their place, returnees like Matthew Lucyshyn will be asked to take a larger role leading a young defensive core. The Calgary native deferred his draft eligibility to 2022 and will be someone CFL teams will be watching. In 24 career games, he has 75 tackles, four interceptions, and one sack.

MANITOBA BISONS

2021 CW regular season record: 4-4, 4^th
2021 post-season record: 0-1, Lost in Hardy Cup Semifinal to Calgary

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2014 / 11
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2007 / 3

2021 CFL Draft selections:
none

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 27.6 PPG, 3^rd
Total offence: 392.3 YPG, 5^th
Points against: 30.3 PPG, 5^th
Total defence: 440.3 YPG, 5^th

2019 CW regular season leaders:
Passing yards: 1,743 - Des Catellier, QB
Rushing yards: 458 - Michael Ritchott, RB
Receiving yards: 493 - Macho Bockru, REC
All-purpose yards: 1253 - Michael Ritchott, RB
Tackles: 34.5 - Austin Balan, FS
Sacks: 6 - Derek Dufault, DE
Interceptions: 3 - Arjay Shelley, CB

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Marcel Arruda-Welch / DB / 2 / Winnipeg, MB / Valley Huskers
Isaac Dokken / LB / 1 / Steinbach, MB / Steinbach Sabres
Joel Cardinal / OL / 1 / Edmonton, AB / Edmonton Huskies
Ryder Klisowsky / OL / 1 / Watrous, SK / Saskatoon Hilltops
Gavin Cobb / REC / 4 / Victoria, BC / Simon Fraser

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Trysten Dyce / REC / Winnipeg, MB / 5
Riley Harrison / REC / Winnipeg, MB / 5
Derek Dufault / DE / Winnipeg, MB / 5
Kent Hicks / DT / Abbotsford, BC / 3
Ryan Wengelinski / OL / Winnipeg, MB / 4
Reid McMorris / OL / Abbotsford, BC / 5

Key offensive performer:
Des Catellier
Quarterback
5^th Year
Calgary, AB

Inviting the pressure that comes with it, there's no question that the face of the Bisons offence in 2021 is fifth-year quarterback Des Catellier.

Catellier has been the starter for Manitoba for the last three-and-a-half seasons, holding the program record for completion percentage at 60.7. With 5,530 total passing yards over his career in brown and gold - including back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019 - Catellier is fourth in team history. A repeat performance in 2021 (at least 1,945 yards) would cement his place at the top.

A consistent pivot in another playoff season for Manitoba, the Calgary product threw for 217.9 yards per game (5^th in CW) and nine touchdowns (T-4^th in CW) in the 2019 season. Catellier started all eight regular season games and one playoff game for the Bisons that year.

He's enrolled in the Faculty of Arts for the 2021-22 academic year.

Key defensive performer:
Brock Gowanlock
Defensive End
5^th Year
Duncan, BC

Fifth-year defensive end Brock Gowanlock has earned the attention of the CFL since his last game played for the Bisons in 2019. Now, he's back in brown and gold to finish his eligibility and wreak havoc on opposing offences.

The Duncan, BC native - who changed positions from defensive tackle to end at the university level - was selected by Montreal in the eighth round of the 2020 CFL Draft, fresh off another solid U SPORTS season in 2019. Gowanlock led the Bisons front four in tackles (32), good for 18^th in Canada West. He also tallied two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Gowanlock was a Canada West All-Star in 2018 and a 2019 East-West Bowl selection. He is studying in the Faculty of Arts in 2021-22.

REGINA RAMS

2019 CW regular season record: 4-4, 5^th
2019 post-season record: Did not qualify

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2000 / 1
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: (none)

2021 CFL Draft picks:
POS - NAME - CFL TEAM
DB - Robbie Lowes - Winnipeg
RB - Kyle Borsa - Winnipeg

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 26.4 PPG, 4^th
Total offence: 415.9 YPG, 3^rd
Points against: 23.6 PPG, 3^rd
Total defence: 413.8 YPG, 4^th

2019 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1964 - Josh Donnelly, QB
Rushing yards: 401 - Semba Mbasela, RB
Receiving yards: 611 - Kyle Moortgat, WR
All-purpose yards: 611 - Kyle Moortgat, WR
Tackles: 44.5 - Ryder Varga, LB
Sacks: 4.5 - Josh White, LB
Interceptions: 1 - (eight players)

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Anthony Bennett / DL / 4^th / Weston, FL / Florida Atlantic University
D'Sean Mimbs / SB / 1^st / Regina, SK / University of Saskatchewan
Austin Van De Sype / OL / 1^st / Regina, SK / Miller Comprehensive HS

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Brandon Brooks / DB / San Diego, CA / 2
Cord Delinte / DB / Cowley, AB / 4
Kyle Moortgat / REC / Cochrane, AB / 5
Ryan Schienbein / REC / Regina, SK / 5
Eric Wicijowski / DL / Regina, SK / 5

Key offensive performer:

• Name: Kyle Borsa
• Position: Running Back
• Year: 4^th
• Hometown: Regina, SK

Kyle Borsa returns to the Rams this year for his fourth season of eligibility. Drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this past spring, Borsa is an electric running back whose total of 1340 all-purpose yards in 2018 was the second most in a single season in school history. Borsa finished with 96 carries for 613 yards and six touchdowns in that 2018 campaign and again figures to be the team's feature back this season.


Key defensive performer:

• Name: Ryder Varga
• Position: Linebacker
• Year: 3^rd
• Hometown: Regina, SK

Ryder Varga has seen his role increase every year since arriving on campus in 2017 out of LeBoldus in Regina. After a redshirt season his first year, he played in all eight Canada West games in 2018 and then stepped into a starting role at middle linebacker for 2019 and led the team in tackles. A two-time Academic All-Canadian, Varga is one of the U of R's captains this year.

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES

2019 CW regular season record: 5-3, 2^nd in Canada West
2019 post-season record: 1-1, Lost to Calgary in Hardy Cup

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2018 / 19
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 1998 / 3

2021 CFL Draft picks:
Defensive back - Nelson Lokombo - Saskatchewan Roughriders
Offensive lineman - Connor Berglof - Ottawa Redblacks
Safety - Josh Hagerty - Toronto Argonauts

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 32.1 PPG, 1^st in CW
Total offence: 461.1 YPG, 1^st in CW
Points against: 20.1 PPG, 1^st in CW
Total defence: 382.8 YPG, 2^nd in CW

2019 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1732 - Mason Nyhus, QB
Rushing yards: 1334 - Adam Machart, RB
Receiving yards: 456 - Colton Klassen, REC
All-purpose yards: 1550 - Adam Machart, RB
Tackles: 53 - Ramsey Derbas. LB
Sacks: 5 - Evan Machibroda - DL; Nicholas Dheilly - DL
Interceptions: 4 - Nelson Lokombo, DB

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Nick Wiebe / Linebacker / 3 / Okotoks, AB / Oregon Ducks
Daniel Wiebe / Receiver / 1 / Saskatoon, SK / Holy Cross High School
Colton Holmes / Defensive Back / 3 / Saskatoon, SK / Aden Bowman Collegiate
Rhett Vavra / Receiver / 1 / Swift Current, SK / SCCHS Colts

Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Nelson Lokombo / Defensive Back / Abbotsford, BC / 4
Josh Hagerty / Defensive Back / Regina, SK / 4
Evan Machibroda / Defensive Lineman / Saskatoon, SK / 5
Mattland Riley / Offensive Lineman / Melfort, SK / 4

Key offensive performer:

• Adam Machart
• Running Back
• Fourth
• Saskatoon, SK

After racking up over 1000 yards in 2019, Adam Machart is back and ready to pick up right where he left off. The fourth-year running back broke the Huskies single-season rushing record in 2019 and was a finalist for the Hec Crighton Trophy. In addition, the Saskatoon native earned 2019 Canada West Player of the Year and First Team All-Canadian honours. Machart landed on the CFL Scouting Bureau's top prospect rankings list ahead of the 2022 CFL Draft and was the top ranked Huskie to do so. The Huskies will rely on having Machart in the backfield to make an impact in 2021.


Key defensive performer:

• Nathan Cherry
• Defensive Lineman
• Fourth
• Saskatoon, SK

Nathan Cherry returns to the Huskies defensive line primed to make a key impact. The fourth-year lineman now has the chance to shine between the trenches for the Huskies and will be using his speed, size and skill to make the most of the opportunity.

UBC THUNDERBIRDS

2019 CW regular season record: 2-6, 6^th in Canada West
2019 post-season record: N/A

Last Hardy Cup championship / total Hardy Cup championships: 2015 / 15
Last Vanier Cup championship / total Vanier Cup championships: 2015 / 4

2021 CFL Draft picks:
LB - Nick Cross - Hamilton
LB - Ben Hladik - BC
LB - Elliot Graham - Calgary

2019 CW regular season ranks:
Points for: 163 PPG, 6^th
Total offence: 322.8 YPG, 6^th
Points against: 38.9 PPG, 6^th
Total defence: 465.1 YPG, 6^th

2019 CW regular season leaders: (Bold - Returning)
Passing yards: 1315 - Gabe Olivares, QB
Rushing yards: 246 - Sharique Kahn, RB
Receiving yards: 581 - Jacob Patten, REC
All-purpose yards: 649 - Jacob Patten, REC
Tackles: 66.5 - Nick Cross, LB
Sacks: 2 - Ben Hladik, LB
Interceptions: 3 - Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown, DB

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Garrett Rooker / QB / 1 / League City, Texas / Clear Springs High School
Jason Soriano / Rec / 1 / Vancouver, B.C. / Vancouver College
Jaden Phillips / Rec / 1 / Oakville, Ont. / Football North
Gavin Coakes / OL / 1 / Winnipeg, Man. / Sturgeon Heights Huskies
Isaiah Knight / RB / 1 / Ottawa, Ont. / Saint James School
Kaishaun Carter / DL / 1 / Surrey, B.C. / St. Thomas More Collegiate


Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Nick Cross / LB / Regina, Sask. / 2
Ben Hladik / LB / Vernon, B.C. / 4
Elliot Graham / LB / Hamilton, Ont. / 4
Sharique Khan / RB / Fort McMurray, Alta. / 4

Key offensive performer:

• Lliam Wishart
• REC
• 4^th
• Kamloops, B.C.

UBC's top returning receiver from the 2019 season, Wishart finished his last year with 272 receiving yards and a touchdown. On a team with plenty of young talent at the position, Wishart will be looked upon to provide some veteran presence for the new-look T-Birds.


Key defensive performer:

• Jaxon Ciraolo-Brown
• DB
• 3^rd
• Hamilton, Ont.

Named to the 2021 U SPORTS East-West Bowl roster as one of the top players at his position heading into the 2022 CFL Draft, Ciraolo-Brown will look to pick up right where he left off in the 2019 season that saw him second in the Canada West with three interceptions and third on the T-Birds' roster in total tackles with 27.5 while also adding a forced fumble, all in just six games played.