BB: '23-24 CW hoops schedule unveiled
New season tips off Nov. 2
June 19, 2023 - Another season of Canada West hoops is set to tip-off this November.
Canada West has released its 2023-24 basketball schedule, unveiling a full slate of conference-wide games. Opening night is set for Nov. 2.
The Alberta Pandas enter as defending women's champions after claiming their first ever conference crown last season. On the men's side, the Victoria Vikes claimed their second straight CW title and will be looking for a rare three-peat.
Fans can look forward to an exciting new championship experience next year, as the conference announced its men’s and women’s basketball championships will move to a single-site format for 2023-24.
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) will play host to the women’s tournament in Abbotsford, while the men’s event will be hosted by the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
The top 12 teams during the regular season will qualify for each championship, with the top four finishers receiving an automatic bye into the quarterfinals.
Both Canada West championship tournaments will run Feb. 21 to 25.
The 2024 U SPORTS national championships will follow from March 7 to 10. The University of Alberta will play host to the women's tournament in Edmonton, while the men's competition will be hosted by Laval in Quebec City, QC.
WBB | Pandas hoping for an encore performance
For the first time, the Alberta Pandas enter a new season as defending Canada West champions.
The Pandas made history by capturing their first conference crown last March, downing the Calgary Dinos in the Canada West final. Alberta went on to claim bronze at U SPORTS nationals.
The "Battle of Alberta" between the Dinos and Pandas continues next season, with the teams clashing Dec. 2 and 3 in Calgary.
Another heated provincial rivalry is set to renew Feb. 2 and 3, when the Regina Cougars face the Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon. The clash promises to be a high stakes showdown, as the Cougars and Huskies both topped the conference with impressive 17-3 records last season.
As championship hosts, look out for the UFV Cascades to enter as contenders. The team delivered a solid 14-6 regular season campaign last season and head coach Al Tuchscherer indicates the program will return every player for the 2023-24 season, including first team Canada West all-star Maddy Gobeil.
MBB | Can the Vikes make it three in a row?
After claiming another Canada West championship, the University of Victoria Vikes will have their eyes set on a three-peat in 2023-24.
It's a feat that hasn't been accomplished in Canada West men's basketball for over 38 years, dating back to a Victoria dynasty that saw the program win seven straight titles from 1978-84.
The Vikes will raise their championship banner during an opening weekend showdown with the Calgary Dinos on Nov. 3 and 4.
Additional matchups to watch include the intense cross-town rivalry between Winnipeg and Manitoba.
The provincial rivals engaged in a memorable semi-final last season, with the Wesmen emerging victorious in front of a sellout crowd of 3,300 spectators.
Manitoba will look for revenge as the teams collide for a home-and-home set on Feb. 1 and 3.
As hosts of the 2024 Canada West championships, the Bisons promise to be a tough out on their home floor. The program looks to build off a season in which they topped the conference with an 18-2 regular season record.
Don't Miss a Minute on Canada West TV
Catch all the action of Canada West basketball live on Canada West TV. Early bird discounts for CWTV passes will be available in mid-August.
View the complete 2023-24 Women's Basketball schedule here.
View the complete 2023-24 Men's Basketball schedule here.
2023-24 Canada West Schedule Release Dates:
· April 25: Football
· June 12: Soccer
· June 13: Rugby 15s
· June 14: Field Hockey
· June 15: Volleyball
· June 19: Basketball
· June 20: Ice Hockey
· June 21: CW Championship Sports
*Header image photos by Mark Janzen/TWU Athletics (left) and Rich Abney/UNBC Athletics (right).