It wasn't the way they wanted to end their season. Just a week after sweeping the Mount Royal Cougars to capture their record 14th Canada West Championship, the Pandas Hockey team flew to Charlottetown, PEI as the favourites to capture the 2020 U SPORTS Championship.

However, COVID had other plans, as the national tournament was cancelled before the Pandas could take the ice. 

Now after 580 days, the Pandas return to the ice as the favourites to repeat as Canada West Champions, entering the new season ranked #1 in the pre-season coaches poll. 

Despite significant roster turnover, which saw the likes of former CW All-Stars and award winners Alex Poznikoff, Autumn MacDougall, and Kennedy Ganser graduate from the program, the Pandas still boast one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country. 

Entering his 25th season at the helm, head coach Howie Draper and his staff have once again brought in an impressive recruiting class, supplemented with some key veteran additions joining the Pandas from out east.

Among the key returners include 2020 U SPORTS Rookie of the Year Madison Willan, and CW All-Star goalie Kirsten Chamberlin. 
 

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SEASON PREVIEW

2019-20 CW regular season record: 19-8-1-0, 1^st  
2019-20 post-season record: /4-0/, Canada West Champions
Head Coach: Howie Draper / 25^th Year / 392-99-7 CW Record
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2020 / 14
Last CIS championship / total CIS championships: 2017 / 8
 
2019-20 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 81 goals, 1^st
Defence: 31 goals against, 1^st
Power play: 25.2%, 1^st
Penalty kill: 90.7%, 1^st
 
2019-20 CW regular season leaders (Returning Players):
Goals: 11 – Madison Willan, Forward
Assists: 14 – Madison Willan, Forward
Points: 25 – Madison Willan, Forward
Wins: 11 – Kirsten Chamberlin, Goalie
Shutouts: 6 – Kirsten Chamberlin, Goalie

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Raegan Yewdall / Forward / 1^st / Winnipeg, MB / Winnipeg Ice
Bethan Wilson / Defence / 5^th / Calgary, AB / Carleton Ravens
Megan Wilson / Forward / 3^rd / Calgary, AB / Carleton Ravens
Kallie Clouston / Forward / 1^st / Olds, AB / Okotoks Raiders
 
Key losses (name / position / hometown / years with program):
Autumn MacDougall / Forward / Cole Harbour, NS / 5
Alex Poznikoff / Forward / Edmonton, AB / 5
Cayle Dillon / Defence / Edmonton, AB / 5
Kennedy Ganser / Forward / Provost, AB / 5
 
Key performer:
Madison Willan
Forward
2^nd-Year
Edmonton, AB
 
With the core of the 2017 U SPORTS Championship squad having graduated or signed professional contracts, the 2021 Pandas will have a young and fresh look this season. Leading this iteration of the Pandas will be second-year forward, Madison Willan.
 
Willan, who also competes with the Pandas Golf team, was sensational as a rookie in 2019/20. The Edmonton product led all U SPORTS rookies with 25 points in 28 conference games, which was also the third highest point total in Canada West.
 
Willan was named both the Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year in 2020, and should be near the top of the scoring race again in 2021. Willan will also enter the season as a favourite for MVP in just her second season in Canada West.