Despite losing a large chunk of their roster due to graduation and professional opportunities, the 16-time national champion Golden Bears are once again among the favourites to earn more hardware this season. 

Among the key losses for Alberta includes captain Matt Fonteyne, Dawson Davidson, Jared Freadrich, Ryan Hughes, Nolan Volcan, and Nick Schneider. However, the Bears still boast a lineup capable of keeping up with any team in Canada West. Sophomore goalie Ethan Kruger returns between the pipes, anchoring a roster featuring CW All-Star Josh Prokop, and former all-rookie team member Dylan Plouffe (Defence). 

Jakin Smallwood and Tyler Preziuso, who finished second and fourth on the Bears in scoring last season, also return for the Evergreen & Gold. Alberta opens conference play this weekend against UBC in Vancouver. 

2023-24 CW MHKY PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. Calgary Dinos - 70 (6)
2. Alberta Golden Bears - 63 (2)
3. UBC Thunderbirds - 59 (1)
4. Saskatchewan Huskies - 51 
5. Mount Royal Cougars - 47
6. Regina Cougars - 35
7. MacEwan Griffins- 31
8. Manitoba Bisons - 24
9. Trinity Western Spartans - 16

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UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS TEAM PREVIEW 

2022/23 CW regular season record: /20-5-3/, 2nd in CW 
2023 post-season record: /6-3/, CW and U SPORTS finalist
Head Coach: Ian Herbers
 
Last CW championship / total CW championships: 2022 / 56
Last U SPORTS championship / total U SPORTS championships: 2018 / 16
 
2022/23 CW regular season ranks:
Offence: 143 goals, 1st in CW
Defence: 70 goals against, 5th in CW
 
2022/23 CW regular season leaders:
Goals: 18 – Josh Prokop
Assists: 23 – Eric Florchuk
Points: 37 – Josh Prokop
Shutouts: 1 – Ethan Kruger
Wins: 12 – Ethan Kruger

Key additions (name / position / eligibility / hometown / last team):
Blake Gustafson / Defence / 1st Year / Ardrossan, AB / Saskatoon Blades
Alex Thacker / Forward / 1st Year / Fort Saskatchewan, AB / Victoria Royals
Mason Ward / Defence / 1st Year / Lloydminster, AB / Swift Current Broncos
Jacob Herauf / Defence / 2nd Year / Sherwood Park, AB / Concordia University Stingers
 
Key performer
Josh Prokop
Forward
3rd Year
Edmonton, AB
2022/23 Stats: 28 Games, 18 Goals, 19 Assists, 37 Points, 124 Shots
 
Despite losing an abnormally large chunk of their roster to graduation and the professional ranks, one massive returning athlete is leading scorer Josh Prokop. The former Calgary Hitmen racked up 18 goals and 37 points in 28 games last season, both of which led the Bears. His 124 shots, four game-winning goals, and seven powerplay goals were all tops in Canada West.