The stage is set for the UNBC Timberwolves to return to game action this fall.
Members of the Canada West conference signalled their intentions to return to regular season play with the formal approval of alternative sport formats for 2021-22.
For this year only, it will have a greater focus on regional play where possible.
“In addition to the health and safety concerns that we all have been facing this past year, our members also face a significant amount of financial uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Canada West President Curtis Atkinson.
“Today is a positive step forward in returning to Canada West competition in a feasible, safe, and fiscally responsible way.”
Alternative formats were adopted for one season in the following sports: field hockey, football, soccer, hockey, basketball, and volleyball.
In order to begin, members will still need to receive permission from their institutions and health authorities in their respective province.
Full schedules will be released at a later date but here is a breakdown of what the season ahead could look like for the T-Wolves and their provincial rivals.
MEN’S SOCCER (13 teams)
– Regular season:
– 10 or 12 games per team
– 2 divisions
– Pacific Division (7 teams): 2 games vs 6 teams
– Prairie Division (6 teams): 2 games vs 5 teams
WOMEN’S SOCCER (16 teams)
– Regular season:
– 12 games per team
– 3 divisions
– BC Division (7 teams): 2 games vs 6 teams
– Alberta Division (5 teams): 3 games vs 4 teams
– Sask / Manitoba Division (4 teams): 4 games vs 3 teams
MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (13 men’s and 14 women’s teams)
– 16 or 18 games per team
– 3 divisions
– BC Division (7 teams): 3 games vs 6 teams
– Alberta Division (5 teams): 4 games vs 4 teams
– Sask / Manitoba Division (5 teams): 4 games vs 4 teams