The No. 1 ranked and seeded Canada West Champion University of Alberta Golden Bears arrive at the University Cup as the favourites. Alberta is on the hunt for their eleventh National Championship; they are currently tied with Toronto for the most titles with 10.
Alberta posted a regular season record of 24-2-2 and an overall record of 32-5-5. Alberta defeated Calgary two games to none and Saskatchewan two games to one in the Canada West playoffs. Alberta was first in Canada West in goals for with 129 and first in goals against with 54.
Head Coach Rob Daum feels it will be a very competitive tournament. "I think it's a tournament that anybody can win, with six excellent teams. Perhaps, UNB might be seen as a favorite because they are a great team and they are at home."
Coach Daum said his Bears are ready to make a run for their 11th title. "We just came off a really tough series against Saskatchewan and I think it really helped prepare us for the Nationals."
Alberta Players To Watch:
Alberta's defense is led by Canada West All-Stars Blair St. Martin and Jeff Zorn. Chris Ovington can score from the blue line as well. Offensively, the Bears have many weapons including Canada West All-Stars Steve Shrum and Kevin Marsh. Kris Knoblauch and Tyler Shybunka are two-way forwards who can also score. The All-Canadian goaltending tandem of Clayton Pool and Dustin Schwartz give the Bears a great puck-stopping wall.
Alberta vs. University Cup Opposition 2002-2003 (Record: 0-1-1)
Jan 4 Alberta 2 Lakehead 2 NC TIE OT
Jan 3 Lakehead 5 Alberta 2 NC
Alberta Historical Highlights:
-10 National titles...1964,1968,1975,1978,1979,1980,1986,1992,1999,2000
- 42 Canada West Championships including last three seasons
- Been to University Cup Tournament National Finals 7 straight years (1997-2002)
- 28 appearances over last 40 years at National Finals.
For the Alberta Roster, click here.
2002-2003 Results:
Sun Mar 9 Alberta 5 Saskatchewan 2 PL conf f
Sat Mar 8 Alberta 4 Saskatchewan 2 PL conf f
Fri Mar 7 Saskatchewan 4 Alberta 2 PL conf f
Sat Mar 1 Alberta 5 Calgary 2 PL div f
Fri Feb 28 Alberta 7 Calgary 2 PL div f
Sat Feb 15 Alberta 3 UBC 2
Fri Feb 14 Alberta 6 UBC 2
Sat Feb 8 Alberta 7 Saskatchewan 4
Fri Feb 7 Alberta 5 Saskatchewan 3
Sat Feb 1 Alberta 5 Calgary 2
Fri Jan 31 Alberta 5 Calgary 2
Sat Jan 25 Alberta 3 Manitoba 3 TIE OT
Fri Jan 24 Alberta 8 Manitoba 2
Sat Jan 11 Alberta 3 Lethbridge 1
Fri Jan 10 Alberta 5 Lethbridge 2
Sat Jan 4 Alberta 2 Lakehead 2 NC TIE OT
Fri Jan 3 Lakehead 5 Alberta 2 NC
Mon Dec 30 Alberta 6 Lethbridge 2
Sun Dec 29 Alberta 6 Lethbridge 1
Sat Nov 30 Alberta 4 Regina 1
Fri Nov 29 Alberta 6 Regina 2
Sat Nov 23 Alberta 8 UBC 1
Fri Nov 22 Alberta 4 UBC 1
Sat Nov 16 Saskatchewan 3 Alberta 1
Fri Nov 15 Alberta 6 Saskatchewan 1
Sat Nov 9 Alberta 4 Calgary 2
Fri Nov 8 Alberta 3 Calgary 2
Sat Nov 2 Alberta 6 Manitoba 1
Fri Nov 1 Alberta 6 Manitoba 0
Sat Oct 26 Alberta 6 Lethbridge 4
Fri Oct 24 Lethbridge 3 Alberta 2
Sat Oct 12 Alberta 2 Regina 2 TIE
Fri Oct 11 Alberta 5 Regina 1
Sat Oct 5 Alberta 3 UBC 1
Fri Oct 4 Alberta 4 UBC 3
Sun Sep 29 Calgary 2 Alberta 2 NC OT TIE
Sat Sep 28 Saskatchewan 4 Alberta 4 NC OT TIE
Sun Sep 22 Lethbridge 4 Alberta 3 NC
Sat Sep 21 Alberta 7 Saskatchewan 3 NC
Fri Sep 20 Alberta 8 Regina 3 NC
Wed Sep 18 Alberta 4 Oilers Rookies 0 EX
Fri Sep 13 Alberta 3 NAIT 2 EX
Tue Sep 10 Alberta 7 Grant MacEwan 0 EX
For more info on the Alberta Golden Bears, click here.