EDMONTON – Thanks to a convincing performance in the bronze-medal game, the University of Calgary Dinos women's curling team punched its ticket to nationals on Sunday.

Playing nine games in five days, Keelie Duncan, Kate Ector, Carley Hardie, Ava Koe and Elizabeth Morgan all played big roles at the 2026 Canada West Championships, hosted this year by Alberta.

The Dinos battled adversity and showed their grit all weekend long, taking down UBCO, 7-3, to claim the Canada West bronze medal and earn their first berth to nationals since reviving the sport in 2022.

Following Sunday's results, Calgary's Heather Rogers was named Canada West Coach of the Year - the second time in the last three seasons she has earned that award.

After going 4-3 over three days in round robin play, Calgary nearly pulled off the big upset of undefeated Alberta in the semifinals. The Dinos consistently answered back every time the Pandas put points on the board, but finished just short in the 5-4 loss to the eventual champions.

Going up against a UBCO squad that handed the Dinos a 6-2 loss on Friday, Calgary once again showed its fight. The Heat opened with one in the first end, only to see the Dinos tally three in the second to jump ahead. UBCO was able to tie things up at the break, only to see the Dinos add one in the fifth and sixth before tallying a pair in the seventh to clinch their spot at next month's national tournament. 

The 2026 U SPORTS Championship will run from February 17th to 21st at the Callie Curling Club in Regina. 

The Dinos men's team will join the women's squad at nationals after bringing home the first conference title since 1964.

Alberta's women defeated Regina in Sunday's conference championship, 6-2. Both teams will also advance to next month's showdown in Regina.

Women's Champion: Alberta Pandas

Women's 1st Team All-Stars
Lead: Sophia Ryhorchuk – Alberta
Second: Rachel Jacques – Alberta
Third: Emma Yarmuch – Alberta
Skip: Gracelyn Richards – Alberta

Women's 2nd Team All-Stars
Lead: Lauren Speidel – Regina
Second: Hannah Rugg – Regina 
Third: Tesa Silversides – Regina
Skip: Chloe Johnston – Regina 

Coach of the Year: Heather Rogers – Calgary

-UC-