Saskatchewan Huskies vs Lethbridge Pronghorns
Date	Friday, September 4
Time	7:00 PM CST
Location	Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park
Webcast	CanadaWest.tv
Tickets	HuskieTickets.com
Live Stats	huskies.usask.ca
Socials	Twitter | Instagram

The 2026 Canada West soccer season has officially arrived to the campus of the University of Saskatchewan, with the Huskie Men's Soccer team set to host the Lethbridge Pronghorns under the lights at Griffiths this Friday (Sept. 4). Friday's match marks the first official regular season action for any of the 12 varsity programs at USask, and the first of two meetings between the Huskies and Pronghorns this season.

Thanks to another strong recruiting class and a balanced leadership group who have quickly taken a hold of guiding the team's young athletes, the Huskies are poised to take a step forward in 2026. One of the deepest groups the program has seen in recent memory, the current makeup of the roster should allow the Huskies to navigate a tough Canada West conference. This will set them up well to work towards the team goal of earning a spot in the conference postseason and giving themselves the chance to put a playoff run together.

A season ago, the Huskies and Pronghorns met twice with Lethbridge ultimately getting the better of Saskatchewan in the season series earning a 2-1 win at home before the two programs played to a 0-0 stalemate in Saskatoon. Set to once again be tightly-contested divisional competitiors in 2026, Lethbridge was ranked just two spots ahead of the Huskies in the conference's preseason coaches poll at No. 8 while Saskatchewan came in at No. 10.
 

---

GAME NOTES

QUOTE FROM THE COACH: "With another exciting group of recruits to build off last year's incoming class and really strong 5th year class the Huskies look to continue to climb the conference standings. The Huskies are wanting to play a high energy, disciplined style of play that will make it tough for any opponent. Keys to our success will be the strong leadership of our senior class and our young players adjusting to the always tough Canada West conference." - HC Bryce Chapman

VS THE PRONGHORNS: In the past 18 meetings between the two prairie programs, the Huskies have won nine meetings while the Pronghorns have taken just two. Head-to-head meetings have also seen five games result in a draw. 

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE: The Huskies have failed to drop a game against Lethbridge on their home pitch since 2005, earning 12 wins and playing to six draws over 18 head-to-head meetings in Saskatoon.

WELL TESTED: Saskatchewan enters the regular season coming off a strong preseason campaign. The Dogs posted a 2-1-1 record in matches agains Lakeland (3-2), MRU (1-1), Calgary (0-1), and Brandon (9-0). 

ATTACKERS: Second year Tao Hein headlines the Huskie front line following a remarkable offseason playing for BTB Edmonton in the Alberta Premier League. Hein led the league with 14 goals while helping his club capture the league title. 2025 leading scorer Ethan Cabral is back for his fifth and final season and in 2026 will not only be playing higher up on the pitch, but also feature the captain's armband on game days. Adding depth in newcomer Nicklas Looft, a rookie who who brings plenty of experience and creativity after suiting up in the German 5th division for a season.

MIDFIELD: Leading the way in the Huskie midfield is second-year student-athlete Dante Molina. A 2026 Canada West All-Rookie, the Garson, Manitoba native made his presence known early and often his rookie with his tidy play on the ball and ability to cover space.

DEFENDERS: The older of the Molina brothers, Sergio, highlights the Saskatchewan backline along with incoming transfer from the Cape Breton Capers Tomas Elwahab, creating an excellent duo. Incoming freshman Tomiwa Olumide, a product of Winnipeg, Manitoba, joins the group adding exciting potential for years to come.

GOALKEEPERS: Returning for his final season in green and white, Jaron Slopinski retakes the field as the Huskies starting goalkeeper. A proven leader and experienced competitor, Slopinski will be a crucial figure for the team this season, impacting every game the Huskies take the pitch for. His calm demeanor under pressure and experience in high-stakes matches give the back line confidence, while his presence and communication will help anchor the entire defensive unit. Waiting in the wings is Blake Morrison, a former Cavalry FC keeper from the Canadian Premier League, who should prove to be an excellent successor to the veteran Slopinski. 

SLOPINSKI APPROACHES PROGRAM HISTORY: Starting goalkeeper Jaron Slopinski will look to make program history this season as the fifth-year athlete approaches several program marks. The Regina native ranks second in career saves (199, 68 away from record), shutouts (10, 1 away from record), and games played (49, 6 away from record), all of which are currently held by former Huskie keeper Mark Diakiw who was a member of the program from 2008-12.