The Canada West conference sports schedule gets underway this weekend with the University of Lethbridge's men's and women's soccer teams taking to the pitch.
The Pronghorns women's team opens Canada West play at home at the new University of Lethbridge Community Sports Stadium. The women host the Manitoba Bisons and Regina Cougars on Saturday and Sunday afternoons respectively, while the men head out on the road to face the Fraser Valley Cascades and Victoria Vikes. Both home games kick off at noon.
Meanwhile, the defending CIS champion women's rugby team and men's hockey team are in non-conference action as they prepare for their upcoming conference schedules.
Women's Soccer
The women's soccer team (0-0) looks to rebound after not qualifying for the post-season last year, and will have some big holes to fill with the graduation of key members from last season's club. Gone from last season are stalwart keeper Megan Lumley, offensive catalyst Kelli Sauers and a pair of defenders, Kristen Dow and Jessica Dearlove.
An area of strength for the Horns this season should be the midfield, with a solid core of returning veterans. Fifth-year senior Sam MacMillan, along with Janelle and Jaclyn Groten, expect to provide some stability up front.
A strong group from the team that qualified for the 2007 playoffs is still intact, and they'll look to rely on solid defensive play to be successful this season.
Men's Soccer
The Pronghorns men's team (0-0) heads out on the road to kick off their portion of the conference schedule with a trip to British Columbia.
The Horns return 12 players from last year's squad, but have a couple of big holes to fill on the back line with the graduation of team captain Ryan Conn and Marcus Karpati.
Michael O'Brien , a 2007 second team all-star, is expected to step up and lead the back line along with returnees Steve Brown, Brett Silbernagel and Justin Lariviere.
After a season away from the team, Matt Medoruma returns to anchor the midfield with fellow sophomores Lucas Rajcic and Cristian Lornezoni. Andrew Malcolm, who will look to add to his 10 career goals, and 2007 Horns' leading scorer Jaycee Neufeld will be counted on to generate some offence from the midfield position.
Up front, 5th year striker Greg Remjin looks to add to his team leading five goals from last season and kick-start a Pronghorn offence that scored a conference low seven total goals last season.
Saturday afternoon, the Horns face the Fraser Valley Cascades in Abbotsford, before concluding the road trip Sunday in Victoria versus the Vikes.
Women's Rugby
The women's rugby team sees its first action of the fall, traveling to Atlantic Canada for an exhibition tour that includes three games in three days.
The defending CIS champions kick off the tour on Saturday facing the St. Mary's Huskies in Halifax. Sunday will see a rematch of last year's CIS championship game as the Horns face St. Francis Xavier. Last November, the Horns downed St. FX 29-15 to win their second consecutive national title. St. FX will web stream the game live at http://www.ssncanada.ca/games/. Kick-off is set for 11 a.m. (MT).
The following day, the Horns conclude their trip with a game in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island against the UPEI Panthers.
Men's Hockey
The Men's Hockey team begins its pre-season schedule this weekend with a pair of games. Friday night the Horns travel to Calgary to face Mount Royal Cougars, followed by a game Sunday against SAIT Trojans.
Season tickets to Pronghorn events, as well as individual game tickets are available at the Sport & Recreation Services customer service desk or by calling 403-332-HORN (4676). Tickets will also be available at the door on game day.
