CIS Hoops.ca

Vancouver Province article on NCAA Division 2 welcomes interest
Victoria Times-Colonist articles NCAA opens door for Canadian schools Vancouver Sun article BC schools treading carefully on moving south Ottawa Citizen piece NCAA doesn't find any takers in Ottawa note that only one of the two Ottawa schools is represented by their Athletic Director. NCAA opens doors to Canada from Gannett News services

Greg Layson provides a series of links relating to the NCAA's announcement yesterday regarding international schools in their membership Is the CIS headed south? The CIS blog also has a quick post by James Mirtle and hopefully will be providing more coverage on this in future posts NCAA opens door for UBC


Totem Poll #6 by David Larkins ranking the teams in Canada West

Chad Lucas provides his AUS Stars of the Week
on his Posting Up blog

The Varsity article on U of T's home weekend against Carleton and Ottawa

A quick note on Big Man on Campus blog by Greg Layson on the Wild, wild (OUA) West

McGill Tribune article on Redmen's historic win at Concordia followed by loss vs. UQAM

Matt Skinn's piece on the Dinos pair of wins this weekend

Dino Hoop News courtesy of Wayne Thomas chimes in with their choices for the top teams in Canada West
Contenders Clash for Top Spots in Rankings; Showdown in Brandon as Henry Bekkering and his Calgary Dinos come to the Wheat City to face Yul Michel and the Bobcats in a battle of Divisional leaders Saturday. Brandon gains a split last weekend on the west coast, as they go into War Memorial and defeat UBC, then across on the ferry to lose to the Vikes. Victoria sweeps Regina and Brandon, and now sets up a head to head this week with UBC on Friday in Victoria. In a rare Tuesday match-up, the T-Birds host Simon Fraser, whom they beat in OT last Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Calgary Dinos go on the road Friday at Regina and Saturday in Brandon. Calgary has taken a firm hold on the top rung of the Central Division, and looks to step up to this away challenge, while Regina wants to use home court to get some advantage over Winnipeg, with whom they are tied for 2nd in the Great Plains.

Canada West Rankings (As we see them as of Jan. 14 ... lots of games to come)
1. Brandon Bobcats - Home court is a big deal in this league, and the 'Cat House' is a particularly ugly venue for unwary visitors. After a close loss to the Vikes, Coach Raimbault will look to get his men back on track under the gaze of that flea-bitten, stuffed bobcat.
2. Calgary Dinos - An easy two over Lethbridge, but they will have to bring a more disciplined approach against the Cougars and Bobcats. Henry Bekkering has been hot, and Jeff Price matches up with the talented guards for both Regina and Brandon.
3. Victoria Vikes - The tables may be turning in the Pacific, or is it just injuries hurting UBC's performance? Look to the Vikes to stifle the T-Bird attack at Ken Shields Court.
4. UBC Thunderbirds - Once they get all their guns back, the 'Birds will be formidable. A win over SFU is a must, if they want to get 1st in the Division.
5. Alberta Golden Bears - tough trip to Manitoba, but back home vs. Simon Fraser and Trinity Western, they should prevail. Bears posts will be challenged by Wallis and Holmes for the Clan.
6. Simon Fraser Clan - a shocking loss to Thompson Rivers, and three tough road games (@ UBC, Alberta, and Sask.) will test their resiliency. If Clan is to make a run, they must step up this week.
6a. Saskatchewan Huskies - Reeling after losses at Manitoba and Winnipeg. Spagrud and Grant need their supporting cast to provide more help. Home court is usually a tonic for the 'Dogs.
6b. Regina Cougars - Nice trip to the coast boys? Two losses and they are in a fight with Winnipeg for a home court semi-final. Get Calgary and Lethbridge at home, with Friday being a chance at knocking off a ranked team.
9. Fraser Valley Cascades - Must win two this weekend vs. Manitoba and Winnipeg, and they have the talent to do it. Coach Craddock hosts two familiar faces from past Great Plains battles.
10. Winnipeg Wesmen - A split last weekend and now they head to UCFV and Thompson Rivers, where they have two winnable games. Posts have to deliver more, and Opalko keep burying shots.
11. Trinity Western Spartans - Pat Lee takes his new team to Alberta and Saskatchewan ... a split would be wildly optimistic.
12. Manitoba Bisons - Bisons are hot ... two big wins at home vs. Sask. and Alberta. Now let's see if they can take it on the road.
13. Thompson Rivers Wolfpack - Coach Gleddie returns and has to get more positives for this team. Home court needs to pay off for the 'Pack, who got a nice win at SFU last week.
14. Lethbridge Pronghorns - A ray of hope with the addition of Danhue Lawrence, but a weekend in Regina and Brandon will not likely improve their sorry lot.