EDMONTON – A legitimate Vanier Cup contender on paper, the University of Regina Rams must first escape the unknown that is the Alberta Golden Bears.
Ranked seventh in the country, the Rams open their 2026 Canada West football season Friday in Edmonton with the second highest ranking in the conference, behind only the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
It’s the first time Owen Sieben has begun the season as the Rams starting quarterback since 2024 when his season was wiped out early from injury. Rams coach Mark McConkey, who also calls the offensive plays for his quarterback, says coming out of camp with command of the offence is a pretty big deal for Sieben and the Rams passing game.
“He’s been great all camp”, McConkey said. “He’s kind of upped his game to another level. Mentally, he’s so locked in on what we’re doing. I think the confidence is there. He’s a gamer.”
The Rams are also missing their MVP from last season, Marshall Erichsen, the Canada West rushing leader. Erichsen has been medically cleared to play but is week-to-week as they ease him back into the fold after tearing his Achilles tendon late last year.
“Christian Katende will be the main guy (at running back) and then we have Carter Ashman. He’s the new guy from the Regina Thunder, and then we have packages where they all get on the field.” McConkey said.
There's an interesting mix of new and old faces on the Rams offensive line this year. B.C. Lions draft pick and reigning all-star Ethan Graham will start his final Rams year at tackle and so will rookie Davin Berry. Connor Klassen is another Lions draft pick entering his final year and will start at guard along with veteran Nnadozie Marendiukobianwa. Will Templeton is the other returning all-star from last year and shifts from guard to centre.
Nic Sirleaf had the biggest season in 2025 among all returning pass catchers in Canada West this year and will anchor a speedy receiving corps with the Rams that includes Kaleb Senz, Renzel Arinaza, Michael Eagle Bear, Adley Mayala, and Blake Laidlaw.
Second-year kicker Ty Gorniak adds the punting chores to his duties while Ashman will return kicks.
The Rams are anchored by a star-studded defence with no fewer than five returning all-stars. Toryn Swystun-Bernes leads the pass rush with help from linebacker Brandon Wong. Regina’s ball-hawking secondary includes Jacob Tkachuk, Max Polischuk, and safety Carson Sombach.
Friday’s matchup on paper favours a U of R squad coming off back-to-back Hardy Cup final appearances, including a Canada West championship in 2024, while the Golden Bears haven’t made the playoffs in three years.
But any new season brings new challenges. The Rams’ lack of familiarity with an Alberta squad that includes a new quarterback and new defensive coordinator is a reminder that end-of-season goals take a back seat when facing a team that’s had so many changes. The Rams must defend Christian Veilleux, the new Alberta QB who’s played for some big American college programs including Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Georgia State University.
“We don’t have a lot of tape on him, especially in the U of A offence”, McConkey said. “But he’s a good a player. He played at a high level in the states so we’re kind of getting ready for everything.”
Weather could be a factor in this game at Edmonton’s Foote Field after a rainy summer in the Alberta capital. A mix of sun and cloud is in the forecast with a chance of showers during the game. The broadcast is live on 620 CKRM radio with the pregame show at 6:15 and kickoff at 6:30 on Friday night.
