2025-26 schedule: Kapinga brothers reunite in opener; Griffins host Winnipeg in first home game
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – When he took the head coaching position of the MacEwan men's basketball program last month, David Kapinga already had a date circled on the calendar.
He will make his MacEwan and U SPORTS head coaching debut on Oct. 24 at Saskatchewan vs. his younger brother Freddy Kapinga.
"I'm fired up for the 2025-26 season and the challenges ahead for our MacEwan men's basketball program," said Griffins head coach David Kapinga after the Canada West men's basketball schedule was released Wednesday. "Our season opener is extra special — I'll be coaching against my younger brother who plays for Saskatchewan, and that's a moment I've been looking forward to."
The Griffins will also play at the Huskies on Oct. 25 before returning to Edmonton for their home opener vs. Winnipeg on Oct. 31 (7 p.m., David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
SEE THE GRIFFINS' FULL SCHEDULE HERE
Other highlights of the 20-game regular season include a two-game home series vs. cross-town rival Alberta Nov. 21-22 and the second-annual 'School Day' match vs. Calgary – Kapinga's alma mater – on Jan. 16, with an early start time of 1:30 p.m.
"This season also brings matchups against coaches I've played for, played against, and coached alongside, which makes it even more personal and meaningful," said Kapinga, who was previously an assistant coach with the Calgary Dinos after starring as a player for them, highlighted by winning MVP during their 2018 U SPORTS national championship.
"More than anything, I'm excited about the growth happening at MacEwan. We've made important changes, and there's a lot of potential in this group. I can't wait to watch our players develop, compete, and raise the standard for what MacEwan men's basketball represents."
The Griffins will close out the regular season at home with a Feb. 6-7 series vs. Regina.
They'll be aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22.
To do so, they'll need to make the top seven in the Prairie Division, while the top five teams in the Pacific Division also make the dance for single elimination first round matchups, beginning Feb. 13. The Canada West final is set for the Feb. 27-28 weekend.
The 2026 U SPORTS championship will be hosted by the Calgary Dinos March 6-8.
