VICTORIA- The University of Victoria men's basketball team opens the 2026-27 Canada West season on Thursday, Oct. 29, hosting the University of the Fraser Valley at 8:00 p.m. at the CARSA Performance Gym.

Ranked No. 1 in the U SPORTS preseason coaches' poll, the Vikes enter the season as one of the country's top contenders. UVic finished 22-4 last year, won its second straight Canada West championship, and earned a bronze medal at the U SPORTS Final 8. In just two seasons at the helm, Murphy Burnatowski has led the Vikes to two national podium finishes. Now entering year three, he returns a talented core with aspirations of bringing another national title back to Victoria.

An ambitious preseason tested the Vikes against some of the toughest competition available, including NCAA Division I opponents Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Cincinnati in Nassau, Bahamas, along with home games against Oregon State and the Seattle Mountaineers. They also faced a tough contingent of talent from across the country at the Guy Vetrie Memorial Tournament and the Don McCrae Naismith Classic in Waterloo. Throughout it all, the focus has been integrating new pieces, building chemistry, and preparing for another demanding Canada West campaign.

The Vikes also enjoyed a productive summer. Shadynn Smid, Cam Slaymaker, Tyler Felt, and newcomer Ryan Regault attended the inaugural Vancouver Bandits University Combine, and the Bandits later selected Smid in the CEBL U SPORTS Draft.

The program's Vancouver Island roots remain one of its greatest strengths. Local standouts Felt and newcomer Cole Bekkering represented Canada at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League this summer, while fellow Islanders Griffin Arnatt, Dylan Gage, Toren Franklin, Justin Hinrichsen, and Hunter Stefani-Thompson help form a deep, battle-tested roster.

From the Coach

"We're looking to defend our Canada West title while integrating new pieces and becoming a more physical team. We may not have the most size, but we're strong at every position. We want teams to feel us for the full 40 minutes, and our depth will be a big strength for us this season." - Murphy Burnatowski, head coach.

Key Returners

Shadynn Smid | Forward | Fifth Year
The Cowichan Secondary School graduate remains one of the most dynamic forwards in the country. Smid averaged 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and registered 18 blocks last season, bringing elite athleticism and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His summer with the Vancouver Bandits organization showed in the preseason where he looked formidable, even against top NCAA Division I talent.

Renoldo Robinson | Guard | Fifth Year
The reigning Canada West Championship MVP enters his final season after averaging 14.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last year. Robinson spent the summer rehabbing an injury but is expected to be ready for conference play. His speed, explosiveness, and knack for making big plays make him one of the country's premier guards.

Cam Slaymaker | Forward | Third Year
Slaymaker's path to Victoria has included stops at NCAA Division I CSUN and Division II Southern Nazarene before joining the Vikes last season. The Coquitlam native appeared in all 26 games, starting 25, and averaged 8.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. With a full season in Burnatowski' s system behind him, the versatile forward is primed for a larger role in 2026-27.

Additions to Watch

Cole Bekkering | Guard/Forward | Second Year
One of Victoria's most anticipated newcomers, Bekkering returns home after spending last season at NCAA Division II Biola University. Burnatowski describes him as a "Swiss army knife" player whose versatility, athleticism, and size allow him to impact the game in a variety of ways. Beckering, who grew up in Victoria before winning a provincial title with Surrey's Semiahmoo Secondary School, adds a much-needed physical presence to a somewhat undersized Vikes roster.

Ryan Regault | Guard | Third Year
A transfer from Acadia University, Regault arrives in Victoria after averaging 14.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while starting every contest for the Axemen last season. Last year's AUS Championship MVP and former AUS Rookie of the Year is an explosive two-way player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.