Herbers made a big difference to the Golden Bears program, and will be difficult to replace. I've never seen as successful defensive systems and transition play as the Bears employed at the University Cup in March. He obviously got buy in from the players.
In recent years UNB was able to outwork Alberta in big games. Not any more.
I agree with Gleanerguy that there still seems to be a bit of a "professionalism" gap, if you want to call it that, between Alberta and UNB and the rest of CIS men's hockey. Success obviously helps. Tradition of winning is important, and big game experience might be the most important. That was certainly a factor for Alberta over a comparatively young UNB in the final.
But I do feel other programs are getting closer, especially the teams that make it to the University Cup. Maybe this will be a side benefit of expanding the tourney to eight teams, as more coaches and players get to experience what is need to advance to the next level.
The OUA raising their self-imposed Athletic Financial Awards limits this year will probably be a positive recruiting factor as well. But the OUA should stop holding back their top teams and allow them to match their AFAs to the rest of the CIS.