Conference performance
Given that the OUA has won only one CIS Naitional Championship in the last decade is there a surprise that the AUS is seen as the strongest Conference?
The AUS has had three different schools (X-2004, UNB 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, SMU 2010, win titles)
Alberta won in 2004, 2005 and 2008.
Canada West has something to prove as well IMO.
There were a number of years (2004-2010) in which the OUA was basically a non-factor at the University Cup.
2004 University Cup Final- All AUS Final (X vs. UNB, X Wins) after host V-Reds upset #1 Alberta 6-5 in OT(in the most emotional roller-coaster game I ever have broadcast) in the semi-final.
2005 University Cup Final-All Canada West Final(Saskatchewan-Alberta, Alberta wins) as Huskies/Bears out-score OUA teams by a combined 14-0 in their two games (Alberta 11-0 over UQTR, Saskatchewan 3-0 over Western. Manitoba beat UQTR earlier in tournament too.
2006 University Cup Final-Lakehead vs. Alberta, Bears win. Thunderwolves were out-played but upset the U of S in the semi-final. Alberta outscores Laurier, McGill and Lakehead 16-5 over three games wins back-to-back. Bears built up 3-1 first period lead, win 3-2 over Beliveau's 'Wolves
2007 University Cup Final-All AUS (UNB vs. Moncton). No question they were the two best teams at the University Cup after Saskatchewan upset Bears in Canada West Final.
2008 University Cup Final-Alberta vs. UNB, Bears win. V'Reds had exceptional regular season and dominated their pool. Alberta lost 2-1 in OT to host Moncton, pounded McGill 7-3, and then Redmen upset Moncton to put Alberta through.
2009 University Cup Final-UNB knocks off Western as Saint Mary's tanks a third period lead in the semi-final and the Mustangs end up in final. Host Lakehead goes 0-2.
2010 University Cup Final-SMU beats Alberta 3-2 in OT, Bears beat two OUA schools, UQTR and Lakehead to get to the final
2011 University Cup Final-UNB wins with a dominant win over McGill 4-0. Despite three really good forwards Alberta has a poor showing.
2012 University Cup Final-(ALL OUA Final) McGill beats Western. UNB stunned in round-robin.
2013 University Cup-All AUS Final in Saskatoon as UNB beats SMU, the same Mustangs who got through on goal differential after losing to #1 Alberta in round-robin. Bears had been upset 2-1 by Waterloo in a game in which they out-shot the Warriors 43-13 and hit four posts.
Conclusions. AUS has been really good. Canada West in a slump. Perhaps OUA on the rise. McGill has a considerably better team on paper than Carleton. Tommorow's game a toss up. Who knows what Saskatchewan will do. They are the enigma of the West.