Five Weeks In: CUFLA’s Contenders Begin To Separate From The Pack

Five weeks into the 2026 CUFLA season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Western and defending champion Guelph remain undefeated in the West, while McGill has continued to set the pace with a perfect record in the East.

There have been some one-sided games, but also plenty of close finishes. Several teams have shown they can challenge the leaders, while a number of players have already delivered impressive individual performances.

The Undefeated

Western has shown it can win in a variety of ways. The Mustangs have had their share of convincing victories, but have also been able to take control when games have been tight. Against Toronto, Western overcame a 4–3 halftime deficit with eight third-quarter goals on it's way to a 14–8 victory. Against Nipissing, six unanswered goals turned a 5–4 deficit into a 10–5 win.

Zach Abu-Ali, Cyrus Sinopole, Christopher Da Silva and Hayden McIsaac have all contributed to the Mustangs’ attack. Abu-Ali scored four times during the third-quarter surge against Toronto and recorded a hat trick against Nipissing. With several scoring options, Western has been a difficult team to contain.

Guelph has made a strong statement in it's title defence. The Gryphons defeated Laurier 20–4, Laurentian 24–1 and Laurier again 26–0, showing just how much depth they have throughout the lineup.

John Logue scored six goals in the first victory over Laurier, while Robert Baxter delivered a seven goal performance against Laurentian. In the shutout win over Laurier, Baxter and Calum Mackay scored four apiece, Carter Mackay and Sam Savery recorded hat tricks, and 14 different Gryphons found the back of the net. The challenge for opponents has been slowing down an offence that gets contributions from so many players.

In the East, McGill has combined balanced scoring with strong finishes. The Redbirds’ 12–7 victory over Bishop’s was a good example, with Callum Olson scoring three consecutive fourth quarter goals to put the game away. Olson and Zack Page finished with four goals each, while Liam Miletich and John Miraglia added two apiece.

Players Making Their Mark

Nipissing’s Ben King delivered one of the standout performances of the opening five weeks, scoring seven goals in a 15–10 victory over McMaster. Lincoln Gear also had a strong game for the Marauders, scoring five times, while Nick Pospisil added three.

Zach Tarr has provided another scoring threat for the Lakers, including a four goal effort in their 14–5 victory over Laurier.

Ottawa’s Hunter Lubiniecki has also made his presence felt. He scored five goals in the Gee-Gees’ 15–14 victory over Queen’s, then recorded a hat trick in their subsequent 11–10 win. Julien Belair delivered a six goal performance in Ottawa’s 21–9 victory over Carleton.

Queen’s has received some impressive efforts as well. Kai Faller scored four goals in the Gaels’ double overtime victory over Trent, while Dean Fawthrop recorded a hat trick in the 11–10 loss to Ottawa.

Toronto’s Daniel Clarke, Graham Dicken and Justin Ranger have contributed in some difficult games. All three scored during the Varsity Blues’ comeback victory over Laurentian, with Clarke scoring twice during the decisive fourth quarter run.

Teams To Watch

Nipissing has given opponents plenty to think about. The Lakers defeated Laurier 14–5 and McMaster 15–10, showing how quickly they can put goals on the board.

King and Tarr give Nipissing two dangerous scoring threats, while Blake Davies, Kaleb Fulkerson and Matthew Lalonde have also contributed. The Lakers led undefeated Western 5–4 in the third quarter before the Mustangs took control. Finding consistency down the stretch will be important as Nipissing fights for position.

Ottawa has made it's share of noise in the East. A 21–9 victory over Carleton showed the Gee-Gees’ offensive ability, while their two one-goal wins over Queen’s demonstrated their ability to come through in tight games. Those close victories could prove valuable as the regular season moves toward it's final weeks.

Brock has also found ways to win close contests. The Badgers edged Nipissing 9–8 on Liam Larocque’s fourth quarter winner and held off Laurier 7–6, with Larocque again scoring the deciding goal. Those are valuable results in a competitive Western Conference.

No Shortage Of Drama

There has been plenty of excitement beyond the undefeated teams. Queen’s needed double overtime to defeat Trent 12–11, with Hunter Renaud scoring the winner after a scoreless opening overtime period.

McMaster also went to extra time against Toronto, earning an 8–7 victory when Caelan Mander scored with just 22 seconds remaining in overtime.

Toronto showed it's determination against Laurentian. After the Voyageurs regained the lead early in the fourth quarter, the Varsity Blues responded with five consecutive goals to earn a 12–10 victory. For a team that has been on the wrong side of some close results, it was a well earned comeback.

Western, Guelph and McGill have set the pace through five weeks, but there is still plenty to be decided. Nipissing, Ottawa, Queen’s and Brock have all provided reasons to watch them closely.

With playoff positions on the line, the final weeks should give us a better look at who is ready to make a run.