The wait is over in the Okanagan.
Defending Canadian College World Series Champions Okanagan College Coyotes open the 2026 season at home from March 20-22, welcoming the University of Calgary Dinos for a marquee opening-weekend matchup that immediately sets the tone for the year ahead.
Fresh off a championship run in 2025, the Coyotes enter the new season with a target firmly on their backs. That reality is reflected in the preseason coaches' poll, where Okanagan College has been ranked No.1, a clear sign of the respect they've earned across the conference and the expectations that come with it.
Opening weekend will be the first opportunity for the program to showcase the standard it has established.
"We are excited to get back and defend the championship," says Head Coach Geoff White, "While the preseason accolades are nice, it does not change how we go about preparations for the season. If we focus on what we can control and play to our standards we should be very competitive."
Standing in the way is a familiar opponent. The University of Calgary Dinos arrive in Kelowna looking to make an early statement of their own, bringing in an older and experienced group. Season openers often carry an element of unpredictability, and the Dinos will be eager to test the Coyotes at their home field.
For Okanagan College, the weekend represents more than just the first games on the calendar. It's a chance to reset, refocus and begin the long road back to championship weekend. While banners and rankings reflect past success, the Coyotes know that each season starts from zero.
"We have a returning group of players that will be looked upon for continued success, a majority have been in the championship game in 2024 and 2025, so they know what to expect," says White. "We are really excited about our new group of freshmen as well. They are athletic, skilled and will be a big part of our success. When you play four 9-inning games in a weekend, team depth is extremely important."
With high expectations once again surrounding the team, opening weekend promises playoff-level intensity in March. The Coyotes will look to defend their home field, reaffirm their status as the conferences' top-ranked program and send an early message: the champions are ready to run it back.
Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as Okanagan College officially begins its title defense. The Canadian College Baseball Conference expanded for 2026 and welcomes the University of British Columbia to the fold as the ninth member. With team expansion also comes game expansion as the conference moves to 36 games from 32. Furthermore, the playoffs model has been changed as well with only six of nine teams making the Canadian College World Series. The championship series has been pushed back a week to make room for the expanded schedule. The World Series will be held in Lethbridge, Alberta at Spitz Stadium May 21-24.
Opening Weekend Schedule:
- Friday, March 20 vs University of Calgary Dinos 6 p.m. - Student Night
- Saturday, March 21 vs University of Calgary Dinos 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22 vs University of Calgary Dinos 12 p.m.
Tickets available at the https://www.theboxoffice.ca/season-tickets/okanagan-college-coyotes-baseball
