MRU defenceman Clay Hanus named U Sports Player of the Year as Cougars prepare for nationals

It was a big day for MRU Cougars defenceman Clay Hanus on Wednesday. He was named the U Sports player of the year.

The 2025 men’s hockey university cup gets underway on Thursday in Ottawa and Calgary’s Mount Royal Cougars are there representing the Canada West.

The Cougars didn’t actually win the Canada West championship, but still qualified for the national tournament.

That’s because they lost in the final to Saskatchewan and the top two teams get to go.

The Cougars are seeded fourth in the tournament and open up the University Cup Thursday morning when they take on the number five seeded Toronto Metropolitan.

It was a big Wednesday for Cougars defenceman Clay Hanus who was named the U Sports Player of the Year.

The Cougar blueliner finished the year with 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in 28 games.

Hanus became the first defenceman to claim the conference scoring title since Dave Mackay did it back in 1938-39.

Hanus was thrilled to get the news.

“It’s a phenomenal feeling,” Hanus said, “and (I’m) very honoured. There’s been some unbelievable players that have won it before me. (I’m) very fortunate to be on such a good team and surrounded by such good players to help me achieve this accomplishment.”

As far as matching up against Metropolitan Toronto, Hanus said the team feels good about its chances.

“I feel very confident,” he said. “T.U. is a good team, they’re experienced but I think we’re going to be just fine.

“I know guys are anxious to get going here, so I think we’ll have a lot of energy and be good to go.

Puck drop for Thursday’s game is 11 a.m. MT.