Okanagan College Coyotes to kick off new season. (Image Credit: Okanagan College Coyotes)

By Vernon Matters Staff

New Season

Coyotes set to defend crown as 2026 season opens

Mar 18, 2026 | 11:02 AM

The wait is over in the Okanagan.

Defending Canadian College World Series champions, the Okanagan College Coyotes, open their 2026 season at home this weekend.

From March 20 to 22, the Coyotes will host the University of Calgary Dinos in a marquee opening series to kickoff the season where the Coyotes will look to defend their title and maintain their position atop the conference.

Coach Geoff White says the team is focused on preparation and execution rather than preseason rankings.

“We want to play to our standards and take it one game at a time.”

87 New Professionals in IH

Interior Health bolstered through U.S. recruitment: MLA Sandhu

5m ago

Meet & Greet

B.C. Conservative leadership candidate making stop in Vernon

2h ago

Two-Day Closure

Highway 1 closing for avalanche control work

23h ago

Many players on this year’s squad return from previous championship runs in 2024 and 2025, bringing valuable experience to the field. White also says the incoming freshmen will be a key factor, adding depth and athleticism to the roster.

Fans can expect a lively atmosphere at the home opener as the Coyotes aim to send an early statement to the conference. The Canadian College Baseball Conference has expanded for 2026, welcoming the University of British Columbia as its ninth member. With the schedule increasing to 36 games, only six of nine teams will qualify for the Canadian College World Series.

The championship series has been pushed back to May 21–24 and will take place at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge, Alta.