2026 WCL | U SPORTS Invitational Championships heads to Lakehead University this weekend

The 2026 WCL U SPORTS Invitational Championships are set for this weekend (Feb. 27-28) at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The event will feature approximately 200 of the best collegiate wrestlers from across the country, representing 17 universities in 20 weight classes (10 for women and 10 for men).

“We are thrilled to bring the WCL USPORTS Invitational Championships to Thunder Bay and to partner with the outstanding team at Lakehead University,” said Tamara Medwidsky, CEO of Wrestling Canada Lutte. “Lakehead has a strong tradition of hosting exceptional events, and we know they will create a first-class experience for the student-athletes, coaches and fans. This championship will showcase the very best collegiate wrestlers from across the country as they compete at the highest university level and look to take the next step in their wrestling careers. We are excited to see the energy and passion that Thunder Bay will bring to this national event.”

“We’re proud to bring the U SPORTS Invitational Championships back to Thunder Bay for the first time since 2012,” said Leah Ferguson, Chair, host committee. “With incredible support from the City and Tourism Thunder Bay, we’re ready to welcome the country’s top university wrestlers to our community. It’s a huge moment for our local wrestling scene, and we’re excited to showcase both elite competition and the spirit of Thunder Bay.”

The competition will feature a very talented field on both the women’s and men’s side, with numerous competitors having represented Canada on the international stage. For the women, 2024 World U23 silver medalist Serena Di Benedetto will be in action at 53kg. The McMaster product took top spot at the OUA Championships and will look to claim another national title. Competing at 56kg will be Calgary’s Gabi Cross. Cross won the Canada West Championship and is a two-time U23 Pan-Am Championships medalist (silver – 2025, bronze – 2024).

As for the men, names to watch will include Brock’s Javier Tonita-Charriez at 57kg. Tonita-Charriez was a member of both the U23 and U20 Canadian team in 2025 and represented Canada at the Junior Pan-Am Games, finishing fourth. After winning his weight class at the OUA Championships, he will be aiming to top the podium at the WCL USPORTS Invitational Championships as well. Edmonton’s Aidan Stevenson is another national team member who will compete. He took top spot at 82kg at the Canada West Championships and is a former U23 Pan-Am Championships and Francophone Games bronze medalist.

Lakehead will also boast a strong local contingent. On the women’s side, Haley Florell will compete at 76kg, she finished second at this year’s OUA Championships and enters the Championships third in the rankings. The top-ranked Lakehead competitor on the men’s side will be Adam LaFroy at 72kg, he was third at the OUAs and is ranked fourth.

After the competition, there will also be a banquet where season awards such as: All-Canadians, Rookie of the Year and Athlete of the Year will be presented.

The event will be streamed on CBC Sports’ YouTube Channel, both days, and on CBC Gem.  For complete tournament information, including the streaming links for all mats and sessions, visit the tournament site at: https://wrestling.ca/event/wcl-u-sports-invitational-championships/

Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. Eastern, on both days.