Esports Rocket League season preview

The Kodiaks Rocket League season is about to blast off.

February 10, 2026

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks Rocket League season is about to blast off. Engines are roaring, the crowd is waiting and the Kodiaks are so ready. A series with the most burnout and exquisite plays in the neighborhood.

Rocket League

Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | Kodiaks Black vs Northwest Vista College

Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6:30 p.m. |Kodiaks Blue vs Iowa State University Academy

A summary of all upgrade changes included in Patch 2.64 (Jan. 22-23, 2026):

Area/Feature	Upgrade	Translates	Impact for the team
Core Gameplay	Expanded Preset Slots added for all players.	Easier access to multiple car builds without overwriting presets.	Allows players to prep different cars for scrims, ranked, and specific roles without friction. Improves practice efficiency.
Arenas	Champions Field visual and lighting updates.	lighting updates. Clearer field visibility and more consistent lighting.	Reduces visual clutter in competitive matches and helps with reads on clears, shots, and backboard plays.
Performance / Tech	Rendering and performance optimizations (notably for Nintendo Switch 2).	Smoother gameplay and fewer frame drops.	More consistent performance across platforms; fewer tech-related disadvantages in cross-platform play.
Limited-Time Mode / Event	"Cartman's Crash Out" (South Park crossover event).	New cosmetic rewards and themed content.	Mostly cosmetic; no direct competitive impact, but useful for player engagement and for funsies
Quality of Life	General User Interface (UI) and backend improvements.	Faster menu navigation and reduced hiccups.	Saves time between matches and scrims; small but noticeable day-to-day improvement.
Bug Fixes & Stability	Multiple bug fixes and backend stability updates.	Fewer crashes and edge-case issues.	Increased reliability during long practice blocks, tournaments, and ranked grind.

The Kodiaks used the first semester as a developmental season, focusing on training and preparation ahead of their return to competition. This season, the program is activating two full squads: Kodiaks Black and Kodiaks Blue.

"Both Kodiaks teams are entering the season with improved mechanics, refined skills, and a renewed mindset," said Rocket League head coach Jaston Wickend. "They've spent the offseason honing their play and are ready to come out blazing."

Heads up! We got an MVP
Kodiaks Black is led by captain Branden Collar ("kai", Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Lethbridge), the team's powerhouse and all-around threat. A versatile player with a complete skill set, Collar consistently demands attention from opposing teams, whether through high-level mechanics or precision shooting. He is a constant presence on the field and a player to watch in every match.

Jack of all trades... master of all!
Liam Rose ("Spumies", Business Administration - Management, Cochrane, Alta.) serves as Kodiaks Black's primary playmaker. With exceptional field awareness and decision-making, Rose reads the game at a high level and consistently identifies the best play in any situation. His vision and creativity are central to the team's offensive structure.

"I can do this all day." - Steve Rogers
Corny Bergan ("senseibean", Business Administration, Picture Butte) joins the roster as a rookie, though his play suggests anything but. Transitioning from the volleyball court to Rocket League competition, Bergan brings a strong competitive edge and positional awareness. He has a knack for appearing in the right place at the right time, setting up key passes or finishing scoring opportunities when it matters most.

"Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me unstoppable." - CR7
Kodiaks Blue is captained by Gabe Rahn ("Boss hunter310", Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Medicine Hat), the team's primary striker and offensive leader. Known for his relentless shooting mentality, Rahn consistently looks to convert scoring opportunities and apply pressure in the attacking zone. Despite being relatively new to competitive Rocket League, he has stepped confidently into a leadership role and provides direction both on and off the field.

"Rip and tear, until it is done." - DOOM ETERNAL
Nate Callihoo ("No-Probllama", Agriculture Sciences – Agronomy, Barrhead, Alta.) brings a strong physical presence to Kodiaks Blue as the team's enforcer. Specializing in demos and bumps, Callihoo disrupts opposing defenses to create space for his teammates. Beyond his physical play, he contributes through smart passing, supportive positioning, and capitalizing on scoring chances when they arise.

Gravity is a suggestion.
Shaye Wall ("BarrDownBro18", Bachelors of Ecosystem Management, Lac Pelletier, Sask.) rounds out the roster as Kodiaks Blue's aerial specialist. Excelling in the air, Wall continues to develop his aerial mechanics and timing, using them effectively to challenge opponents and generate offensive pressure. When he connects cleanly, his plays are both impactful and exciting to watch.

"In past seasons, our teams have come close, finishing second overall," said Wickend. "This season, we see a real opportunity to reach first place in both divisions. Every player has been grinding to refine their skills, and the excitement to compete and climb to the top is clear."

This season is about perfecting what the team already knows, transforming last year's near-misses into this year's game-winning goals. It's about turning an almost-perfect passing play into an unstoppable symphony of movement, passes, and finishes.