Jolly centre of focus and fun on Hilltops offensive line

Luciano Jolly has had a standout season as the Hilltops centre.

As a backup centre, Luciano Jolly created the signature fun off-field moment that will be remembered forever by the Saskatoon Hilltops 2019 CJFL championship winning team.

Following a 49-22 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles on October 6, 2019 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, a photo I took of then fifth-year right guard Taylon Elderkin running the ball for a 13 yard gain ran with the game story posted on this blog. The picture was placed as a solo post on my Twitter account.

Jolly and Elderkin are long time best friends having played football together during their high school days with the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings. When Jolly discovered the photo, he sent it to a site called Linemanprobs.com.

Linemanprobs.com ran the photo on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds and the picture went viral racking up views.

“Seeing him run for 13 yards, it could have been a touchdown in my opinion, but it is what it is,” said Jolly. “I saved it immediately, sent it into that linemen page and it kind of just blew up from there.”

Jolly said it is the dream of every offensive lineman to touch the ball. Now as the Hilltops starting centre this season, Jolly touches the ball on every play as he snaps it back to the quarterback.

Still, the other four members of the offensive line might touch the ball the rare time on a trick play or recovering a fumble.

Looking back on that moment of Elderkin’s photo from 2019, Jolly thought that helped keep things fun and in a positive groove for the offensive line and team.

Luciano Jolly, right, opens a hole for Boston Davidsen.

“We were already like a tight brotherhood I guess you could say,” said Jolly, who stands 6-feet and weighs 260 pounds. “Seeing one of us make it up higher and getting the recognition we finally wanted, that just made it 10 times better.”

This season, Jolly is doing a little more than helping provide levity off the field. As the starting centre, Jolly is looked upon to be the leader on the offensive line, and he is responsible for calling out blocking adjustments.

The 22-year-old has played centre on the offensive line since Grade 9. With the Hilltops, he toiled as backup for his first three seasons helping the Hilltops win CJFL championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019. After the 2020 season was lost due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Jolly was elated to move into the starter’s role this season.

“I don’t know how to put this,” said Jolly, whose Hilltops (3-2) host the Edmonton Huskies (4-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field. “It feels like I’m just finally earning my place like I’ve been riding the bench for so long.

“Finally, I’ve moved up and this is my spot now.”

Jolly said he was ready to take on the starter’s role and believes the Hilltops offensive line has been communicating and working together well as a unit. It seemed natural for him to step in and call out the adjustments on the offensive line.

“I’ve kind of been in that position since Grade 9, so it is nothing really new for me,” said Jolly. “It is nice being able to have the guys communicate.

The viral Taylon Elderkin run on Instagram from 2019.

“I need to say something to them, and they say it right back. We automatically know what we are doing on that play or just getting people riled up.”

Jolly’s play has pleased legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. Sargeant said Jolly put in the work to be ready to become the starting centre, and the hard work is paying off.

“First thing first, Luciano paid the price in his first three years in terms of just being on the practice roster and being a backup and developing,” said Sargeant. “We thrust him into the starting lineup, and he has been one of our more consistent football players.

“Our centre position is something we were concerned about. Luciano has come and erased those question marks or doubts. He has been an outstanding performer.

“As I said, he has been a real difference maker this year, very proud of him.”

Sargeant admitted that Jolly could have started in the 2019 campaign, if then fifth-year centre Patrick Arno had gone down to injury. Arno was in his fourth full season as the Hilltops starting centre in 2019 and had a big edge over Jolly in the experience department.

This season, Sargeant said only three-time all-Canadian all-star left tackle Mason Ochs has performed better on the offensive line than Jolly has.

“Luciano is probably performing at the second highest level right now in terms of doing his job and doing it with physicality and understanding and executing his assignments,” said Sargeant. “I’m very impressed and very happy with how he is playing.”

Luciano Jolly, with hand on ball, calls adjustments on the O-line.

Jolly said he enjoyed learning and playing behind Arno and the other veterans he was teammates with on the offensive line who have since graduated from the program. From the veterans, Jolly learned about the focused and fun vibe the offensive line has and works to pass that down to the younger offensive linemen on the team.

“It is a great group of guys,” said Jolly. “We always like to say that we’re like a pod of dolphins, because dolphins are smart and they always communicate with each other and everything.

“We always like to say we are a pod of dolphins just to keep us like together.”

After last season was nixed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jolly has enjoyed playing games that much more this season. Going into Sunday’s clash with the Huskies, he has that big game excited feel.

The winner of that CJFL regular season clash will hold second place in the Prairie Football Conference. The Hilltops claimed the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton.

A win by Saskatoon on Sunday would allow the Hilltops to sweep the season series 2-0 and give them the standings tiebreaker with the Huskies.

Jolly said his Hilltops still have to show how good they really can be and the encounter with the Huskies provides a chance to do that.

Luciano Jolly (#58) is looking forward to big game days with the Hilltops.

“We’re just trying to prove ourselves,” said Jolly. “That is our second place spot, and we want it.

“We want to go get it.”

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Johnson’s takeaways help Hilltops return to winning ways

Konner Johnson runs back an interception for the Hilltops.

Konner Johnson prefers to play football on Sundays instead of watching it on TV.

The 21-year-old Melfort, Sask., product will never discount how great it is to play games for the Saskatoon Hilltops after the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

After being a backup linebacker during his first two CJFL championship seasons with the Hilltops in 2018 and 2019, Johnson took part in six weeks of practices the team was able to hold in September and October of 2020.

In the CJFL’s return in 2021, Johnson is a starter at outside linebacker. On Sunday, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery to allow the Hilltops to end an two-game losing skid as they got past the visiting Winnipeg Rifles 25-10 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Konner Johnson had two interceptions for the Hilltops on Sunday.

“Practice is fun, but this is what we practice for is the game day,” said Johnson, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds. “Last year and last fall, it was pretty boring just going to practice and being on the weekends doing nothing watching NFL.

“I like playing myself.”

The win for the Hilltops, who improved to 3-2, was far from a masterpiece against the Rifles, who fell to 1-4. Saskatoon committed a lot of fundamental errors turning the ball over seven times on three interceptions, two fumbles and twice on downs to go along with botches on a number of long snaps on special teams.

The Hilltops celebrate a fumble recovery from Konner Johnson, centre.

The Hilltops defence led by Johnson created six takeaways coming on three interceptions, one fumble recovery and stopping the Rifles twice on third down gambles.

Winnipeg jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the first quarter, but the visitor’s momentum was stalled as Johnson had his fumble recovery and one of his interceptions in the contest’s first 15 minutes.

“I love being on the field as much as I can making plays,” said Johnson. “That is what I like to do.”

Johnson said he likely had his best game of the season for this point in the year. He was well aware Sunday’s game wasn’t a work of art, and everyone on the team needs to play better.

RB Ivan Jaque runs in a touchdown for the Rifles.

“I think we have a lot more as a team to go,” said Johnson, who is a graduate of the nine-man Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Comets football team. “I think we can all play better, so that is what we are looking forward to.”

Heading into Sunday’s action, Johnson sat second in the PFC with 61 defensive points coming on 24 total tackles, one quarterback sack, three pass knockdowns and one interception.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant thought Johnson was on the verge of a major game-breaking performance, which came in Sunday’s win.

“Konner has to be one of the most dominant players in the CJFL, and he proved that today that he is at that caliber,” said Sargeant. “We have to keep building on that.

Brant Morrow runs back a long punt return for the Hilltops.

“He is starting to set the tone as being a difference maker and a playmaker. If we get more guys playing like him, it is going to really tighten this field up and make it tough for offences to have a lot of success. It was great to see.

“We’ve been waiting for it to happen. As I said, it happened today.”

The Rifles started the contest taking the opening kickoff and executing a quick kick play. The Winnipeg kick returner kicked the ball up field, and an onside man recovered the boot to allow the visitors to start their first offensive series just inside the Hilltops side of the 55 yard line.

Winnipeg proceeded to march that opening series downfield culminating in a three-yard touchdown run from running back Ivan Jaque to go ahead 7-0.

Mason Ochs, left, makes a big block for the Hilltops.

Just over three minutes later, the Hilltops offence got set up on the Winnipeg one yard line after a 56-yard punt return from safety Brant Morrow.

Running back Boston Davidsen plunged in from a yard out to even the score at 7-7.

Before the first quarter ended, the Rifles got a 14-yard field goal from kicker Matt Kennedy to go ahead 10-7. Kennedy’s field goal was set up, when Hilltops punter Doug Fleming’s knee touched the turf fielding a bad long snap.

With 5:09 remaining in the second quarter, the Hilltops went ahead on the scoreboard, when quarterback Damon Dutton hit second-year receiver Lachlan Horsley with a five-yard touchdown pass. The Hilltops weren’t able to get the kick away on the ensuing convert due to a bad snap causing their advantage to sit at 13-10.

Luciano Jolly, right, opens a hole for Boston Davidsen, left.

On their first drive of the second half, Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 22-yard touchdown pass to put the Hilltops up 19-10. The convert attempt from kicker Carter Sirman was blocked.

Before the third quarter ended, Dutton connected with Godson on a 25-yard touchdown toss to go ahead 25-10. The Hilltops attempted to go for a two-point conversion, but Dutton’s pass was incomplete.

“We’re kind of riding some waves right now,” said Godson, who caught eight passes for 123 yards to go with his two major scores. “We’re having some good drives, but little mistakes are holding us back.

Bryce Marino returns an interception for the Rifles.

“We just have to get a little more consistent and start driving the ball all the way down the field and finishing our drives.”

Johnson made his second interception of the contest in the fourth quarter to help the Hilltops preserve their 15-point win. While the victory wasn’t pretty, Johnson is happy it came and hopes give his team a boost.

“I hope it gives us the confidence we need,” said Johnson. “We have a long season to go yet.”

Davidsen had a big outing on the ground for the Hilltops piling up 137 yards on 21 carries to go with his rushing major. Dutton completed 22-of-33 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions.

Ethan Godson, left, scores his second of two major for the Hilltops.

Rifles starting quarterback Thomas Hubbard completed 15-of-28 passes for 135 yards, while throwing two interceptions. Backup Bryson McNeil got in for a handful of series scattered through the contest, but he was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts throwing one interception.

Defensive lineman Daylen Hartz and middle linebacker Matt Wist each had sacks for the Hilltops, while defensive back Evan Mantyka had an interception.

Linebacker Brayden Clarke had a sack for the Rifles. Winnipeg defensive back Kyle Chorney had nine total tackles and an interception, while defensive back Bryce Marino and linebacker Brandon Kamenz had single interceptions.

Hilltops DT Dylan McNutt, left, chases down Rifles QB Bryson McNeil.

The Hilltops 3-2 record places them third in the Prairie Football Conference standings behind the first place Regina Thunder (5-0) and the second place Edmonton Huskies (4-1). The Rifles sit fifth in the six-team conference.

The Hilltops host the Huskies this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at SMF Field in a battle for second place in the PFC. Saskatoon took the first encounter between the two sides 18-17 on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton.

Sargeant was pleased with how his defence played in the win over the Rifles, but he know his offence and special teams have to be a lot better in the clash with the Huskies.

The Hilltops faithful enjoyed their team’s win on Sunday.

“I think our pass rush was better today,” said Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator. “Our coverages were better today.

“Everything that we wanted to improve on defensively we did. The problem is the things we wanted to improve on offence and special teams we did not. We’re going to keep building on that defensive performance, but we have to improve the other two areas if we are going to be the team we want to be next week against the Edmonton Huskies.”

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Adversity gives Hilltops chance to show resiliency

Hilltops QB Damon Dutton is sacked by Thunder LB Ryan Mills.

The Saskatoon Hilltops find themselves in unaccustomed territory these days.

The powerhouse CJFL club is actually on a two-game skid after falling two straight games to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. The setbacks to the 4-0 Thunder dropped the Hilltops to 2-2.

The storied Saskatoon side hasn’t had a 2-2 record after four regular season games since the 2014 campaign. After four games, the Hilltops are usually used to holding 3-1 or 4-0 records.

The Hilltops also sit tied for the third and fourth spots in the Prairie Football Conference standings with the Edmonton Wildcats, who are also 2-2.

Saskatoon will try to halt the skid on Sunday taking on the Winnipeg Rifles (1-3) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Before the 2020 CJFL campaign was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilltops had won the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions six years in a row. In the last 10 completed CJFL campaigns, the Hilltops have won nine CJFL titles.

If you dropped by the Hilltops clubhouse facility or checked out one of their practices at Ron Atchison this past week, the club is still upbeat and positive. The coaches and players believe they are going to get better and the best is yet to come in the current campaign.

For onlookers of the team, the 2-2 start might be surprising, because the Hilltops looked like a squad that may never lose in recent years.

The two-game skid halted the Hilltops 33-game winning streak and their 31-game road winning streak. Both those streaks are believed to be CJFL records.

Saskatoon won the CJFL title in 2018 with fifth-year star quarterback Jordan Walls guiding the way with an 11-0 perfect season. The Hilltops were so impressive in that campaign that they trailed on the scoreboard for a combined 81 seconds in the regular season and post-season.

Their closest margin of victory in 2018 came in the PFC Final, where they posted a 28-9 win over the Edmonton Huskies.

Carter McLean sits second in the PFC in rushing.

The statistical dominance the Hilltops posted in 2018 was something you rarely see at any level of sports.

In 2019, Saskatoon followed up with a 12-0 perfect season to once again capture the CJFL championship. Fifth-year quarterback Tyler Hermann impressed in his one lone campaign as the team’s starting quarterback.

Still, the Hilltops weren’t as dominant needing comeback victories to pull out games and taking the Canadian Bowl in an 11-6 defensive slugfest against the host Langley Rams in Langley, B.C.

The Hilltops entered the 2021 campaign with a roster that contains just three players who are in their fifth and final full season with the team in boundary cornerback Jared Giddings, star left tackle Mason Ochs and right tackle Jonathan Chisholm.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant and his staff likely anticipated that bumps in the road were going to happen.

In their season opener on August 22 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton, the Hilltops trailed the host Huskies 14-0 before rallying for an 18-17 victory.

On August 29 at Shouldice Park in Calgary, the Hilltops downed the host Colts 35-18, but that contest had rocky moments for the blue and gold.

The two losses to the Thunder followed, but the Hilltops were two or three plays from coming out on top in each of those outings.

On Sept. 11 at SMF Field, the Thunder used a last play 51-yard field goal from kicker Eric Maximuik to pull out a 16-13 victory.

This past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, an end zone interception by Justin McKerracher with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter preserved a 30-27 victory for the Thunder in an all-time classic CJFL match.

Konner Johnson sits second in the PFC in defensive points.

While the Hilltops have had inconsistent play over their first four games, there have been lots of bright spots, which could help spark a surge upwards for the rest of the campaign.

Running back Carter McLean sits second in the PFC in rushing piling up 415 yards on 86 carries and scoring three touchdowns. He has also caught seven passes for another 47 yards.

Linebacker Konner Johnson sits second in the PFC with 61 defensive points coming on 24 total tackles, one quarterback sack, three pass knockdowns and one interception.

Teijon Abel-Douglas, who is an 18-year-old rookie kicker just out of high school, has made all five of his field goals and all eight of his converts.

In their first three games, the Hilltops didn’t get the consistent play they wanted at quarterback from Doug Fleming and Damon Dutton. Fleming was the starter for the first three games but was pulled in favour of Dutton in two of those contests.

Dutton made his first CJFL start in the Hilltops fourth game and had a solid outing in the 30-27 loss to the Thunder completing 28-of-34 passes for 332 yards, one touchdown and one interception. That might be a sign that the Hilltops might be starting to get the consistent play at quarterback they’ve been seeking.

Sargeant, who doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, is the all-time wins leader for post-secondary football in Canada. He has navigated teams through seasons like this before.

The Hilltops coaching staff has lots of veterans like defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie, who won’t get rattled by a two-game skid.

Saskatoon likely won’t catch the Thunder for first in the PFC, unless the Thunder collapse over the final four regular season games.

The Hilltops can still finish second in the PFC, if they win their last four regular season games. That would be helpful this season, because all teams in the PFC make the post-season.

The first and second place squads will have byes to host contests in the semifinal round.

The Hilltops aim to enjoy making more big plays this season.

In their history, the Hilltops have won more CJFL titles than any other team at 22, and the current team isn’t totally that far off from rounding into that type of form.

You can bet the coaches and players will keep their focus up the rest of the way to give the Hilltops a chance to finish the campaign in a memorable way.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Hilltops set sights on rebound

The Hilltops storm on to SMF Field on September 11.

When it comes to his Saskatoon Hilltops sporting a 2-2 record at this point in time, head coach Tom Sargeant said an old cliché is proving to be true.

“Right now, it is who we are,” said Sargeant. “We are an average football team hence the 2-2 record.

“The mood is good. At the end of the day, a lot of conversations and a lot of tough talks and lots of reality checks. At the end of the day, I have to coach better, and they have to play better.

“We’re all in this thing together. We’ve all committed and signed up that you know what we can do a better job and we can do more than what we are doing. Ultimately, it is my job to find the right players and put them in the right spots and do the right things.”

The Hilltops sport a 2-2 record after losing two straight games to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder, who are 4-0 and lead the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference.

The venerable Saskatoon side aims to begin the first step towards a rebound on Sunday, when they host the Winnipeg Rifles (1-3) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a CJFL regular season clash.

The storied Hilltops were close in their two setbacks to the Thunder. On Sept. 11 at SMF Field, the Thunder used a last play 51-yard field goal from kicker Eric Maximuik to pull out a 16-13 victory.

This past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, an end zone interception by Justin McKerracher with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter preserved a 30-27 victory for the Thunder in an all-time classic CJFL match.

The losses halted the Hilltops overall winning streak at 33 games and their road winning streak at 31 games.

Sargeant said the confidence on his team is still high, and the Hilltops are focused on continuing to grow and learn. The legendary sideline boss said the club has dealt with adversity like this before in past seasons.

Damon Dutton had a solid outing in the Hilltops last game.

“You know what, this is old hat,” said Sargeant. “We’ve been here many times before.

“People forget about that maybe because we’ve had a lot of success lately. What is the old saying? It doesn’t matter how you start the race. It is how you finish it.

“We have four more games in front of us to dictate where we end up. The real season starts when playoffs begin. It is our job in these next four weeks to get us ready for those moments.”

Barring a Thunder collapse during the second half of the regular season, the highest the Hilltops can realistically finish in the PFC standings is second place, and they will likely have to win all four of their remaining games to do that.

Finishing first and second in the PFC has extra meaning in the 2021 campaign, as the post-season format for the conference has been expanded an extra round.

The last time a CJFL campaign was completed in 2019 before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic gripped the world in March of 2020 causing shutdowns in North America, the top four teams in the PFC made the playoffs.

It was decided that this season all six of the conference’s teams would take part in post-season play. The first and second place clubs get byes to host PFC semifinal games.

The post-season for the PFC opens with a quarter-final round with the third place club hosting the six place team and the fourth place squad hosting the fifth place finisher.

In the semifinal round, the first place team will host the lowest seeded club that advances from the quarter-final round.

During their first four games, the Hilltops have juggled things at the quarterback position. Doug Fleming started the Hilltops first three games and was pulled in favour of Damon Dutton.

Dutton started the Hilltops last outing, which was the 30-27 setback to the Thunder at Mosaic Stadium.

The Hilltops still have big plans for Doug Fleming on offence.

In that contest, Dutton was really good completing 28-of-34 passes for 332 yards and one touchdown, while throwing the one inception with seven seconds remaining in the game.

“We are judging everybody week by week, and there is no question,” said Sargeant. “Damon (Dutton) came in and was one of our better players on Saturday night in a hostile environment.

“It was quite an environment. He showed a lot of poise, lot of confidence and made some real good decisions. He is certainly going to start this weekend.

“We look forward to him continuing his play and improving and continuing to move that offence.”

Sargeant said the Hilltops haven’t given up on Fleming, who is also the team’s punter. The sideline boss said the Hilltops coaches have been honest and real with both signal callers in working to keep things moving forward.

“Doug (Fleming) is a captain,” said Sargeant. “Doug (Fleming) is a great kid.

“He is doing all the right things. You don’t worry about Doug Fleming. If we need him, you can count on him.

“As I said, he is still our veer quarterback and short yardage quarterback. He is our punter. The thing about quarterback is you are one play away from being the guy in there.”

Fleming and Dutton joined the Hilltops together back in 2018, and Sargeant said the duo has worked well together and both want to see each other have success.

“They’ve been together for three years,” said Sargeant.” They’ve been teammates for a long time.

“They support each other. That is what we look for and that is what we expect and that is why the Hilltops have been so successful in the past.”

Sargeant believes a bright future is still ahead for the Hilltops in the 2021 campaign. The team’s practices this week have been upbeat and positive as the players strive to improve.

The Hilltops want to hit the end zone lots the rest of the season.

“There is so much in front of us,” said Sargeant. “It is a team that we thought would be ahead of schedule, and right now, we’re behind schedule.

“That is on me. That is not on anybody else. We’re just going to have to work and dig and grind. Ultimately, it is my job and our job to get this right.”

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Kicker Abel-Douglas starts hot for Hilltops

Teijon Abel-Douglas boots a field goal for the Hilltops.

Teijon Abel-Douglas embraces the pressure that place kickers face in the sport of football.

The 18-year-old Humboldt, Sask., product has had ice in his veins at the start of his CJFL career with the Saskatoon Hilltops when it comes to kicking field goals. Abel-Douglas had made all five of his field goal attempts during the Hilltops first four games, and he just graduated from high school this past June at Humboldt Collegiate Institute.

His first practices in training camp with the Hilltops were a little rough, but things soon skyrocketed in an upward direction.

“I think a lot of it is just trust from the coaches and trust from the team,” said Abel-Douglas. “In practices, I gained quite a bit of momentum.

“Misses were becoming less of a thing as I got used to doing my job. Once you can leave the aspect of all the pressure that is built up from the crowd, you have to trust what you’ve done.”

Abel-Douglas and the Hilltops (2-2) are looking to end a two game losing streak when they host the Winnipeg Rifles (1-3) this coming Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Saskatoon’s two losses have both been heartbreakers to their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. Thunder claimed a 16-13 victory Sept. 11 at SMF Field and took the return match 30-27 this past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

In those encounters against the Thunder, Abel-Douglas was tabbed with going head-to-head against veteran Regina kicker Eric Maximuik, who is in his fourth full CJFL season. Abel-Douglas went 2-for-2 in the field goal department for the Hilltops in each of those outings against the Thunder.

Ultimately, Maximuik had more opportunities in those contests than Abel-Douglas did. In the Sept. 11 game at SMF Field, Maximuik connected on 3-of-4 field goals including a 51-yarder winner on the game’s last play.

In the game this past Saturday at Mosaic Stadium, the 22-year-old went 3-for-3 in the field goal department.

“Of course, you want to be the best,” said Abel-Douglas, who stands 6-feet and weighs 145 pounds. “Watching him (Maximuik) kick a 51-yarder, all you can do is applaud it.

Teijon Abel-Douglas is 5-for-5 in field goals this season.

“It is something everyone dreams about especially as a kicker. Of course, I want to be the best. I don’t like to compare myself all the time.

“There is a moment where you are like, ‘Oh, I wish that was me.’ Of course, I wish that was me kicking that one for the win.”

After those encounters, Abel-Douglas visited with Maximuik and came away feeling enthusiastic.

“He (Maximuik) is a great kicker,” said Abel-Douglas. “I’ve talked to him after both games.

“He is a great guy and very humble. You can never go wrong with a guy like that. He works hard on his craft.

“All I can do is respect that and learn from him.”

Abel-Douglas’ performance in the early going has impressed legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant, especially the fact the 18-year-old rookie hit pressure kicks for the Hilltops in those tight setbacks against the Thunder.

“He (Abel-Douglas) has done a real good job,” said Sargeant. “He has come in here and he’s worked real hard.

“He has taken advantage of his opportunities. He is five-for-five and doing what we want him to do. There is a young kid taking advantage of opportunities and moments.

“We’re happy he is here. He is a kid out of Humboldt that has just got a bright, bright future here.”

Growing up in Humboldt, Abel-Douglas focused heavily on playing soccer, and he also competed seriously in track and field.

In Grade 10, Abel-Douglas left soccer and track and field behind to take up football becoming a receiver and kicker for the Mohawks football team at Humboldt Collegiate Institute.

He said it was a bit of an adjustment going from kicking a soccer ball to a football.

“The big difference was just honestly the shape of the ball,” said Abel-Douglas. “The shape of the ball and your steps they are a lot more precise when you are kicking a football.

Teijon Abel-Douglas made four key field goals against the Thunder.

“You have to be a lot more hit the ball in a place where that ball is going to fly straight. On a soccer ball, it is just all round. You have to find that sweet spot on a football, and it did take me awhile to get used to.

“I struggled in Grade 10 for sure. Great coaching, and I am learning every day even here. All these little tips you go into a game and even in practice they make me a lot better of a kicker and more accurate.”

He also had highlights playing receiver too in his high school years.

“I think the track speed really helped,” said Abel-Douglas. “On short passes and when we could get the ball over the top, I was pretty good.

“I didn’t really return punts, but I got one chance in a game and took it back. I think it was pretty successful. Our quarterback would throw perfect balls and just being in the right spot at the right time and it came together.”

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, Abel-Douglas only played one game in his Grade 12 year in the 2020 campaign. He wanted to play sports after high school but wasn’t sure if that would happen due to the pandemic’s impact on the world.

When receiver/kicker Rylan Kleiter elected to join the University of Regina Rams in the U Sports ranks instead of rejoining the Hilltops for one last CJFL campaign, the Hilltops were looking for a kicker. Abel-Douglas was approached by one of his high school coaches about going after the Hilltops open kicking spot.

Following that talk, Abel-Douglas made a video recording and sent it in to Sargeant. Sargeant invited Abel-Douglas to the Hilltops spring camp.

He came to main camp and joined with main roster with fellow new kicker in Saskatoon product Carter Sirman, who made his only field goal attempt in the Hilltops 18-17 regular season opening win against the Huskies in Edmonton on August 22.

Abel-Douglas has enjoyed practising with Sirman. As the Hilltops head into the second half of the regular season, Abel-Douglas’s confidence is high, and he is looking to tackle kicking in cold weather games.

“You have to stay in there and believe in yourself,” said Abel-Douglas. “With all the trust from these guys, it has been smooth sailing so far.

Teijon Abel-Douglas has high confidence for the rest of the season.

“Come winter, it is going to be a new challenge. I have to be ready for that mentally, and that is also a big thing. You can’t say you’re going miss, or else that is that outcome.

“It is all about what you believe and how strong mentally you are when these November games come along.”

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Wallet cards make proof of COVID-19 vax easy in Sask.

Wallet card graphic courtesy Saskatchewan Health Authority.

It is really simple to prove you are vaccinated for COVID-19, if you live in Saskatchewan.

All you have to do is show your wallet card.

It seems like a lot of people are spending needless energy freaking out over the fact on Thursday the Government of Saskatchewan put in a public health order that stated on October 1 people will have to show proof they are vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to engage in various entertainment venues or to access some non-essential businesses.

Proof of vaccination will be required at indoor dining at restaurants, nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments.

You will also need proof of vaccination to get into event and entertainment venues including conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums and indoor facilities hosting ticketed events.

Those going to indoor fitness centres and gyms will also have to show proof of being vaccinated for COVID-19.

Proof of a negative COVID-19 test will also allow people to get into the entertainment venues and non-essential businesses that were listed above.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the proof of vaccination or negative test requirement.

On Thursday, there was no mention anywhere if the wallet cards issued by the Saskatchewan Health Authority when people got their COVID-19 shots could be used as proof of vaccination. It was foggy if they would be accepted for that purpose.

On Monday, Government of Saskatchewan did clarify that wallet cards with vaccine details will be accepted as proof of vaccination for COVID-19. That likely came to great relief from a lot of people in the senior age group who might not have mobile phones and struggle to get online.

There should have never been any question as to whether the wallet cards issued by the Saskatchewan Health Authority could be used for that purpose.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority spent the money and went through the process of creating those wallet cards. Those cards show if a person is fully vaccinated or not.

While the Government of Saskatchewan wanted to avoid scenarios that required proof of vaccination, issuing the wallet cards was a nice measure to get ahead of the curve, if a proof of vaccination requirement was needed in the province.

Wallet cards allowed people to enter Roughriders games.

At the moment, Saskatchewan residents have used those wallet cards to show proof of vaccination when they visit other provinces and run into situations where proof of vaccination is required.

Wallet cards were also used as proof of vaccination to get into Friday’s CFL regular season game at Mosaic Stadium, where the host Saskatchewan Roughriders downed the Toronto Argonauts 30-16.

On Monday, the Government of Saskatchewan released that new COVID-19 vaccination records with Quick Response codes would be available.

The new documents are available for people with MySaskHealthRecord accounts and will replace the provincial COVID-19 vaccination records launched in August. MySaskHealthRecord accounts and a COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code can be created and accessed online.

The QR code document can be downloaded/saved, printed and viewed on mobile devices.

You can a printed copy of your COVID-19 vaccination records through a local public health office at a cost of $20 per person. The Saskatchewan Health Authority said it may take a few weeks to get those records via that route.

There is no cost going the online route to get those records.

Domestically, it is a big plus to be able to use the wallet cards issued by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. If you have gone through the process to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and have been given that physical card, it is only fitting you use those cards as proof of vaccination, and you don’t have to pressured to stressed to get other documents for that purpose.

Also, the fact Saskatchewan residents have wallet cards will ease up the stress on Saskatchewan Health Authority and Government of Saskatchewan resources with regards to potential surges to get proof of vaccination documents online or in person.

If you are travelling abroad, it is prudent to get the QR code. The new COVID-19 vaccination certificates with the digital QR codes issued by the Government of Saskatchewan supports proof of vaccination at border entry and is aligned with work the federal government is undertaking on a national solution on that front.

It is also prudent if you are traveling abroad to find out what COVID-19 requirements you have to fulfill in the country you are visiting. You might have to supply a negative COVID-19 test or possibly still quarantine even if you are fully vaccinated when you travel to another country.

If you don’t take those steps when traveling abroad, you increase the risk of your trip getting disrupted.

Overall, the proof of vaccination system for COVID-19 is rounding into good shape in Saskatchewan thanks to the fact wallet cards, printed records or downloaded QR codes can be used.

As of Monday, people don’t have to get overly worked up over this development. There should be an avenue that meets the needs of each person.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

McLean carries on Hilltops’ great tailback tradition

Saskatoon drops 30-27 heartbreaker in Regina

Carter McLean has piled up the rushing yards for the Hilltops.

Saskatoon Hilltops running back Carter McLean learned to cash on opportunities in adversity.

After spending his first couple of seasons as the change-of-pace tailback, McLean was slated to step into the starter’s role for the 2020 campaign. Unfortunately, the 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world.

The Hilltops were able to practice for six weeks in September and October of 2020. McLean focused on making the best out of the repetitions he was given in those practices and believed it was great to get together with the rest of the team despite not having any games.

“It was tough obviously,” said McLean. “It was good to get out here for at least a couple of practices and hang out with the team and the boys and everything like that.

“It was good to reconnect with them for sure. I’m sure it bonded us more as a team. We’re closer more than ever.”

In 2021, the CJFL took flight again with regular season play, and McLean, who is a graduate of Saskatoon’s Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls football team, took on the starting running back role with the Hilltops.

On Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, McLean had an 18-yard touchdown run for the Hilltops in the first quarter. In what would be an all-time CJFL classic, the Thunder ultimately prevailed over their provincial rivals 30-27 in the regular season encounter.

With 74 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Hilltops holding a 27-23 lead, backup Thunder quarterback Zenon Orobko, who was in for the injured Carter Shewchuk, hit receiver Isaiah Woodley on a 36-yard touchdown pass to put the Thunder up 29-27.

Carter McLean runs the ball for the Hilltops in 2019.

Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik hit the upright on the convert attempt but sailed the ensuing kickoff through the end zone for a single point to increase the Thunder advantage to 30-27.

The Hilltops offence proceeded to drive deep into Thunder territory, but Hilltops starting quarterback Damon Dutton was intercepted in the end zone by Justin McKerracher with seven seconds remaining in the contest to preserve the three-point win for Regina.

The victory allowed the Thunder to remain undefeated improving to 4-0, while the Hilltops fell to 2-2. Regina swept the two-game season series with Saskatoon 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

Going into this weekend’s action, McLean sat second in the Prairie Football Conference in rushing piling up 343 yards on 66 carries and scoring two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for another 20 yards.

After there was no season in 2020, McLean enjoyed suiting up for regular season games again in 2021.

“It has been so much fun playing again,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “It is great to be back out here again.

“It is a lot better than sitting at home for sure and just being quarantined at home. It is nice getting out here with the guys and just having some fun and playing the sport that we all love.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant is happy to have McLean back in the fold. During their first three games, the Hilltops offence had a lot of inconsistent play, but Sargeant said McLean’s efforts have been at a top level.

“Carter has been one of the players on offence that has played up to the standard and performed well,” said Sargeant. “We haven’t always blocked well and teams are cramming in and jumping in to stop the run.

“Carter has been a tough, durable and physical running back. He is only going to get better with more opportunity and more reps, so we’re certainly happy with him and pleased with how he is performing.”

Carter McLean has worked to get better at practice.

McLean’s first forays into the sport included playing at recess and the lunch hour in elementary school. He showed enough interest in the sport that his parents put him in flag football before signing him up for tackle football in Grade 5.

The standout runner credits his father, Darcy McLean, for being the biggest influence in helping him out in the sport.

“My dad (Darcy McLean) has been a huge inspiration for me, and he has also been a big support guy for sure,” said Carter McLean. “He is always pushing me to play my best and always be physical and always be active for sure.

“From a very young age, he has been like that, and I really appreciate that from him.”

Growing up playing the game, McLean enjoyed the friendships he made through the sport and how it felt like teammates became family members.

During his high school years, McLean got the feeling that playing football at the post-secondary level was a possibility. He was looking for a fit that would help him continue to grow his love for the game.

“Right after some Nor-Sask (North Sask Academy) Camps and Nor-Sask (North Sask Academy) teams and things like that, I decided like this is the sport I want to be in,” said McLean. “This is the sport I want to focus on mainly.

“I play a little bit of basketball on the side. Football has always been my main focus. I’m thrilled to play this sport.

“‘Sarge’ (Sargeant) came and talked to me during high school in Grade 12. Just watching Hilltops too, it is such a great culture to be around. I just thought I wanted to become a Hilltop after high school.”

With the Hilltops, McLean found the family feeling he was looking for. During his first two seasons, McLean was pumped to learn from veteran teammates Josh Ewanchyna and Ben Abrook.

Carter McLean had gotten better at hitting holes inside.

During the 2018 regular season, Ewanchyna piled up 1,007 yards rushing in the regular season in his final campaign with the Hilltops. Abrook had a stellar final season with the Hilltops in 2019 compiling 1,215 yards rushing in the regular season.

Both Ewanchyna and Abrook play in the U Sports ranks with Ewanchyna suiting up for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Abrook dressing for the University of Calgary Dinos.

McLean said he was more of a shifty running back in high school and learned how to hit the holes on inside runs better and with more purpose and power observing Ewanchyna and Abrook.

“Watching Josh and Ben play, it was amazing,” said McLean. “Those two guys have great talent for the sport.

“I’m really excited for Ben playing in Calgary and Josh playing at U of S. I’m really excited for those guys. They are great guys and great people to be around, so I’m really excited for them.

“I got a lot of learning points from them for sure.”

Going back to their first season in 1947, the Hilltops have had a lineage of great running backs. Sargeant said McLean continues that lineage and has been well coached by running backs coach and another former Hilltops star running back in Andre Lalonde.

 “Carter (McLean) is a great kid,” said Sargeant. “He does everything right.

“He wants to be great. He had a great off-season. He showed up bigger, stronger and faster.

“He is reaping some of the rewards. He is one of the guys that we have to get the ball more to, and we’re going to do that.”

Carter McLean is one of the CJFL’s top running backs.

Going forward, McLean said the Hilltops are focused on improving each day in order to become a team that wins the CJFL title once again.

Before the 2020 campaign was lost due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilltops had won six straight CJFL championships, and McLean believes the focus that existed in his first two seasons in 2018 and 2019 is there.

With that said, the 21-year-old said everyone with the Hilltops is relishing in how special it is to play another football season again.

“We’re cherishing every moment we have out here on this field,” said McLean. “We have to pretty much, so that we can continue playing and hanging out with everyone and having fun playing this sport.”

Saturday’s game was a back-and-forth contest that saw the Hilltops lead 7-3 after the first quarter, and the Thunder held a 16-14 advantage at halftime and 23-20 edge after the third quarter expired.

At the 2:54 mark of the fourth quarter, Dutton hit speedy receiver Ethan Godson with a 38-yard touchdown pass to put the Hilltops in front 27-23. That set the stage for the dramatics inside of the final two minutes of the contest.

The Hilltops also got a two-yard touchdown run from backup running back Jordan Tabin in the contest. Hilltops kicker Teijon Abel-Douglas field goals from 16 and 26 yards to round out the scoring for the visitors.

The Thunder had a two-yard touchdown run from running back Brayden Long, and Shewchuk hit receiver Rylan Sokul on a 32-yard scoring toss for a major score.

Maximuik hit field goals from 41, 35 and 34 yards out to round out the scoring for Regina.

With Saturday’s setback, the Hilltops saw their 31-game road winning streak including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season come to an end. It is believed the Hilltops road winning streak is a CJFL record.

Carter McLean and the Hilltops have high hopes for 2021.

Before Saturday’s outing, the last time the Hilltops lost on the road was way back on August 17, 2014 when they dropped a 19-16 overtime decision to the Thunder in Regina at Taylor Field.

The Hilltops return to action on Sunday, September 26 when they host the Winnipeg Rifles at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Thunder travel to Sherwood Park, Alta., on Sunday, September 26 to take on the Edmonton Wildcats at 1 p.m. at Emerald Hills Regional Park.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.

Hilltops seek to turn tables in rematch with Thunder

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant, second from left, gives orders last Saturday.

Carter McLean is hoping pre-game cheers will set the tone for a good outing in Regina for his Saskatoon Hilltops.

The Hilltops star running back means that is the most respectful way too.

During his first two full seasons with the Hilltops in 2018 and 2019, McLean’s first impressions when his Hilltops visited Mosaic Stadium to face the host Regina Thunder were good ones. When the Hilltops travel to Regina for games, they are usually accompanied by a large contingent of supporters from Saskatoon.

Since the Thunder started playing games in Mosaic Stadium in 2017, the Hilltops faithful seem to have found this one section on the west side of the facility to occupy that seems to be good for cheering.

Mosaic Stadium is designed to hold crowd noise inside the facility, and the Hilltops supporters seem to have found the one section to where the noise circulates and gets amplified inside the stadium.

When the Hilltops are introduced to the crowd first being the visiting team, the players often get a bit surprised by how loud their fans sound when they come out on to the field.

“It is so fun to play at Mosaic,” said McLean. “The fans come, and it is awesome seeing the support from them.

“They are loud out there. We have some of the loudest fans for sure and some of the best ones here in the CJFL. We’re looking forward to that game for sure in Mosaic.”

Carter McLean sits second in the PFC in rushing.

The Hilltops (2-1) face the Thunder (3-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. in a CJFL regular season contest to conclude the back end of a home-and-home series between the two clubs. Last Saturday at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Thunder posted a 16-13 victory on a strength of a last play 51-yard field goal from kicker Eric Maximuik.

Regina’s victory ended a 33-game winning streak including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season for the Hilltops.

The two sides have met three times at Mosaic Stadium, and the Hilltops have claimed victory in each of those encounters with McLean being on the roster for the 2018 and 2019 wins.

Actually, last Saturday’s setback to the Thunder was the first time the 21-year-old ever experienced a loss as a member of the Hilltops.

“Since I’ve been here, we haven’t lost a game, so it is a real eye-opener and a real humbler that we have to learn from,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “This week it is going to be a lot of focus to details and a lot of focus on the plays to get better for each and every one of us here.”

From that encounter last Saturday, the Thunder posted 409 yards of total offence, while the Hilltops had 288 yards of total offence. Regina had 34 minutes and 26 seconds in time of possession, while Saskatoon had the ball for 25 minutes and 36 seconds.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said film study showed obvious points where his team needs to be better.

“Real simple, number one the offence has to stay on the field longer and the defence has to get off the field sooner,” said Sargeant. “When you look at time possession, their offence was on the field 10 more minutes than we were.

The Hilltops defence aims to keep the Thunder offence in check.

“That certainly gets in the way of what we are trying to accomplish. I thought our special teams improved. Our defensive performance was at a pretty good standing, because any time you give up 16 points you think you got to win those games.

“You know what, that didn’t happen. Obviously, our offence has got to do a better job of getting things sorted out, and that is on me.”

During the Hilltops first three games, their offensive unit has had its ups and downs. In two of those games including last Saturday’s loss, the Hilltops have pulled starting quarterback Doug Fleming in favour of backup Damon Dutton.

No matter who has been at quarterback, the Hilltops offence has been inconsistent. Sargeant wants to see better play for the quarterback position.

Since the sideline boss doubles as the Hilltops offensive coordinator, Sargeant said he has to do his part in ensuring the offence plays better.

“We need these guys to step up and do their jobs and make the plays when they need to make them and that didn’t always happen,” said Sargeant. “We’re going to own it first.

“We have to coach better. We have to make sure that we put our players in better spots. We have to make sure our players are confident in the spots we put them in, and then they have to execute the plan.”

Sargeant is looking forward to the opportunity to bounce back from a loss.

“We’re excited to go redeem ourselves,” said Sargeant. “At the end of the day, we’re not proud with our performance.

“We believe we have to step up. In the last three or four minutes, Regina just wanted it more than we did, and they showed a little more of that killer instinct. This team has to rise to the challenge, and I’m excited to see how they respond.”

The Hilltops look to return to the win column this Saturday.

The one spot that has been consistent with the Hilltops offence is the running game. McLean sits second in rushing in the Prairie Football Conference with piling up 343 yards on 66 carries and scoring two touchdowns.

After falling to the Thunder this past Saturday, McLean believes it is good for his Hilltops to have the chance to take on the Thunder again this coming Saturday in Regina.

“It will be nice to see them right away here again,” said McLean. “We will try to play better than they do obviously and get the win.

“We know their tendencies. We see them during film, and we know what their tendencies are and we don’t forget about that. We are ready to go.”

Hilltops’ Fossen named PFC’s defensive player of the week

Saskatoon Hilltops linebacker Brady Fossen was named defensive player of the week on Tuesday for the Prairie Football Conference.

Last Saturday, Fossen had five defensive tackles, one defensive tackle assist, one quarterback sack and one forced fumble in the Hilltops 16-13 setback to the Regina Thunder at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

In the 2019 season, Fossen played in all of the Hilltops games as they went 12-0 to win a sixth straight CJFL title. In those games, he had 35 defensive tackles, 12 tackle assists, three sacks, two special teams tackles and one special teams tackle assist.

The Watrous, Sask., product is playing in his fourth full season with the Hilltops.

Thunder’s Maximuik takes weekly special teams honour

Regina Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik took home honours as the special teams player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, Maximuik hit a 51-yard field goal on the last play of the game to lift the Thunder to a 16-13 victory over the host Saskatoon Hilltops at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Maximuik, who is in his fourth full season with the Thunder, made 3-of-4 field goals in the contest and connected on his only convert attempt. He also punted the ball seven times for an average of 38.1 yards per kick.

Huskies’ Gayle dubbed PFC’s top weekly offensive player

Edmonton Huskies running back Alex Gayle captured honours as the offensive player of the week for the Prairie Football Conference on Tuesday.

This past Sunday, Gayle had a big outing as his Huskies hammered the visiting Calgary Colts 62-14 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton. Gayle carried the ball 18 times for 112 yards and scored one touchdown. 

He also caught four passes for 41 yards.

Thanks to Gayle’s performance, the Huskies improved to 2-1, while the Colts fell to 0-3.

Alberta declares state of public health emergency

On Wednesday evening, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney declared a state of public health emergency for his province due to the rising cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of Wednesday, Alberta had 18,421 active cases of COVID-19. As of Wednesday evening, Alberta had 270 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units.

Alberta Health Services is asking for help from other provinces to take patients who are in ICU.

Alberta reported 1,609 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, which is the second single highest day increase during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped the world.

A large majority of the COVID-19 cases are made up of people who haven’t gotten vaccinated against the virus.

Alberta also introduced numerous public health orders. Some of those orders start on Thursday and others take effect on Monday.

One of the measures states that starting on Thursday indoor private gatherings are limited to a single household plus one other household to a maximum of 10 people and all the people in the gathering must be vaccinated. Gatherings are not permitted for those who are not vaccinated.

On the sports front starting on Thursday, spectator attendance for indoor events is limited to one-third of fire code capacity.

Albertans who are not vaccinated can’t socialize indoors without anyone outside of their household beginning on Thursday.

Starting on Monday, no indoor group classes or activities for adults will be permitted. One-on-one training or individual workouts will be permitted with three metres of physical distancing required.

There are no restrictions on outdoor sports activities.

Also on Monday, Alberta is introducing a proof of vaccination system to access non-essential businesses under what the provincial government there calls the “restriction exemption program.”

People accessing those business must show proof of vaccination or produce a negative privately-paid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of accessing that business.

Businesses such as restaurants, bars, entertainment and recreation facilities that adopt the system will be able to operate as usual without any of the new restrictions as long as they deny access to unvaccinated individuals or those who cannot provide a negative test result. Documentation of a medical exemption will be accepted as well.

Over the next few days, it is likely exemptions for these orders will be declared for sports leagues like the NHL, WHL, AJHL and U Sports that hold competitions indoors. U Sports has a number of outdoor sports that won’t be affected in Alberta.

The Edmonton Journal story regarding the new COVID-19 restrictions coming in for Alberta can be found by clicking right here.

If you have any comments you would like to pass along about this post, feel free to email them to stankssports@gmail.com.

-------

If you like what you see here, you might want to donate to the cause to keep independent media like this blog going. Should you choose to help out, feel free to click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for stopping in.