Raiders rally comes up just short in Wenatchee in 4-3 OT loss

Prince Albert wraps up roadie with 5-1-1 record

The Prince Albert Raiders could have adopted “Iron Man” as their theme song for being road warriors.

On Saturday, the Raiders wrapped up a seven-game road jaunt that included visits to every rink in the WHL’s U.S. Division with a 4-3 overtime setback to the host Wild at the Town Toyota Centre in Wenatchee, Washington. During the trip, the Raiders posted a 5-1-1 record. The Black Sabbath song “Iron Man” was used as the theme song of the professional wrestling tag team The Road Warriors made up of partners Animal and Hawk during their days in the now defunct AWA.

In the clash with the Wild played before 3,021 spectators, the Raiders entered the third period trailing 3-1. They received a single from 19-year-old centre Evan Smith with 10:15 remaining in the third and the equalizer from 19-year-old defenceman Linden Burrett with 3:25 remaining in the frame to force a 3-3 tie and overtime.

At the 1:54 mark of overtime, the Wild broke into the Raiders zone on a two-on-one break. Wild centre Caelan Joudrey wired a shot on goal that Raiders rookie import netminder Michal Orsulak got a big piece of, but the puck was able to get out from under the goalie and enter the Prince Albert net to give Wenatchee a 4-3 win.

In the first period, Blake Vanek and Luka Shcherbyna netted singles to put the Wild up 2-0. Late in the first, Raiders 16-year-old rookie defenceman Brock Cripps scored his first career WHL regular season goal to trim the Wild lead to 2-1.

Wild centre Maddix McCagherty had the lone goal in the second period to give the host side a 3-1 lead. That set the stage for the dramatics in the third period and overtime.

Orsulak turned away 25 shots to take the extra time setback in goal for the Raiders (15-1-4). Import rookie netminder Tobias Tyrznik stopped 39 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Wild (6-10-1-1).

The Raiders return to action on Friday, when they host the Brandon Wheat Kings (7 p.m., Art Hauser Centre).

The Wild get back at it on Sunday when they travel to Portland to take on the Winterhawks (4 p.m. local time, Veterans Memorial Coliseum).

Wild head coach Don Nachbaur coached in his 1,413^th career WHL regular season contest on Saturday as he continues to build on his league record in that department. He has an all-time coaching record of 721-568-124 in regular season play.

Nachbaur set a new league record for career regular season games coached last Friday, when his squad fell 6-3 to the Winterhawks in Portland. That moved him one game ahead of the old mark of 1,411 games coached by WHL legend with the Winterhawks franchise in Ken Hodge.

Nachbaur, 66, had previously been the head coach of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, Tri-City Americans and Spokane Chiefs in his coaching career.

Blades outgun Rebels 6-5

The Saskatoon Blades won their third straight on Saturday night when they outlasted the host Red Deer Rebels in a wild 1980s offensive type night.

Blades 17-year-old star centre Cooper Williams had two goals and one assist to power the Blades to a 6-5 victory before 4,736 spectators at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Rebels sophomore 19-year-old left-winger Jaxon Fuder had a hat trick and an assist in the setback.

The teams exited the first period locked in a 2-2 tie, and the Blades held a 3-2 edge going into the second intermission. The two squads found themselves locked in a 4-4 tie in the third before the Blades shot out to hold a 6-4 lead. The Rebels trimmed the Blades advantage to 6-5 with four minutes to play in the third, but Saskatoon hung on to ensure that was the game’s final outcome.

Rowan Calvert, Dominik Petr, Hunter Laing and Kazden Mathies all had singles for the Blades. Samuel Drancak and Beckett Hamilton picked up singles for the Rebels.

Evan Gardner stopped 18 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Blades (13-8-2). Matthew Kondro turned away 27 shots to take the setback in net for the Rebels (7-11-1-2).

The Blades return to action on Friday when they host the Swift Current Broncos (7 p.m., SaskTel Centre).

The Rebels get back at it on Friday when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers (7 p.m. local time, Marchant Crane Centrium).

Broncos fined $10,000, DeSilva resigns

A WHL dropped the hammer on the Swift Current Broncos that also saw the resignation of Broncos head coach Dean DeSilva over breaches the WHL Standards of Conduct.

On Friday, the WHL fined the Broncos organization $10,000 after an investigation of DeSilva over breaches of the WHL Standards of Conduct. The investigation found that DeSilva, in the process of administering player discipline, breached the Standards of Conduct during two separate on-ice incidents. One occurred during the Broncos 4-0 regular season road loss to the Raiders in Prince Albert on October 24, and the other occurred during a Broncos practice on October 27.

The WHL had previously suspended DeSilva on November 5. On Friday, the WHL finalized DeSilva’s suspension at five games, which finished up on Tuesday when the Broncos lost at home 4-1 to the visiting Saskatoon Blades.

After the disciplinary action was announced, the Broncos announced they had accepted the resignation of DeSilva effective immediately.

“Following careful consideration, it was mutually determined that in the best interest of both Dean and the organization, this is the right path forward,” said Broncos general manager Chad Leslie in a release. “The Swift Current Broncos are committed to providing a positive environment for all players.”

Broncos assistant coach Regan Darby had assumed the head coach role, when DeSilva was initially suspended. On Friday, Darby was officially named the team’s interim head coach.

This situation was brought to the WHL’s attention through its anonymous 1-800 WHL Respect line, which provides players, staff and others associated with the WHL with a confidential avenue to report concerns or incidents that may violate WHL standards.

In this situation, the WHL has imposed remedial measures that include supplementary education and support, enhanced monitoring and preventative steps to ensure there is no recurrence of similar conduct.

DeSilva, 57, was hired before the start of the current campaign. The Broncos parted ways with their previous head coach Taras McEwen on May 15 after the squad posted a 35-30-1-2 record and was eliminated in the first round of the WHL Playoffs by the eventual WHL champion Medicine Hat Tigers.

McEwen is currently the head coach of the Prairie Hockey Academy’s U18 Prep team. During his time with the Broncos, he moved from assistant coach to interim head coach on November 29, 2023 before becoming head coach without the interim tag.

McEwen took over the head coach role from Devan Praught. Praught had been suspended five games for violating the WHL Standards of Conduct. He parted ways with the Broncos the day McEwen was named the team’s interim head coach.

Praught is currently an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Hurricanes fined $10,000, GM suspended

The WHL dropped the hammer on the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the team’s general manager Peter Anholt.

On Friday, the WHL announced that Anholt has been suspended from his duties effective immediately and continuing through to Tuesday, November 25 and has issued a $10,000 fine to the Hurricanes organization. The sanctions come following a WHL investigation that found Anholt breached the WHL Standards of Conduct through the use of intimidating behavior and language during a post-game address to players in the dressing room following the team’s 8-6 home ice loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings on October 29.

Anholt will be eligible to return to his Hurricanes duties on Wednesday, November 26. The Hurricanes will have played five games during Anholt’s suspension.

Barclay Parneta, who is a senior advisor for the Hurricanes, will handle Anholt’s responsibilities in the interim.

“My behavior and language in addressing our team did not meet expectations,” said Anholt in a release. “The Lethbridge Hurricanes have always believed in providing a positive environment for our players.

“I accept the discipline issued by the WHL and will be committed to a higher standard moving forward.”

This situation was brought to the WHL’s attention through its anonymous 1-800 WHL Respect line, which provides players, staff and others associated with the WHL with a confidential avenue to report concerns or incidents that may violate WHL standards.

In this situation, the WHL has imposed remedial measures that include supplementary education and support, enhanced monitoring and preventative steps to ensure there is no recurrence of similar conduct.

Anholt, 65, has been part of the Hurricanes organization since the start of the 2014-15 campaign. He took over the general manager’s role part way through that campaign and saved a Hurricanes franchise that was so in trouble at that time its existence in Lethbridge was questioned.

During his many decades in hockey or when he held management positions outside the game, Anholt has often been viewed as one of the best guys to work for or play for. For myself personally, he will always be someone I will go to bat for. Anholt and his family are all great people.

Over his career in hockey, Anholt has always brought a great passion to the game. With how the world is in the current day, I suspect his passion is what got him in trouble in that post-game address on October 29.

Anholt, who is a former Raiders player and head coach, is always accountable, and I believe he will come out of this situation in a great form. If I owned a WHL team, I would take Anholt as a general manager, coach or any role he would like. Any hockey team is a better hockey team, if Anholt is a part of the club.

Stevens named top grad at Hilltops awards

Hilltops DT Johnathon Stevens with HC Tom Sargeant.

Johnathon Stevens will go down as one of the all-time greats in the history of the Saskatoon Hilltops, so it was no surprise he claimed one last big honour with the team.

On Friday, the Hilltops hosted the Saskatoon Hilltops Football Club Honours at the Roxy Theatre. For the third straight year, the Hilltops held an awards show similar in nature to awards shows hosted by the NFL and NHL. The storied and historic club was also celebrating the end of a campaign that saw the venerable squad with a 24^th CJFL title.

Last Sunday, the Hilltops edged the Okanagan Sun 21-18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl.

Stevens, who is the team’s star 22-year-old defensive tackle, was named the winner of the Drs. Landa-Doig Award as the team’s most outstanding graduate. In 2025, Stevens also claimed honours as a CJFL first team all-Canadian all-star, a PFC all-star and the PFC’s most outstanding defensive lineman.

During the regular season, Stevens recorded 11 solo defensive tackles, 18 defensive tackle assists, three quarterback sacks, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Steven also attended training camp for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and was on the Roughriders practice roster until he rejoined the Hilltops for his fifth and final CJFL campaign.

The Past President’s Trophy as the team’s rookie of the year went to centre Matt Elash. Elash became the Hilltops starting centre in their third regular season game. He was named a PFC all-star and to the PFC’s all-rookie team.

Graduating defensive tackle Nahom Menghestab claimed the Ray Syrnyk Trophy as the team’s top lineman. He did a tonne of grunt work occupying two blocks to allow his teammates to make plays.

The Don and Jim Seaman Memorial Award for the top linebacker went to fourth year outside linebacker Rudolph Osborne. During the regular season Osborne recorded 26 solo defensive tackles, 11 defensive tackle assists, one special team solo tackle and two pass knockdowns.

Graduating right tackle Victoire Bikulo claimed the Ron Atchison True Grit Award. Bikulo became one of the most beloved players on the Hilltops to go with the stellar performances he put up on the offensive line.

The Jim Courtice Inspiration Award was taken by graduating middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk. Michayluk was a CJFL second team all-Canadian all-star and a PFC all-star. During the regular season, Michayluk finished second in the PFC with 116 defensive points having recorded 32 solo defensive tackles, 22 defensive tackle assists, one special teams solo tackle, four special teams tackle assists, three pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three interceptions.

Jace Mowles, who is a graduating cornerback, claimed The Blue and Gold Award for dedication and commitment. Mowles had 13 solo defensive tackles, one defensive tackle assist, three special teams solo tackles, three special teams tackle assists, four pass knockdowns and three interceptions in the regular season.

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

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Hilltops capture Canadian Bowl on guts and hard work

A CJFL title win by Saskatoon not a sure thing in 2025

The Hilltops fifth-year players are pictured with the Canadian Bowl.

At times throughout the 2025 season, it seemed like a CJFL championship win wouldn’t be in the cards for the Saskatoon Hilltops.

Throughout the campaign, injuries and adversity seemed to be just around the corner waiting to derail the storied and historic CJFL club. No matter how seemingly bad things got, the Hilltops players and the team’s coaches led by legendary head coach Tom Sargeant believed.

In true Hilltops fashion, the team found a way. A pair of legacy defining victories including a 30-27 overtime win in the Prairie Football Conference final over the host Regina Thunder and a 21-18 triumph over the visiting Okanagan Sun in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – saw the Hilltops become CJFL champions for a 24^th time.

The Hilltops D-line groups get a photo with the Canadian Bowl.

Out of all the Hilltops CJFL title winners, the 2025 squad even with a 9-2 overall record could be viewed as the most unlikely of those championship squads. They are definitely the most unlikely of all the club’s CJFL title winners dating back to at least the 1985 squad. In 1985, the Hilltops under then head coach Kevin Scott faced a large number of injuries causing early struggles that saw the team post a 5-3 regular season mark.

The Hilltops got healthy going into the playoffs that year and would move on to win four straight post-season games to claim the CJFL title with a 9-3 overall mark. Sargeant was a receiver on that 1985 squad and that marked the first time he was on CJFL championship team with the Hilltops. He has since won two more CJFL titles as an assistant coach and 15 CJFL championships as a head coach.

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions.

This past season in 2025, the Hilltops did have some outstanding talent. At the running back position, they had David Collins, Charles Sawi and Corbin Ebben who could all make plays at any time in the game. 

On defence, the stars were defensive tackles Johnathon Stevens and Nahom Menghestab and middle linebacker Isaac Michayluk.

With that noted, the Hilltops in 2025 will be best remembered for their grit. They grinded through the injuries that seemed to constantly pile up for the team.

David Collins had a stellar season for the Hilltops.

Injuries started before training camp began. Star fifth-year safety Dalton Urban went to the training camp of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders along with Stevens. In a 27-20 pre-season loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on May 30, Urban was injured playing on the kickoff coverage team tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

While unable to play for the Hilltops, Urban was placed on the club’s injured/inactive list. He still remained with the team all season helping the defensive backs with adjustments. Be it the practice field or game day, Urban was there with a tablet offering advice to the men in the Hilltops secondary.

The Hilltops struggled early to stay healthy at the quarterback position. During the eight game regular season, six different pivots threw passes for the ’Toppers.

Nahom Menghestab, left, and Johnathon Stevens anchor the inside.

Saskatoon had to overcome various injuries in the club’s receivers group. As a result of the combination of quarterback and receiver injuries, the Hilltops passing game was not as crisp and consistent as it traditionally has been in the past, but when key plays needed to be made in the passing game, the Hilltops made them.

The regular season started on August 10 with the Hilltops traveling to Winnipeg and being on the wrong end of a 31-11 drubbing against the host Rifles at Maple Grove Rugby Park. That result caught the attention of everyone around the CJFL.

Brexton Elias returned from injury to start at QB for the Hilltops.

After rebounding with two convincing wins at home, the Hilltops got to hit the field with fifth-year Brexton Elias, who was tabbed as the team’s starting quarterback going into the campaign. Due to injury, he didn’t play or start until the team’s fourth regular season game on Sept. 6, when the Hilltops downed the host Thunder 18-15 at Mosaic Stadium.

The Hilltops would run their winning streak to five games before dropping a 24-21 heartbreaker on their home turf of Saskatoon Minor Football Field on September 27. Sargeant said his players came out with a great effort in that contest and shouldered the blame for that setback.

The players believed they could make the 2025 campaign a special one and went back to work. They were aware they needed to keep grinding and building, so there was no looking too far ahead.

Isaiah Vallderruten jets upfield after making a catch.

The Hilltops concluded the regular season playing in adverse rainy and windy conditions on October 12 at SMF Field downing the visiting Calgary Colts 31-6. That allowed Saskatoon to post a 6-2 record during the regular season and ensure a second place finish in the PFC.

With Ebben experiencing injuries early in the regular season, Collins emerged as the star starting running back. He would record the 11^th individual season where a Hilltops running back broke 1,000-yards rushing for the regular season. Collins finished the regular season with 126 carries for 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The product of St. Michael, Minn., was one of the first three players the Hilltops ever had on their roster from the United States and all were in their final campaigns of eligibility for the CJFL. CJFL clubs are allowed to have three players born in the U.S. on their rosters.

David Boyd Jr., right, shows off his sure hands for the Hilltops.

The Hilltops’ U.S. contingent included receiver Isaiah Vallderruten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. With Urban out with injury, Vallderruten played both ways for the Hilltops taking on the safety position on defence.

Saskatoon also added receiver David Boyd Jr., who is from St. Cloud, Minn. Boyd Jr. spent the 2024 campaign with the Thunder before electing to move to Saskatoon. He would make some clutch catches as the campaign went on.

The trio of Collins, Vallderruten and Boyd Jr. fit in seamlessly with the Hilltops roster. You would have thought the U.S. born players grew up playing football with the other players on the Saskatoon side.

Charles Sawi made tonnes of exciting plays for the Hilltops.

The post-season began on October 19 at SMF Field with the Hilltops romping over the Rifles 60-26.

An epic comeback followed at Mosaic Stadium in the PFC final against the Thunder. Regina led 24-9 with 10:51 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Saskatoon rallied to even the score 24-24 to force overtime. After the Thunder got a field goal on their overtime possession to go ahead 27-24, Hilltops backup quarterback Griffin Sander hit Vallderruten with a 24-yard winning, walk-off touchdown pass to pull out a legacy-defining 30-27 victory.

In that triumph, the Hilltops coaches elected to pull Elias for Sander, who is a former University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team reserve quarterback, to spark the offence. Elias proceeded to help out as much as he could from the sidelines, and the fact he was a good teammate created an intangible that contributed to the rally.

HC Tom Sargeant keeps providing stellar guidance for the Hilltops. 

Elias got the start in the Canadian Bowl this past Sunday at SMF Field. He again showed his team-first mindset, when the Hilltops elected to pull him for Sander late in the first quarter when Saskatoon was locked in a 2-2 tie with the British Columbia Football Conference champion Sun from Kelowna.

The Hilltops proceeded to go ahead 16-2 in the second quarter and held a 16-4 lead at halftime. The Sun got a first drive touchdown to start the third quarter, but they later conceded a safety in the frame to make the Hilltops lead sit at 18-11.

With 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Sun quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home an 18-yard touchdown to complete a 108-yard scoring drive to force an 18-18 tie.

MLB Isaac Michayluk had an outstanding season on defence.

The Hilltops weren’t done and put together a gritty ensuing drive with big runs on the ground to get into field goal range. Hilltops fourth-year kicker Ryden Gratton nailed a 37-yard field goal with 28.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the hosts a 21-18 lead.

On the Sun ensuing series, Hilltops third-year strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor came up with a game sealing interception on Kroeger. Saskatoon killed the rest of the clock with kneel downs to cement a 21-18 victory. The celebration was on for the “blue and gold” at SMF Field.

All of a sudden, the Hilltops had completed arguably their most memorable season in the modern history of the club dating back to 1947. When the team was presented the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions, it felt like the Hilltops 2025 campaign lived to the game’s most famous quote given the man who has the NFL’s Super Bowl trophy named after him in the iconic Vince Lombardi.

Lombardi’s famous quote goes, “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour – his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”

ackson Dean, centre, enjoys the Canadian Bowl with family and friends.

That quote fittingly describes the 2025 Hilltops after their CJFL title game win. They worked their hearts out and earned everything that came their way.

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

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Hilltops’ Collins chases 1,000-yard club for rushing

David Collins has 909 yards rushing this season.

Individual milestones were not on David Collins’ mind when he joined the Saskatoon Hilltops but getting to enjoy the game of football for one more season was.

The 22-year-old running back, who is from St. Michael, Minnesota, joined the CJFL’s storied and historic Hilltops after taking a year off from the sport. Collins last played the sport in 2023 for the Central Lakes College Raiders in Brainerd, Minn., who are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

After seven games with the Hilltops, Collins, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 195 pounds, has carried the ball 114 times for 909 yards and 11 touchdowns. His rushing yardage total ranks second in the Prairie Football Conference, and his 11 rushing majors top the conference in both rushing and total touchdowns.

The Hilltops (5-2) close their regular season on Sunday when they host the Calgary Colts (2-5) at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. If Collins can collect 91 yards rushing in that contest, it will mark the 11^th time in the history of the modern version of the Hilltops dating back to 1947 that one player hit 1,000 yards rushing in one regular season.

“I am very blessed for the opportunity and being able to play for this long of a season, and hopefully we can go as far as we can go in the championship game,” said Collins. “(I am) really thankful for the O-line.

“Thank you for my team. Thank you for the coaches for giving me the opportunity and believing in me to even get this close to the chance.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said Collins is going to get his chance to hit the 1,000-yard rushing barrier as the Hilltops aim to get going in an upward trend as the CJFL playoffs are just around the corner for the Saskatoon side. 

In their last outing, the Hilltops dropped a 24-21 decision at Saskatoon Minor Football Field to their provincial rivals in the Regina Thunder back on September 27. Following action on September 27 and 28, all teams in the PFC headed out on a bye week.

David Collins leads the PFC with 11 total touchdowns.

Sargeant said the Hilltops path forward includes ensuring Collins is a major part of the offence.

“He (Collins) has got to touch that ball 20 to 25 times this weekend,” said Sargeant. “There is no question about it.

“The offence has got to go through him. That is the mentality. That is the reality.

“Let’s go out there and make it happen. When he is touching the ball, if he is getting his carries, that means we’re moving the chains and first downs lead to touchdowns, and that is the type of offence we want to run.”

Going into the final weekend of the regular season for the PFC, the Hilltops, who are rated fourth in the final CJFL Top 10 Power Rankings on Friday, still have an outside shot at top spot in the conference. If they beat the Colts and the Thunder (6-1) fall in their final regular season clash with the Edmonton Wildcats (2-5), the Hilltops would take top spot in the conference.

The Thunder and Wildcats go at it on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina. The Colts and Wildcats need to win their final respective contests, which would be big upsets, to keep their respective post-season hopes alive.

The Edmonton Huskies (3-4) will host the Winnipeg Rifles (3-4) at Jasper Place Bowl on Sunday at 1 p.m. local time. The winner will lock up third place in the conference. A tie would clinch post-season berths for both squads.

Currently, the Colts hold the tiebreaker over the Rifles. The Huskies hold the tiebreaker over the Colts. The Rifles hold the tiebreaker over the Wildcats.

The Wildcats hold the tiebreaker over the Colts and Huskies. If there ends up being a three-way tie for fourth place and the final playoff berth in the PFC, the points for and against ratio for each team could be the deciding tiebreaker.

When the Hilltops and Colts met back on September 14 in Calgary, Saskatoon romped to a 51-3 victory. Sargeant said that was his club’s most complete game of the 2025 campaign, and he wants his club to get back to and surpass that performance to make a long post-season run possible.

David Collins is enjoying his lone season with the Hilltops.

“I’m just trying to build this football team so that when we hit the playoffs we hit our stride, and we play with great confidence and get the ball to the right guys,” said Sargeant. “David Collins is certainly one of those guys.”

Going forward, Collins is looking forward to embracing all the remaining experiences with the Hilltops. He almost can’t believe his team will only play one more regular season contest before starting a journey through the single-elimination CJFL post-season.

“It (the 2025 season) has been super fast,” said Collins. “Especially like coming in late July and soon as like the season got started and going, it just was every day was like game after game.”

Saints and Sun rolling in 2025, other notes

The St. Clair Saints and Okanagan Sun have cemented themselves as the teams to beat in the CJFL in 2025.

Last year, the Saints and Sun met in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The host Saints claimed a 37-22 victory at Acumen Stadium in Windsor, Ont.

This year the defending CJFL champion Saints have topped the Ontario Football Conference with an 8-0 mark and are rated first in the final CJFL Top 10 Power Rankings released on Friday. The Sun claimed first place in the British Columbia Football Conference with a 10-0 mark.

Due to the fact the champion of the Prairie Football Conference hosts the Canadian Bowl, the post-seasons in the CJFL Playoffs begin this weekend for teams in the OFC and the BCFC, while the PFC concludes its regular season.

The Saints open their post-season schedule hosting the Sault Ste. Marie Cougars (4-4) in an OFC semifinal at Acumen Stadium at 1 p.m. local time. The Sun host the Vancouver Island Raiders (5-4-1) in a BCFC semifinal at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, B.C., at 1 p.m. local time.

The BCFC champion will host the OFC champion in this year’s CJFL national semifinal set to be held on October 25.

• Winnipeg Rifles receiver Jarome Penner leads the PFC in receptions (39) and yards (760). He also has three receiving touchdowns on the campaign.
• Winnipeg Rifles linebacker Kyler Banfield leads the PFC with 118 defensive points. He tallied up that total recording 34 defensive solo tackles, 25 defensive tackle assists, one special teams tackle, one special teams tackle assist, two quarterback sacks, four pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
• Saskatoon Hilltops defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens leads the PFC with three quarterback sacks.
• On Thursday, I had new content appear on the Howe Happenings blog that supports the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. I put together a feature on Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks Football Team star in Parker Bond. Bond is a natural middle linebacker, and has filled the roles of running back, fullback, receiver, starting quarterback and played on all special teams with the Redhawks this season. The piece on Bond can be found by clicking right here. I also put together a photo roundup that is dominated by images of high school football and the Toon Squad Female Flag Football League. The photo roundup also contains photos from baseball, softball, track and field and a couple of other surprises. That post 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.

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Hilltops take CFL rule changes as it is what it is

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant studies play in a CJFL game on Aug. 17.

The Saskatoon Hilltops will deal with the trickle down effects of the CFL’s rule changes as they come.

On Monday, Canada’s professional circuit announced some major rule changes. Starting in 2026, the famous rouge has been altered.

No points will be awarded for missed field goals, punts and kickoffs that go through the end zone via either through the air or a bounce. If a returner fields any of those types of kicks in the end zone and is tackled in the end zone or kneels down in the end zone, a single point rouge will be scored.

A 35-second play clock will replace the 20-second play clock in 2026. Next year once a play is blown dead, a 35-second play clock begins. Also in 2026, team benches at all CFL stadiums will be on opposite sides of the field.

In 2027, the field of play will change. The field of play between the goal-lines will be 100 yards instead of 110 yards. The depth of the end zones will shrink from 20 yards to 15 yards.

The width of the field will still be 65 yards. The uprights will be moved from the goal-line to the back of the end zone.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant had up and down feelings about the changes.

“I understand and respect the reason why they want to move the goalpost,” said Sargeant, who has guided the Hilltops to 14 CJFL title wins as head coach. “I think that is a safety element.

“Everything we’ve done when you look at the game of football with literature is trying to make the game a safer place. I think they’re trying to make it more Americanized. Do I agree with all the things, no I don’t, but you know right now that is professional sport.

“I coach amateur football. Hopefully, it doesn’t affect us and we can keep doing what we’re doing, because obviously for the blue and gold, it has worked out pretty well.”

Hilltops star fifth year defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens went to training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and was on their practice roster until the time arrived for him to be assigned back to the Hilltops. The Eatonia, Sask., product has a fondness for how the game is now, but he believes CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston is trying his best to move the game forward.

“It is a little tough for me,” said Stevens. “All the respect to the commissioner there.

“He is trying to improve the league and do what he can do to help out there and help grow the game and make it more exciting for the fans, obviously. I have mixed feelings, but ultimately, it is not up to me with what happens. I do know no matter what the Canadian game is going to be great no matter what happens.”

As for the change in the field size, Stevens said you just have to adjust to it. He said the three players currently on the Hilltops roster that were born in the United States in receiver/safety Isaiah Vallderruten, running back David Collins and receiver David Boyd Jr. have all adapted to playing the larger Canadian sized field, so that adaptation can work going the other way.

“I’ve only ever played on one size of field there, obviously,” said Stevens. “If it came down to it, what else can you do.

“You’d have to adapt to it, and obviously, get used to new things as the Americans here. They had to get used to our field, so we’ll see how it goes.”

CFL rule changes gave Yausie new work

Jeff Yausie works the sidelines as the Hilltops DC on Aug. 17.

The CFL’s incoming rule changes created some unexpected homework for Jeff Yausie.

Yausie had been focusing on his role as the defensive coordinator for the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops reviewing video of their 52-26 victory over the Edmonton Wildcats at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta. That all changed on Monday morning when the CFL announced some major rule changes, and Yausie had to jump into action as the CEO of Football Saskatchewan in gathering information and having meetings about the changes.

Yausie said the staff at Football Saskatchewan didn’t have any idea the CFL rule changes were coming on Monday. One of the meetings included talking with Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds.

“I had meetings with Craig (Reynolds) from the ’Riders, and they were told to keep it top secret until the announcement, which totally makes sense,” said Yausie. “It was a complete surprise for us.

“Even Football Canada had received word like the night before at the last second, so there was not a lot of consultation across the players association and the amateur football. Obviously, it was a really well-organized announcement. They did their homework.

“They had some real good graphics and stuff to explain the changes and the differences.”

While the new rules will see the CFL change to a field that is 100 yards in length between the end zones as opposed to the current 110 yards, Yausie doesn’t think the CFL is moving to a version of the sport that more resembles what is played in the United States.

“I really don’t,” said Yausie. “To me, the only changes to make it more American football are 100-yard field and goalposts to the back of the end zone.

“I like goalposts to the back of the end zone, and I like 100-yard field. I think it’ll turn into more scoring, which is what their analytics told them. For us and the rest of the changes, I think you have to change and grow to get better and to keep up with the times.

“We’re excited about that. The concern is the change to the field sizes and how that affects amateur football. That is going to take time for that to figure out.”

Yausie said he was happy the changes that are coming in are staggered for 2026 and 2027. He added it would take more time in the amateur football world to change facilities and believes those changes could take five to 10 years before everyone adjusts. For teams that play in CFL stadiums, Yausie said they would be affected the most.

He believes it is possible that Football Canada might follow the CFL as far as rule changes go.

“I think they could,” said Yausie. “We’ll certainly analyze it as far as the rule changes that were made, not the field sized ones, but the rule changes to start.

“The good thing is the CFL is a professional league. We can analyze what they’re doing, and we can see if it works, if it doesn’t work. If it is great, then we’ll adopt and change.

“I think some of that will happen.”

Yausie admits it is also a challenge to secure money for sports facilities in Canada, so that exists as a hurdle when it comes to changing fields.

“For sure, dollars for sports is a huge concern,” said Yausie. “The cool part is in Saskatchewan we love our six-a-side football, our nine-a –side football and our 12-a-side football.

“Football is football. I don’t care what the field size is. They didn’t touch the 65-yard width, which is huge.

“They didn’t touch the downs like three-down football we are. They didn’t touch a yard off the ball. To me, it is really not Americanizing Canadian football.”

Reaction to CFL rule changes more mixed than I thought

Andrew Harris in action for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2017.

The CFL rule changes avoided the deal breaker.

As a result, the reaction I’ve seen to the incoming rule changes is more mixed than I thought. To me, the reaction has been about 55 per cent negative and 45 per cent understanding. In my subjective view, it has been way more even than I expected.

I think the deal breaker would have been had the CFL elected to become a four-down game as opposed to sticking to three downs. Having three downs to gain 10 yards is the most defining characteristic of the Canadian game of football.

Had there been a change to four downs, I could envision the two CFL stronghold franchises in the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers losing half of their season ticket holders going into the 2026 campaign.

The CFL approached the rule changes with great skill. They highlighted the changes to the rouge. I think half of the fans of the Canadian game did not want any points to be given for balls that were kicked through the end zone – especially for missed field goals.

The alterations that were made to the rouge were something that most to all CFL fans could agree to. From there, the CFL eased into the other changes like adjusting the play clock and field dimensions.

The CFL approached the rule changes like skilled politicians. You make a change in the law or a program everyone pretty much can agree to and you proceed to add changes to other laws and programs people might be wary of after that.

With that approach, the CFL got a sizable number of people who felt OK with the rule changes.

As far as bringing in a 35-second play clock is concerned, I’ve had football people tell me there are consistency issues with the 20-second play clock regarding how officials allow teams to substitute in players. Those issues aren’t major ones and were something that was being dealt with in organizational meetings in the sport.

For myself, I still don’t like the rule changes, but they are not deal breakers that will make me decide to stop going to games. I will still go to CFL games.

Had they made it even more like the game in the United States, I wouldn’t like the changes, but I would still go for the curiosity factor. I also find I like football in all its forms including the flag and touch games.

I think the changes that were made open doors for the CFL to possibly get a television contract or streaming service contract in the United States and possibly expand again to the United States. I think the changes will help sell the league to legal gambling partners and possibly make it easier to get a video game done.

I haven’t gambled on any type of sports in years. With that noted, I realize the sports industry makes big money on gambling, and I think it is likely way more money than I originally thought.

I know in Canada the notion is there about expanding the CFL to Quebec City or Halifax, N.S.

However, I can see the CFL looking to the United States, because it is easier to do business there. To build any sort of sports facilities in Canada including potential stadiums in Quebec City and Halifax, those looking to build often rely on getting grants from the Government of Canada. Currently, the Government of Canada ties those grants to promises of the new facilities that are powered by green energy to a certain extent and are environment friendly.

Actually to be realistic, the Government of Canada makes the sports industry jump through various hoops in ways that parallel most other industries in the country.

In the United States, sports are a major industry. To use a metaphor, sports in the United States is a big-boss table that includes kings and queens, while Canada’s sports industry is a baby in a high-chair.

I think the CFL could use expansion to the United States as a way to leverage better business environments for its franchises in Canada.

I know almost all professional football circuits that have operated in the United States not named the NFL have failed. Still, I can see why the business people in the CFL would look in that direction. The current rule changes still keep the essence of the Canadian game, and I can see the business crew in the CFL thinking that could still be a great selling point there.

I also note that while I hate the CFL rule changes I don’t get overly emotional about it, and I don’t let it affect my life. I don’t own a team, so I have no control over what happens to that circuit.

It is an entertainment option. One day I might decide it doesn’t work for me anymore, and at that point, I will no longer be someone that buys tickets to games or merchandise.

I won’t pout or get upset or act like a bratty baby. I will just leave and go on to something else.

At this point, the CFL still works for me as an entertainment option.

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

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First place clinch in PFC up for grabs in rivalry clash

Hilltops and Thunder battle for top spot

Johnathon Stevens (#57) has three sacks this season.

Johnathon Stevens smiles at the fact his final CJFL season will include a showdown to lock up first place in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference between his Saskatoon Hilltops and the Regina Thunder.

The provincial rivals take 5-1 records into their head-to-head clash set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops and Thunder are rated third and fourth respectively in the latest CJFL Top 10 Power Rankings released on Thursday. Saturday’s game is the second last regular season contest for both teams, who are guaranteed to finish first and second in the PFC and will respectively host PFC semifinal playoff matches.

Currently, the Hilltops hold the standings tiebreaker between the two sides having posted an 18-15 victory in the lone head-to-head meeting with the Thunder back on September 6 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. If the Hilltops straight out win in the upcoming game on Saturday, they will lock up first place in the PFC.

If the Thunder win by four or more points on Saturday, they will lock up first place in the PFC. If the Thunder win by three or fewer points, they will still need to down the visiting Edmonton Wildcats on Sunday, October 12 a 1 p.m. at Leibel Field to clinch first place.

The team that finishes first in the PFC will have home field advantage through the entire CJFL playoffs, because the PFC champion will host the CJFL championship game – The Canadian Bowl.

“It is always a good match whenever we play each other, obviously,” said Stevens, who is the Hilltops star fifth-year defensive tackle. “There is quite a bit on the line there.

“We’re just going to go out there and do the best we can. We respect them. They are a great team.

“We believe in ourselves as well, and you have to, if you’re going to try to win. I would love to win against them. Every win is a good one.”

The Hilltops head into Saturday’s encounter having won their last five straight. Last Sunday, they downed the host Edmonton Wildcats 52-26 at Emerald Hills Regional Park in Sherwood Park, Alta. Saskatoon led that contest 52-9 before Edmonton scored 17 straight points late in the fourth quarter to make the final outcome look more respectable.

The Thunder have won their last two straight. Last Sunday at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., the Thunder escaped with a 41-40 victory over the host Rifles. The Rifles scored a touchdown with 28 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to pull within 41-40 and were unsuccessful in going for a two-point convert to claim the win.

“Obviously, we got pretty good momentum and pretty good energy,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “As a head football coach, things that are sort of bothering me are our discipline seems to crop up here and there and doesn’t put us in great spots.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant stands for the national anthem on Aug. 24.

“Then, we have some lapses of mental discipline of just having players in the right spots at the right time. That is on us as coaches. We got to keep grinding.

“My line to the team right now is do better longer, stay with us longer and be more committed longer. We live in such a different age, but you know when you get between these lines you should just be talking football and that is it and that is all.”

The first encounter of the season between the Hilltops and Thunder saw both teams play the contest with a game management style of approach. Saskatoon ultimately claimed victory on a one-yard touchdown run by running back David Collins with 2:08 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Stevens believes Saturday’s encounter will be a game where both teams could potentially open up their playbooks a little more.

“That was a few weeks ago, and obviously we’ve got film on them, and they have film on us,” said Stevens, who has three quarterback sacks and 13 total tackles so far this season for the Hilltops. “We’re just going to watch the film, and we’ve got to be ready in any game if they’re going to try to take risks or if they’re going to do anything that is an attack there.

“I know they had good plays during that game, and I know we had good plays during that game. It could change any given Sunday, in this case Saturday.”

Sargeant believes all parts of his Hilltops club will look much better on Saturday compared to the first encounter with the Thunder.

“I guarantee you we’re going to coach better than what we did the first game against them,” said Sargeant. “I guarantee you my players are going to be playing better than how they played last time.

“It just comes down to what is Regina going to bring? What are they going to do different? How will they look?

“We haven’t seen them in three weeks. We’ve all played different teams, and as I said, we’re excited to get them at our place Saturday night and get under the lights and son of a gun, that is going to be a lot of fun.”

Sargeant said he believes the rivalry between the Hilltops and Thunder is still as heated as it has ever been. The sideline boss said it comes from the fact a lot of the players see each other at events like the Senior Bowl, which is the high school football all-star game put on by Football Saskatchewan for Grade 12 players right before they graduate from high school.

David Collins has been a key player for the Hilltops this season.

The veteran coach added the rivalry between the Hilltops and Thunder shares some common traits with the U Sports football rivalry between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the University of Regina Rams.

“It is no different than with Huskies and Rams anytime proximity is a big part of a rivalry,” said Sargeant. “That is what we have.

“They (the Thunder) are the team that is closest to us. Every year they line up, they want to beat us, and every year we line up we want to beat them. We know if we do that it has a tendency to lead us to bigger and better games.

“That is what is at stake this weekend. We’re hungry for the opportunity. I just want my team to play better and show up and handle all the excitement and all the adversity and see if we’re ready for prime time.”

Thrilling game results in PFC players of the week nods

The Regina Thunder and Winnipeg Rifles staged one of the wildest games of the season, and it comes as no surprise two PFC player of the week awards come out of that clash.

Last Sunday at Maple Grove Rugby Park in Winnipeg, Man., the Thunder and Rifles engaged in a shootout, which saw Regina emerge with a 41-40 victory. Players from this contest claimed the awards for the PFC’s offensive player of the week and the PFC’s special teams player of the week.

The offensive player of the week nod went to Rifles receiver Jarome Penner. Penner hauled in 15 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown in the heartbreaking setback. His 15 catches are the second most ever for a PFC regular season contest and are tied for the second most for a CJFL regular season game.

Saskatoon Hilltops all-time great Andrew Busby holds the record for most catches in a CJFL regular season contest and by extension PFC regular season clash. He hauled in 19 passes for the Hilltops on August 20, 2006.

Thunder kick returner and defensive back Jackson Ashman claimed honours as the PFC’s special teams player of the week. In the heart pounding win over the Rifles, Ashman returned the opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown.

He returned two kickoffs for 123 yards and ran a punt back for 12 yards. Ashman emulated his father and Thunder assistant coach Chris Ashman, who was a dangerous returner for the Regina Rams in the late 1990s and early 2000s including play in both the CJFL and U Sports as the University of Regina Rams.

Calgary Colts defensive back Quinn Feodoroff was tabbed as the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his efforts in his squad’s 41-30 setback to the visiting Edmonton Huskies last Sunday at Shouldice Athletic Park. Feodoroff recorded seven solo defensive tackles, three defensive tackle assists, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Big upcoming Sunday in PFC

Riley Element sets to throw a pass for the Rifles.

This coming Sunday will be a big one when it comes to deciding the final two playoff berths in the CJFL’s Prairie Football Conference.

The Winnipeg Rifles, Edmonton Wildcats, Calgary Colts and Edmonton Huskies all have identical 2-4 records and are tied for third through sixth in the conference. The top four teams in the PFC qualify for the post-season, so only two of those four squads will be left standing when the regular season concludes.

On Sunday, the Rifles host the Wildcats at 2 p.m. local time at Maple Grove Rugby Park, while the Huskies host the Colts at 1 p.m. local time at Jasper Place Bowl.

The final week of the PFC regular season sees all six of the conference’s teams go at it on Sunday, October 12. The Huskies will host the Rifles at Jasper Place Bowl at 1 p.m. local time. The Saskatoon Hilltops host the Colts at 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, and the Regina Thunder host the Wildcats at 1 p.m. at Leibel Field.

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

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Menghestab earned status as Hilltops favourite

Saskatoon crushes Colts in Calgary 51-3

Nahom Menghestab reacts to getting a sack on August 24.

Nahom Menghestab is the Saskatoon Hilltops player everyone wants to hang out with.

As physical as he can play on the field from his nose tackle position on the defensive line, the 22-year-old has an easy to approach feel good vibe away from the game. He can flash a smile, and it feels like everything in the world at that point in time is as it should be.

“He is easy going,” said legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “He can relate to anyone.

“With just how hard and aggressive he plays on the field, he is the opposite off the field. He is just very laid back. He has just sort of got a smile on his face and is just happy to be in the place and happy to be here, which makes me happy to be here.

“It is just one of those realities.”

Often, it catches Menghestab off guard when it materializes how much his teammates love him. On the field, a lot of the respect that comes his way is due to the fact he frequently attracts double teams to free up his teammates to make plays.

During the 42-15 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles on August 24 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Menghestab was reminded that his teammates care about him a tonne. When he got a quarterback sack late in the fourth quarter of that contest, all the Hilltops players on the field exploded with excitement and the Hilltops sidelines jumped into full jubilation.

The pumped up reaction by his teammates caught Menghestab off guard.

“I don’t even realize that,” said Menghestab. “I think I just made so many friends, and I always make sure we make it like a good brotherhood around this team.

Nahom Menghestab is playing out his final CJFL season.

“I’m happy they got hyped up with that sack. I definitely was and everyone was just telling me like we were all turned up and everything. I was like, “I appreciate you boys.””

The sack celebration by the team was one of the highlights for Menghestab in his fifth and final campaign with the team. Another came on September 6 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina against the host Thunder. On that night, Menghestab knocked down a pass attempt from Thunder quarterback Adam Mosher with 1:24 left in the quarter on a third down gamble that ultimately allowed the Hilltops to turn an 18-15 lead into an 18-15 victory.

More good memories were made by Menghestab and the entire Hilltops team on Sunday. They traveled to Shouldice Athletic Park in Calgary and crushed the host Colts 51-3 in a CJFL regular season contest. Saskatoon jumped out to a 20-3 lead at halftime and cruised from there.

With the victory, the Hilltops push their winning streak out to four games improving to 4-1, while the Colts fall to 2-3. The Hilltops finish a stretch of playing three straight games on the road traveling to Sherwood Park, Alta., this coming Sunday to face the host Edmonton Wildcats (2-3) at 1 p.m. at Emerald Hills Regional Park.

Menghestab wants every moment in his final campaign to be cherished.

“I think it is just realizing how fast everything went by,” said Menghestab, who stands 6-feet and weighs 300 pounds. “My first year, I was enjoying it and everything.

“In the second year, I got hurt and missed my season. I had the rest of the three years, and it is just coming to my last year CJFL is amazing, but it goes by so fast. I make sure everyone knows that to enjoy it.”

Sargeant said Menghestab is a great Hilltops success story. The sideline boss remembers when Menghestab came to the Hilltops as an 18-year-old graduate of the St. Joseph High School Guardians Football Team in 2021 that the defensive tackle had a lot of potential to grow in a lot of different ways.

Nahom Menghestab (#69) is lined up next to Johnathon Stevens.

From that beginning, Menghestab became a starter on the Hilltops defensive line in his third year in 2023, when Saskatoon went 12-0 overall to win a 23^rd CJFL championship. Sargeant said it has been great to see Menghestab become a dominant run stopper and sort of like a team favourite.

“He is such a nice guy and wants to do well and wants to be respected by his teammates,” said Sargeant. “More importantly, I think he has gained respect of the league now.

“He is absolutely one of our top run defenders. Him and John Stevens inside the A and B gapers make the game so difficult for the opposition.”

Sargeant said Menghestab is big time appreciated by the team’s coaches for his relentless work taking on double teams and filling the role that sees others make plays and pile up statistics. With that said, Sargeant added Menghestab is finding ways to make plays.

“He has got the toughest job,” said Sargeant. “He is drawing double teams all the time.

“Not only is he taking two guys on to free up our linebackers to allow them to run to the ball, he is doing all the dirty work. What makes him so unique is he has got an unreal ability to get off those blocks and make plays. (In the win over the Rifles), he got a big sack and you know he is always getting eight to 10 defensive points, which as a nose, you don’t see that in the rest of the league.

“He is a very unique talent, and I’m sure glad he is on our team and just how he goes about business. He is in the film room leading guys and asking questions. He is always growing.”

Nahom Menghestab (#69) is skilled at getting past blockers.

Menghestab has never shied away from the contact side of the game. He has always enjoyed that aspect of the sport from when he started playing in the Kinsmen Football League in Saskatoon in Grade 5. He is always up for the challenge of facing a double team, which is something he has been dealing with since his high school days.

“I’ve definitely got used to it because of Joe’s and everything,” said Menghestab. “I was always played as a nose (tackle).

“I think just with (defensive line) coach “Fish” (Dave Fisher), coach “Sarge” (Tom Sargeant) and (defensive coordinator) coach Jeff (Yausie) telling me like it is a selfless job (helps). You have to be helping your linebackers not getting touched. I think it is that feeling knowing that I have that as something on my shoulders that gives me strength to do it.

“I do have those times where I do want to take that one guy and just get it. I definitely am happy that my linebackers can get that chance to get that tackle.”

Looking back on his entire football career, Menghestab said he has fond memories playing high school football with the Guardians. He still believes the team could have done great things in his Grade 12 year, which was nixed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world. Still, that didn’t take away from the memories he already made.

“When I was playing at St. Joe’s, there were amazing players there,” said Menghestab. “We had Trey Reider.

“We had a crazy running back in Kayden Miller and Nathan Jule and Chase Tataryn. Our team was really good and stacked. It is just with the coach and everything it was like a new feel, a new vibe.

“I wish we still had that year in Grade 12 to dominate again, but Grade 11 definitely made an impact in that. I’m glad to have Dalton (Urban) and some of the guys here from Joe’s to play with.”

Nahom Menghestab is living in the moment with the Hilltops.

As the 2025 campaign goes forward, Menghestab is all about staying in the moment. 

He believes that is the best way to go about enjoying his final season with the team.

“I’m definitely trying to make sure I go game by game like every week,” said Menghestab. “I try not to go overhead and think about the future and all that.

“It is something where I do want to win it all, because it is the last year with me and Johnny (Stevens) and Ryan Adamko. Those guys were with me since first year. It is just trying to win that “ship” one more time.”

Johnson to speak at End Zone Dinner

Evan Johnson in action for the Roughriders on July 15, 2023.

One of the CFL’s all-time steady veterans on the offensive line is coming to the Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner.

Evan Johnson, who played seven CFL seasons from 2017 to 2024, will be the guest speaker for the annual event that raises money for the Hilltops scholarships and bursaries. The End Zone Dinner is slated for Saturday, September 27, at the main hall in the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building located on the south end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

The doors open at 4:15 p.m. and the dinner follows at 5 p.m. A ticket to the End Zone Dinner includes a ticket to that night’s regular season contest against the Hilltops provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. That game is slated for 7 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

Johnson graduated high school from Regina’s Campbell Collegiate and moved on to play football in the U Sports ranks from 2012 to 2016 with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He would be selected in the first round and ninth overall by the Ottawa Redblacks in the 2017 CFL Draft.

From 2017 to 2019, Johnson played 52 regular season games with the Redblacks making starts at left guard, right tackle and left tackle. He suited up for the Redblacks in their 27-16 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in the 2018 Grey Cup played at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alta.

From 2021 to 2023, Johnson played 48 regular season contests with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He moved on from the Roughriders to appear in 10 games with the Hamilton Tigers-Cats in 2024.

Johnson, who is 31-years-old, is married to Dallis (Aiken) Johnson, who is a former defensive back with the powerhouse Saskatoon Valkyries of the WWCFL. They reside in Saskatoon where Evan Johnson works for an engineering firm.

Tickets for the Hilltops End Zone Dinner can be purchased 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.

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