Great culture powers 2021 return for football Huskies

Memorable campaign culminates in Vanier Cup appearance

The Huskies won the Hardy Cup as Canada West champions.

Everybody wanted to be there.

That in a nutshell was the intangible that allowed the U Sports football season to go for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. 

Of course, you can nitpick and drop names of players that didn’t return to the Huskies after a season off in 2020. The Canada West Conference season was cancelled and no U Sports nationals were held in 2020-21 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

When it game to the Huskies, the bottom line is a significant number of veterans felt so attached to the program that they were going to help the team return to the field no matter what happened.

In September and October of 2020, the Huskies held regular practices even though they weren’t going to play a meaningful game that year. They wanted to be prepared for the next season whenever it might come.

The Dogs took advantage of expanded practice regulations and staged workouts through the summer hoping they would get the chance to step on the field for game action in September.

When the Huskies gathered for training camp back on Sept. 1, there were no guarantees the football season would be seen to its conclusion.

They ultimately did see the football portion of the U Sports season to its end falling 27-21 to the University of Western Ontario Mustangs in the Vanier Cup championship game at Stade Telus – Universite Laval in Quebec City, Quebec, before 5,840 spectators last Saturday.

The 2021 campaign was a memorable one just from the fact the Huskies advanced to the U Sports title game for the first time since 2006. The icing on the cake would have been a victory in the Vanier Cup, which is something the Huskies last achieved back in 1998.

Adam Machart had a forever memorable run for the Huskies.

The Huskies don’t get to the Vanier Cup unless they had a large group of people that still wanted to be with the team, when the squad was grinding through those practice sessions in 2020 and the workouts the team staged this past summer.

On top of that, the players spend countless hours on their own individual workout sessions away from team activities to ensure they had the physical conditioning to play the next season whenever it game.

You don’t do all those things unless you truly enjoy being a part of that team and being part of the Huskies is a huge positive thing in your life.

Basically, the culture and atmosphere on the Huskies was so good that those who were apart of the program wanted to come back to it even if it meant jumping hurdles of unforeseen world events that came their way.

The Huskies had seven players return to play their fifth and final seasons of U Sports eligibility in Colton Klassen, Clovis Lumeka, Kyle Newton, Carter Dahl, Finley Easton, Nick Summach and Yol Piok, who were all played out their fifth and final seasons of eligibility.

Klassen came back from a gruesome dislocated right ankle near the end of the first quarter in a 22-9 victory over the University of Alberta Golden Bears back in October 26, 2019.

Piok became a mental health advocate after coming forward with his own story of his battles with mental health.

Ultimately, all seven of those players brought special aspects that helped the team in 2021.

A whole host of other key veterans returned including Mason Nyhus, Adam Machart, Connor Berglof, Noah Zerr, Riley Pickett, Nathan Cherry, Jonathan Leggett, Tom Whiting, Charlie Ringland and David Solie. All the returning players played a part in making the Huskies motor along.

Colton Klassen had a great final season with the Huskies.

Head coach Scott Flory and pretty much his entire coaching staff came back. Flory deservedly received the coach of the year nod for the Canada West Conference.

The Huskies again received outstanding contributions from defensive coordinator Warren Muzika and special team coordinator Jerry Friesen. The rest of the assistant coaches performed at a top level and that added to the atmosphere that kept the players connected to the team.

Support staff like team manager Andrea Eccleston, assistant equipment manager Jay Starecki and hydrologist Tom Benson were again outstanding in thankless roles behind the scenes. They’re always positive and always seem to be having good days.

Also behind the scenes, the parents group has been super valuable as a support system for the players and team, especially when an emotional pick up is needed. Candice Klassen, who is Colton Klassen’s mom, did unbelievable amounts of work with the parents group over the years, and she was huge in making Huskies football feel like family.

It shouldn’t be noted lots of newcomers were key contributors on and off the field.

On the field, the Huskies made news when middle linebacker Nick Wiebe transferred from the University of Oregon Ducks of the NCAA Division I ranks to the Huskies. 

While the Huskies are deep at linebacker, Wiebe’s addition still increased the talent level at that position with his addition.

First year players in running back Ryker Frank and outside linebacker Lane Novak were already making big plays and the impacts they could potentially have on the Huskies program in years to come can be huge.

Clovis Lumeka suited up for a solid five seasons for the Huskies.

The Huskies had a totally new group of student trainers from the last time they took the field in 2019, and the new group including Madison Corrin, Jon Gough, Ashlyn Taillon, Rourke Wunder-Buhr and Joshua Sauverwald did stellar working helping players persevere through injuries.

Still when the games started to happen, the Huskies had to wonder where they would stack up with everyone as rosters of the various Canada West teams were shuffled.

After beating the University of Manitoba Bisons 31-14 in an exhibition game on Sept. 18 at Griffiths Stadium, the Huskies opened the regular season on Sept. 25 falling 34-20 in Calgary to the University of Calgary Dinos.

The Dinos won the Vanier Cup in 2019, so there had to be some uncertainty of just how good could the 2021 campaign could be.

The Dinos ultimately missed the playoffs posting a 2-4 record in a regular season that was shortened from eight games to six games for each team.

The Huskies proceeded to win eight straight games finishing first in the Canada West Conference and advancing to the Vanier Cup. They beat the Dinos 31-23 on Nov. 6 at Griffiths Stadium to close the regular season.

In the post-season, the Huskies captured the Hardy Cup winning the Canada West Championship game with a 45-17 victory over the Bisons on Nov. 20 at Griffiths Stadium.

The Huskies followed that win up taking a 14-10 thrilling finish in the Uteck Bowl over the Universite de Montreal Carabins at The CEPSUM in Montreal, Quebec on Nov. 27.

The Huskies linebackers are pictured with the Hardy Cup.

Machart’s electrifying 13-yard touchdown run to win the game with five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter became an all-time storied moments in the history of the Huskies program.

That set the stage for the Vanier Cup title clash with the Mustangs. On a frozen turf at Stade Telus – Universite Laval, the Huskies came up a handful of plays short in a 27-21 setback that was really well played by both sides given the conditions.

All involved with the Huskies football team gave the squad a dream return in 2021. They all would have to agree that the journey to get to this point was worth it.

Hilltops grads Ochs and Chisholm join Rams

Mason Ochs in action for the Hilltops this past season.

On Saturday, the University of Regina Rams head coach Mark McConkey announced they signed two important keys from the Saskatoon Hilltops offensive line, who just graduated from venerable CJFL club.

Left tackle Mason Ochs and right tackle Jonathan Chisholm have committed to joining the Rams for the 2022 U Sports season. Both just finished up playing their fifth and final seasons with the Hilltops help Saskatoon win CJFL titles in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Included in those title wins was an 11-0 perfect season in 2018 and a 12-0 perfect season in 2019.

Ochs departs the Hilltops as one of the team’s all-time greats. He was both a PFC all-star and a CJFL all-Canadian all-star in the last four straight CJFL seasons.

Jonathan Chisholm in action for the Hilltops this past season.

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers football team was named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman for this past season.

Chisholm became a starter on the Hilltops offensive line at the start of the 2019 campaign. The graduate of Swift Current Comprehensive High School Colts suffered a knee injury in the Hilltops second regular season game this past season but returned to the lineup in the team second last regular season game.

On Oct. 24, Chisholm caught a touchdown pass on a trick play as the Hilltops beat the Rifles in Winnipeg 32-17 to close their regular season.

Ochs and Chisholm helped the Hilltops win the PFC title for a seventh consecutive season before the club’s season came to an end with a 17-14 CJFL semifinal loss to the Rams in Langley, B.C.

Langley Rams capture first Canadian Bowl in 37-0 route

The #CJFL champion @LangleyRams for 2021 pic.twitter.com/hgnvltb5b9

— CJFL News (@CJFLnews) December 4, 2021

The Langley Rams proved to be too much for London Beefeaters to handle in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl.

Last Saturday at Western Alumni Stadium in London, Ont., the Rams flattened the Beefeaters 37-0 to capture their first CJFL title in team history. The Beefeaters were only able to gain 20 yards of net offence for the contest.

The Rams piled up a Canadian Bowl record 10 sacks in the contest with defensive lineman Tyler Eckert collecting 3.5 sacks, which was also a Canadian Bowl record. He was named the defensive player of the game.

In the first quarter, Rams kicker Tato Ferreyro Araya hit field goals from 17 and 18 yards out to give Langley a 6-0 lead.

The Beefeaters conceded four safeties in the second quarter to extend the Rams lead to 14-0.

At the start of the third quarter, the Beefeaters conceded another safety to allow the Rams to assume a 16-0 edge.

Before the third quarter ended, Rams receiver Daniel Kubongo returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown to increase the Rams advantage to 23-0.

In the fourth quarter, Rams quarterback Micheal Calvert connected with receiver Mario Johnson for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Running back Derek Best rounded out the scoring for Langley with an eight-yard touchdown run.

Calvert was named the offensive player of the game completing 12-of-25 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown, while throwing two interceptions.

Kubongo claimed special teams player of the game honours returning two punts for 108 yards to go with his one touchdown.

The Rams concluded the 2021 campaign with an 11-1 overall record including a 7-1 mark in regular season play.

The Beefeaters closed out the season with an 8-3 overall record that included a 6-2 mark in regular season play.

Since 2017, teams from the Ontario Football Conference, which the Beefeaters play out of, have posted an 0-4 record in CJFL semifinal and championship games having dropped each of those contests by 25 or more points.

Thunder’s MacAulay named CJFL coach of the year

Scott MacAulay was named the CJFL’s coach of the year.

Head coach Scott MacAulay captured a major CJFL award after leading his Regina Thunder to their best regular season in team history.

MacAulay guided the Thunder to their first ever first place finish in PFC regular season standings and their first undefeated record in regular season play with an 8-0 mark. For those accomplishments, MacAulay was named the winner of the CJFL’s Gord Currie Coach of the Year Award last Wednesday.

MacAulay took over as head coach of the Thunder in 2013 and guided the club to its first ever CJFL championship that season.

He became the first Thunder head coach to capture CJFL coach of the year hours since Randy Shaw back in 2002.

In 2021, the Thunder’s run of success came to a halt in the PFC final, when they fell to their provincial rivals the Saskatoon Hilltops 29-9 on Nov. 14 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

The CJFL announced its major award winners over its website all last week in the lead up to last Saturday’s Canadian Bowl, where the Langley Rams blanked the London Beefeaters 37-0 in London, Ont., to become CJFL champions.

On Friday, Okanagan Sun running back Malcolm Miller claimed the Peter Dalla Riva Offensive Player of the Year award.

Calgary Colts linebacker Austin Daisy captured the Larry Wruck Defensive Player of the Year award on Thursday.

The CJFL’s Rookie of the Year award went to Langley Rams receiver Daniel Kubongo last Tuesday.

Rounding out the CJFL awards, Valley Huskers receiver Mateo Tuioti was the CJFL Past Commissioners Award for community service, BCFC president Tyler McLaren claimed honours as the CJFL’s Stewart MacDonald Executive of the Year, and CJFL Life Member Awards went to Ed and Terry Plant of Edmonton and OFC president Darren Cocchetto.

Schnitzler versus Neufeld in Grey Cup

Tom Schnitzler in action for the Hilltops in 2015.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders aren’t in the Grey Cup, but there will be a Saskatchewan flavor in the CFL’s championship game.

The Grey Cup is set for this coming Sunday at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, when the host Tiger-Cats (10-6 overall) face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (12-3 overall). The Tiger-Cats features defensive lineman Tom Schnitzler and the Bombers roster contains veteran right guard Patrick Neufeld.

Schnitzler, who is a Saskatoon product, played defensive end for the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops from 2013 to 2017. He helped the Hilltops win CJFL championships in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Following his time with the Hilltops, Schnitzler played two seasons in the U Sports ranks on the defensive line for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Football team. The 26-year-old is playing in his rookie season with the Tiger-Cats having dressed in three regular season games and both of the Tiger-Cats post-season contests.

Neufeld, who is a Regina product, played four seasons in the U Sports ranks with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies from 2006 to 2010. He is in his 10^th full season in the CFL beginning his career with the Roughriders before a trade on Oct. 10, 2013 brought him to the Bombers.

Neufeld helped the Bombers win the Grey Cup in 2019. The 32-year-old played in 13 out of the 14 regular season games and the one post-season contest the Bombers needed to play to advance to the Grey Cup.

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Hilltops record CJFL playoff run comes to an end

Rams claim circuit semifinal in 17-14 defensive slugfest

The Rams celebrate their CJFL semifinal win. (Photo courtesy BCFCTV)

The Saskatoon Hilltops played tough and aggressive defence, but the defence of the Langley Rams might have unbelievably been a step better.

When the dust settled in a CJFL semifinal battle between the two sides Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C., the host Rams prevailed 17-14 in a defensive slugfest. The 14 points the Hilltops scored were actually the most points the Rams had given up in any game this season.

The Hilltops, who are the PFC champions, entered the fourth quarter holding a 14-7 lead, but the Rams, who are the BCFC champions, pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to claim the three-point victory.

The result ended the Hilltops CJFL record post-season game winning streak at 22 contests and the ’Toppers run of winning six consecutive CJFL championships, which was also a CJFL record. Saskatoon won six straight CJFL championships from 2014 to 2019.

The 2020 CJFL campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

The Hilltops conclude the 2021 campaign with an 8-3 overall record, which includes a 6-2 mark in regular season play. The Rams improved to 10-1 overall, which includes a 7-1 mark in regular season play.

Langley advances to play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. The Rams will travel to London, Ontario, to face the Ontario Football Conference champion London Beefeaters in the Canadian Bowl on Saturday, December 4.

Brady Fossen blocked a punt for the Hilltops.

The Beefeaters, who are 8-2 overall and 6-2 in regular season play, upset the St. Clair Fratmen 15-14 in the OFC championship game held Saturday in Windsor. The Fratmen finish the 2021 campaign with a 9-1 overall record, which included an 8-0 mark in regular season play.

In Saturday’s battle between the Hilltops and Rams, the contest got off to an auspicious start for the visitors.

Hilltops receiver Lachlan Horsley fumbled away the opening kickoff, and it was recovered by Rams defensive back Beko Wande. Wande would make numerous big plays for the Rams in the contest.

Langley was only able to turn that turnover into a long 60-yard punt single from punter Darian Pritchard to go ahead 1-0.

Rams kicker Tato Ferreyro Araya had a shot at a 40-yard field goal later in the opening quarter, but he sailed his kick wide, and the Hilltops ran the ball out of the end zone to avoid giving up any points.

Early in the second quarter, Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from 27 yards out to increase the Rams advantage to 4-0.

Shortly after Ferreyro Araya hit his field goal, the Hilltops got in position to attempt a field goal from 28 yards out, but the kick attempt was never made after holder Doug Fleming covered up a bad snap.

On the ensuing Rams possession, they were stopped on a third-and-inches attempt at their own 36 yard line.

The Hilltops promptly drove down that short field for a major score, where quarterback Damon Dutton hit receiver Dillan Heintz with a seven-yard touchdown pass on an out pattern. That score put the visitors in front 7-4.

QB Damon Dutton struggled for the Hilltops on Saturday.

On the final possession of the second quarter, the Rams got in position to attempt a 25-yard field goal on the last play of the frame. Ferreyro Araya’s kicked was blocked by the Hilltops defensive line to allow Saskatoon to head into the halftime break with a 7-4 edge.

Early in the third quarter, the Rams drove down to the Hilltops one yard line. The Hilltops defence came up with a goal-line stand stopping the Rams three times from the one yard line to force a turnover on downs.

The Rams were set up on the Hilltops one yard line, when linebacker Colten Dejong made an interception and returned it to that spot.

With just over seven minutes expired in the third quarter, the Rams found themselves on the Hilltops one yard line again facing a third and goal decision. This time, the Rams elected to have Ferreyro Araya hit a field goal from eight yards out to even the score at 7-7.

That field goal was set up off an interception by Rams defensive back Nathan Murray.

The Hilltops jumped back out in front with a minute to play in the third quarter. On a fake field goal, Fleming threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to receiver Presley Peterson to put the visitors in front 14-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Hilltops got the ball with great field position, when outside linebacker Brady Fossen blocked a punt from Pritchard.

The Hilltops got down to the Rams 25 yard line and elected to gamble on a third and five. Rams defensive lineman Jesse Goedman sacked Dutton on the third down play to allow the hosts to take over the ball on their own 30 yard line.

Dillan Heintz had a TD catch for the Hilltops.

Later in the fourth quarter with 5:01 remaining in the frame, Rams quarterback Michael Calvert hit running back Derek Best with a 29-yard touchdown toss to even the score at 14-14.

With 2:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, Balucos hit a field goal from eight yards out to give the Rams a 17-14 lead. The field goal was set up by a fumble by Dutton that was recovered by Rams defensive lineman Tyler Eckert.

On the ensuing series, the Hilltops elected to pull Dutton for backup quarterback Trey Reider. Dutton had struggled for a lot of the contest completing 9-of-14 passes for 92 yards and the one touchdown toss, while throwing three interceptions and fumbling once.

Reider got two offensive series to try and move the team and was unable to complete any of his four pass attempts, while throwing one interception. On his second series, Reider was intercepted by Wande, which sealed the win for the Rams. The interception was Wande’s second of the contest.

After that Wande interception off Reider, the Rams offence ended the contest taking two knees.

While the teams didn’t have to battle any adverse weather conditions, the CJFL semifinal clash was far from a classic. The Rams turned the ball over seven times, while the Hilltops committed an unimaginable 12 turnovers.

The Hilltops got sound production from their two star running backs in Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen. McLean ran the ball 14 times for 64 yards. Teammate Boston Davidsen carried the ball 12 times for 64 yards.

Ethan Godson led all Saskatoon receivers with five catches for 45 yards.

Riece Kack had six total tackles for the Hilltops.

Calvert completed 18-of-25 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for the Rams. He also ran the ball eight times for 26 yards.

Best led the Rams in rushing carrying the ball 14 times for 67 yards to go with his 29-yard touchdown reception.

Defensive lineman Craig Torgerson had a sack for the Hilltops. Middle linebacker Matt Wist had a team high eight solo tackles and five total tackle assists for Saskatoon.

Defensive end Riece Kack had five total tackles and a tackle assist for the Hilltops.

Eckert had a pair of sacks for the Rams. Defensive back Kyle Clarot led Langley with six total tackles.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the Canadian Bowl in 2019, which also turned into a defensive slugfest at McLeod Stadium. Saskatoon pulled out an 11-6 victory in that encounter.

Before Saturday’s CJFL semifinal contest, the last time the Hilltops lost a post-season game came in the 2013 PFC final, when they fell 21-16 against the Regina Thunder at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon on October 27 of that year.

The Hilltops run of six consecutive CJFL championships and 22 straight post-season victories were CJFL records no one could ever seriously imagine could happen. While those streaks came to an end, they were truly remarkable accomplishments.

Ultimately, it took arguably the craziest of post-season games to bring those streaks to an end.

Congratulations to the @LangleyRams - who are heading to the Canadian Bowl.

A truly worthy opponent and our pick for Canadian Bowl champions based on their defence alone.

Enjoy the win Langley!

— Saskatoon Hilltops (@SaskHilltops) November 21, 2021

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Hilltops’ one-two punch at tailback in top post-season gear

McLean, Davidsen may see bigger role as weather worsens

Carter McLean charges downfield for the Hilltops.

Carter McLean and Boston Davidsen won’t back down from the rain, snow, cold, wind or whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw their way.

The Saskatoon Hilltops running back duo was difference in powering their side to a 29-9 victory in the PFC final against the host Regina Thunder at Mosaic Stadium last Sunday. McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards picking up PFC offensive player of the week honours, and Davidsen ran the ball 19 times for 143 yards and one touchdown in that same contest.

The tailback pair played an integral part in helping the Hilltops pile up an eye-popping 386 yards rushing as a team against a previously undefeated provincial rival.

With the win over the Thunder, the Hilltops, who are 8-2 overall, advanced in the CJFL playoffs to face the Langley Rams, who are 9-1 overall, on Saturday in a CJFL semifinal contest at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C. (4 p.m. Saskatchewan time, CJFLTV.com).

As this time of year in Canada, the chances of playing a football game in adverse weather conditions goes up substantially. When the weather gets worse, teams are forced to rely more on their running games, and McLean and Davidsen are expecting conditions will dictate that they shoulder an extra load.

“I am expecting it (the running game) to be pretty big, especially if it is super rainy and super snowy,” said McLean, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 180 pounds. “The running game is going to be a big part of that game, and we just have to play physical and hard like we did against Regina.”

“We’re thinking about that,” said Davidsen, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 188 pounds. “That is in the back of our minds that maybe passing might become more difficult.

“I think it will be really huge on top of the conditioning we’ve always done. Carter (McLean) and I will be able to go back and forth, and we will always have some fresh legs. There won’t be any fatigue maybe if only one of us was in there.

Boston Davidsen runs tough inside for the Hilltops.

“We will be able to keep the run game going strong.”

McLean and Davidsen both had breakout campaigns in 2021 after the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world. McLean, who is in his third full season with the Hilltops, finished third in the PFC in rushing yards during the eight-game regular season carrying the ball 125 times for 599 yards and four touchdowns.

Davidsen, who is in his second full season with the Hilltops, finished second in the PFC in rushing yards in the regular season carrying the ball 98 times for 634 yards and six touchdowns.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said it has been outstanding to have McLean and Davidsen develop into a one-two punch this season adding that neither had been a starter in previous CJFL campaigns.

“Carter (McLean) sort of started early and was our hot back,” said Sargeant, who team has won the last six straight CJFL titles. “Then Boston (Davidsen) started gaining confidence getting his touches.

“Now the two of them put together they are a feature pair with the O-line and Damon Dutton certainly got a great movement pattern as a quarterback too. He has allowed us to do some different things and create some flexibility to our offensive plan.

“This running attack is coming on, and it is needed. We plan to run the ball a lot this weekend against Langley as well.”

Sargeant said the Hilltops might be forced to run the ball more depending on the weather situation.

Last Saturday, the Rams won the British Columbia Football Conference final 7-4 over the Kelowna based Okanagan Sun at McLeod Stadium in a contest played in monsoon like conditions.

Carter McLean rushed for 599 yards in eight regular season games.

With the Canadian Bowl slated to be held on December 4 by the winner of Saturday’s Ontario Football Conference final between the St. Clair Fratmen (9-0 overall) and the London Beefeaters (7-2 overall) held in Windsor, it will mark the first time the CJFL campaign has finished past the end of November since 1947. That 1947 campaign marked the first time the current modern day version of the Hilltops hit the field for regular season play.

The four clubs still alive in the CJFL post-season could encounter more adverse weather conditions.

At the moment for the CJFL semifinal in Langley, B.C., Environment Canada is predicting an overcast day with high of 7 C and a 30 per cent chance of rain.

“What is the old saying?” said Sargeant, whose team is on a CJFL record post-season game winning streak of 22 contests. “The running game will always travel.

“Defence and running game travel. Special teams should travel. Outside conditions are always a little tougher on offence, because you have skill and just different mechanisms.

“The philosophy around here since I’ve been here is we always want to be a 50/50 team, but when in doubt, we are going to run the ball at you and get after you especially at the end of the year in critical situations at playoff time. We just want to let you know that we want a little bit more than you and how you do that is by running the ball ground and pound.”

McLean and Davidsen are more than willing to provide the ground and pound aspect, and they enjoy being able to do that together.

McLean said he gets pumped up on the sidelines watching Davidsen run the ball.

Boston Davidsen rushed for 634 yards in eight regular season games.

“Oh definitely that motivates me,” said McLean. “I’ll be like, ‘OK, he is playing super well today. I have to also play super well.’

“Through all that, we make ourselves play better for each other, and we push each other for sure. That is where all the motivation comes from is always trying to make each other better.”

Davidsen said he gets an extra jolt of energy seeing McLean doing well, and two really try to build on each other’s momentum

“It is some healthy competition,” said Davidsen. “Carter (McLean) would come off to the sideline, and he would give you some advice.

“He’d say this is looking good and this one is good. Then, he takes a break, and I go in and use his advice and make some plays. I come back off and give him my feedback.

“We’re pretty interchangeable, and we are using our knowledge that we are learning on the field to help the other succeed.”

While the Hilltops have had lots of success on the ground, Dutton did have a strong season throwing the ball. During the eight game regular season, he completed 127-of-183 passes for 1,528 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions.

Receiver Ethan Godson led the Hilltops and was fourth in the PFC in receiving yards hauling in 30 catches for 524 yards and six touchdowns.

Hilltops star left-tackle Mason Ochs was named the PFC’s most outstanding offensive lineman.

On defence, Hilltops outside linebacker Konner Johnson had a massive year finishing second in the PFC in defensive points. 

The Hilltops celebrate a TD from Boston Davidsen (#24).

Over eight regular season games, Johnson recorded 26 defensive tackles, 13 defensive tackle assists, 12 special teams tackles, three special teams tackle assists, one quarterback sack, five pass knockdowns, one fumble recovery and five interceptions.

The Rams had three players capture four major BCFC awards.

Rams defensive back Kyle Clarot was named the BCFC’s most outstanding defensive player of the year and most outstanding defensive back. Rams linebacker Colten Dejong took honours as the BCFC’s most outstanding linebacker.

Rams receiver Daniel Kubongo was named the rookie of the year for the BCFC.

The Hilltops and Rams met in the CJFL’s title game – the Canadian Bowl – in 2018 and 2019.

The Hilltops claimed the 2018 clash 58-21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field and prevailed 11-6 in the 2019 encounter at McLeod Stadium.

“It is great to have them again,” said McLean. “We have such a good rivalry the last I don’t know over how many years.

“I know three years for sure. All my years of playing Hilltops we play against Langley. They are a good team.

“They are coached well. It will be a good game. It will be a good game to play for sure and a physical game.”

Davidsen joined the Hilltops in 2019, but he wasn’t on the travel roster that went to Langley for the team’s CJFL title win that season. He is looking forward to the trip to Langley to play the Rams on Saturday.

The Hilltops are focused on business in the CJFL semifinal.

“It will be my first experience,” said Davidsen. “I’ve been trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can from these other vets who have made that trip before.

“I’m just going to try and go out there and make sure this isn’t the last game for our fifth years (the Hilltops graduating players).”

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Hilltops find different ways to win in post-season

Saskatoon eyes up CJFL semifinal clash with Rams

The Hilltops enjoyed a PFC final victory last Sunday.

When it comes to the CJFL’s post-season, the Saskatoon Hilltops have found some variety when it comes to winning.

In their two post-season games, the Hilltops have won in two different ways. On November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops pulled out a thrilling 33-31 victory in a PFC semifinal contest against the Edmonton Huskies, who finished at 6-4 overall.

The ’Toppers took to the air in that triumph posting 309 yards in passing. Starting quarterback Damon Dutton completed 21-of-39 passes for 285 yards and one touchdown, while throwing one interception. Dutton hit standout receiver Dillan Heintz for a five-yard touchdown pass that won the game with 21.3 seconds to play.

Backup quarterback Doug Fleming connected on his only pass at a key time on a fake field goal for 24 yards that helped set up a six-yard touchdown run by running back Carter McLean late in the third quarter that tied that contest at 24-24.

In the PFC final this past Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, the Hilltops piled up 386 yards rushing as a team posting a 29-9 victory over the host Thunder, who finished at 9-1 overall. McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards in that win, while running back teammate Boston Davidsen ran the ball 19 times for 143 yards and scored one touchdown.

“That is how we coach,” said Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant. “We make sure that whatever the situation is that we are ready to take it on and respond to it whether it is run or throw whatever game we have to play.

Damon Dutton threw for 285 yards in the PFC semifinal.

“It is no different on defence. We have to play zone or man to man. We’re going to figure it out.

“We’re going to make sure that our players understand.”

The Hilltops ability to pull out wins in different fashions might serve them well, when they face the Langley Rams in a CJFL semifinal on Saturday at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C.

Saskatoon heads into that contest with an 8-2 overall record, while Langley has a 9-1 overall mark.

This past Saturday in Langley, the Rams won the British Columbia Football Conference title game 7-4 against the Kelowna based Okanagan Sun in a contest that was played in a steady downpour.

Weather has been chaotic in Western Canada over the past few days. The province of British Columbia had dealt with heavy rains, while Saskatchewan has battled against snow storms and blizzards.

The Hilltops even had to move their Tuesday practice indoors to the Indoor Training Centre on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex due to the stormy conditions in Saskatoon.

At the moment, Environment Canada is predicting a high of 6 C with a 30 per cent chance of rain for Saturday CJFL semifinal clash between the Hilltops and Rams.

Boston Davidsen ran for 143 yards in the PFC final.

Still, the Hilltops could potentially find themselves playing in monsoon like conditions. Sargeant said his squad will adjust to the conditions as they come.

“We coach against all situations, so that they are prepared, and then they have to get out and be the ones that execute the plans,” said Sargeant, who team has won the last six straight CJFL titles. “As I said, nothing deters us.

“Nothing scares us. We work hard to make sure that we can handle every situation. So far to date, that is why were still practicing and competing, because we’ve done our homework, and we’ve done things right.”

The Hilltops and Rams do have some history, when it comes to facing each other. Before the 2020 CJFL campaign was canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world, the two sides collided in the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – in 2018 and 2019.

The Hilltops claimed the 2018 clash 58-21 at SMF Field and prevailed 11-6 in the 2019 encounter at McLeod Stadium.

“It is always a challenge when you play someone new for the first time,” said Sargeant. “The film is the film.

“We’ve learned before that sometimes the film lies. You get out there and you play, and they play faster than what you think. It is just figuring it out.”

The Hilltops aim to enjoy more big moments in the CJFL semi.

The Hilltops take a CJFL record 22 post-season game winning streak into that clash against a Rams team guided by first year head coach and former CFL star Cory Philpot. While Saturday’s contest will be the first time the two sides meet in 2021, Sargeant said the experience from the 2019 Canadian Bowl clash should help his club.

“The good thing is we did play them two years ago, so we have more than enough tape on their players and have a good sense and understanding of who they are,” said Sargeant. “Now, we just have to remind them who we are and come out and play our best game of the year.

“Going into game 11, it should be our best game of the year.”

McLean named PFC offensive player of the week

Carter McLean ran for 204 yards in the PFC final.

Saskatoon Hilltops star running back Carter McLean’s big game resulted in a sweet weekly accolade.

On Tuesday, McLean was named the PFC’s offensive player of the week for his performance in the Hilltops 29-9 victory over the Regina Thunder this past Sunday in the PFC final held at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

In that contest McLean carried the ball 25 times for 204 yards, which included breaking off a 46-yard run.

“It is a great honor to have,” said McLean. “I couldn’t have done it without the O-line.

“The O-line, they blocked well. They played hard. They played well.

“They are the reason why I was able to get as many rushing yards as I have.”

The Hilltops running game was on fire in that contest. McLean’s star running back teammate in Boston Davidsen had a big game as well carrying the ball 19 times for 143 yards and one touchdown.

Keating gets PFC defensive player of the week nod

Wade Keating, left, returns an interception in the PFC final.

Saskatoon Hilltops defensive back Wade Keating’s big interception helped his capture a cool weekly nod.

On Tuesday, Keating was named the PFC’s defensive player of the week for his performance in the Hilltops 29-9 victory over the Regina Thunder in the PFC final last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

Keating had one defensive tackle, two defensive tackle assists, one special teams tackle, two special teams tackle assists, one pass knockdown and one interception. His interception came in the third quarter and it set up a Hilltops field goal.

Keating played both defensive back and linebacker in that win.

Maximuik is PFC special teams player of the week for third time

Eric Maximuik hit three field goals in the PFC final.

Regina Thunder kicker Eric Maximuik scored a hat trick in capturing a player of the week nod.

On Tuesday, Maximuik was named the PFC’s special teams player of the week for his performance in the Thunder’s 29-9 setback to the Saskatoon Hilltops in the PFC final held last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

That marked the third time during the 2021 campaign that Maximuik has been named the PFC special teams player of the week.

In the PFC final, Maximuik connected on 3-of-5 field goal attempts connecting from 43, 39 and 27 yards out.

He had a kickoff that traveled 41 yards and punted the ball five times for 196 yards for an average of 39.2 yards per punt.

Maximuik had a stellar personal season in 2021 that saw him claim the PFC’s most outstanding special teams player award and be named a PFC all-star at place kicker.

Hilltops win Canadian Bowl three years ago today

The Hilltops celebrate a CJFL championship win in 2018.

On this day three years ago, the Saskatoon Hilltops won the Canadian Bowl at home in impressive fashion.

On November 17, 2018 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops thumped the visiting Langley Rams 58-21 to win the Canadian Bowl for a third straight year and claim their 21^st CJFL championship in team history.

The Hilltops jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the contest and never looked back. They finished the 2018 campaign with a perfect 11-0 record and trailed on the scoreboard for a combined 81 seconds for the whole season.

Saskatoon had eight graduating fifth-year players who were part of all five of those consecutive CJFL championship wins. Those players included star quarterback Jordan Walls, receiver Jason Price, right tackle Kirk Simonsen, receiver Adam Ewanchyna, defensive end Connor Guillet and linebackers Cody Peters, Bobby Ehman and Adam Benkic.

The story about that championship victory 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 back in the groove, pumped for 2021 season

QB Doug Fleming fires a pass downfield at the Hilltops scrimmage.

Mason Ochs jokes that he has been the grizzled old veteran long before he became a fifth-year player with the Saskatoon Hilltops.

“They’ve always called me an old man for having grey hair,” said Ochs with a laugh. “It is kind of nothing new here.”

The graduate of Saskatoon’s Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers football program was back manning his left tackle position as the Hilltops began their training camp on Monday. The team’s first week wrapped up with a scrimmage on Thursday at Ron Atchison Field next to the Hilltops clubhouse.

Ochs joined the Hilltops right out of high school in 2016. He became a starter at left tackle in 2017 and was named CJFL all-Canadian all-star that year and again in 2018 and 2019.

The 2020 CJFL campaign was wiped out due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that gripped the world. The Hilltops had won the last six straight CJFL titles including the last four of those with Ochs on the roster before play came to a halt.

The Hilltops did gather to practice for six weeks in the fall of 2020.

The 2021 CJFL campaign has been green-lighted as a go, and the Hilltops open the regular season on Sunday, August 22, traveling to Edmonton, Alta., to play the Huskies at Jasper Place Bowl.

The Hilltops last hit the field for a game on November 16, 2019 downing the host Langley Rams 11-6 in the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl – at McLeod Stadium in Langley, B.C.

A receiver holds on to a pass at the Hilltops scrimmage.

Ochs said it felt like Christmas time to be back at the Hilltops clubhouse and Ron Atchison Field this week.

“It feels great,” said Ochs, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 275 pounds. “It has been too long.

“It almost kind of felt like it was never coming back after you lose 2020. I didn’t even know if that was my last game in 2019 there. It couldn’t be better to be back.”

In 2021, Ochs truly is a grizzled old veteran with the team. He is just one of three players who were rookies in 2016 who are back with the Hilltops this season along with longtime pal on the offensive line in right tackle Jonathan Chisholm and boundary corner Jared Giddings.

The CJFL allowed players who were on team rosters as 22-year-olds in 2020 to return this season as 23-year-olds because of the fact the 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ochs was upbeat about how things went during the first week of training camp and thought Thursday’s scrimmage provided a good conclusion to the week.

“Things went good,” said Ochs. “They started off a little sloppy, but towards the end, we picked them up.”

During the scrimmage, Ochs said it was good to see both the offensive and defensive units shine at different times.

“The offence was moving the ball,” said Ochs. “The defence was making plays.”

A defensive player secures a tackle at the Hilltops scrimmage.

Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant is well known for being a ball of energy. With that said, the legendary sideline boss still had an extra bounce in his step this week as his Hilltops are engaged to play a campaign.

With the team not taking the field for a game since 2019, Sargeant, who is the all-time leader for head coaching victories in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks with 210 wins, said it does feel like a new beginning in 2021.

“It is just awesome to be back here,” said Sargeant. “It is awesome to be around my coaches and my players.

“It is such a good vibe and such a good feel. We have a lot of rust. We have lots of things we have to get better at.

“We have to replace 15 starters, so there is lots in front of us. We have the right kids here. We’re ready to develop this team and take it to great places.”

Sargeant said the first week of training camp had the standard ups and downs. When the team returns to practice this coming Monday after three days off, Sargeant said the focus will be getting ready for the first game against the Huskies.

“We picked our team,” said Sargeant. “We had some ebbs and flows, so we got that sorted out.

“Now, we’re identifying whose going to be our starters. We have to take 45 on the road. We’re traveling with players on the road now.

Carter McLean rolls off a big run at the Hilltops scrimmage.

“We have to figure out our 45 beginning on Monday when we come back to our main camp and get ready for the Edmonton Huskies. We’re real excited for the process ahead.”

Sargeant believes this year’s team can be really good, but there is still a lot of work to do.

“This team has tremendous potential and lots of room for growth,” said Sargeant. “That is what we have to do.

“Look at our scrimmage (Thursday night), we got to finish with a touchdown and some good vibes. Our defence really was flying and running around. We have lots of work to do on our special teams.

“I wasn’t happy with that tonight. As I said, we’re going to get to work, and I can’t wait for everything in front of us.”

Ochs said the Hilltops coaches have been great in making sure everything is going forward and everyone is taking care of business. He said training camp activities and practices have gone on like they would in any normal year, and you wouldn’t know the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled.

“The coaches are everything,” said Ochs. “After missing a year there, to have that same continuity, the same guys, the same systems and the same beliefs, that is huge.”

Ochs is very optimistic about how good the 2021 season can be. He is looking forward to the opener against the Huskies, but knows there will be growing pains as the campaign goes on.

“I think it can be great,” said Ochs. “It looks great out here.

The Hilltops are preparing for their CJFL regular season opener.

“Obviously, the test is Week 1. I guess we’ll know where we are at after a few weeks here facing some tough competition.”

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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2019 Canadian Bowl win a big moment for Hilltops’ “Sarge”

HC Tom Sargeant, centre, celebrates the Hilltops CJFL title win in 2015.

    When it comes to honouring CJFL coaching legends, it only makes sense to start with Saskatoon Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant.
    On Wednesday, the CJFL started a weekly feature to celebrate its legendary coaches, and the first coach to be featured was Sargeant.

    When you have more post-secondary head coaching victories in the Canadian amateur football ranks that anyone else, it only makes sense to lead a list of features on coaching legends.

    Under Sargeant’s watch as head coach, the Hilltops have won 13 CJFL titles, including nine out of the last 10 championships and the last six straight titles in a row.

HC Tom Sargeant gives tips to Hilltops QB Tyler Hermann (#12).

    He was also part of two Hilltops CJFL title winning teams as an assistant coach and won his first CJFL championship with the team as a player in 1985.

    Sargeant has a career 210-30-2 head coaching record in the CJFL’s regular season and post-season. The 55-year-old has a 155-21-2 record in the CJFL regular season and a 55-9 record in the CJFL post-season.

    At the moment, the Hilltops are on a 31 overall game winning streak including action in the CJFL’s regular season and playoffs. The Hilltops have won their last 29 straight games on the road including the CJFL’s regular season and post-season.

    Having won the last six straight CJFL titles, the Hilltops have won a CJFL record 20 straight post-season contests.

    One of Sargeant’s best works as a head coach may have come in the Hilltops most recent victory in the Canadian Bowl to become CJFL champions.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant grades a situation from the sidelines.

    On Nov. 16, 2019, the Hilltops downed the host Rams in Langley, B.C., 11-6 to capture the CJFL title.

    The game was a defensive slugfest.

    On top of being the Hilltops head coach, Sargeant doubles as the team’s offensive coordinator. On the competitive side as an offensive coordinator, you had to know it bothered Sargeant his offence wasn’t scoring more points.

    Still, the Hilltops defence was on fire and kicker Rylan Kleiter came up clutch hitting 3-of-4 field goals.

    In the role of head coach, Sargeant focused towards playing into the hand that gave his team the best chance to win with the way that game was flowing.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant has receiver Rylan Kleiter run in a play.

    That meant creating the best conditions to allow the Hilltops defence under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie and Kleiter to win the game.

    Offensively, that meant the Hilltops ran the ball a lot more and focused on not turning it over.

    In that moment, Sargeant swallowed his pride as an offensive coordinator in order to create the best opportunity for his team to win the CJFL championship on that day. That is a big thing, and it played out to being a key factor as to why the Hilltops prevailed on that day to capture their 22^nd CJFL championship.

    It should also be noted the Hilltops have had monster offensive CJFL championship games with Sargeant calling the plays on offence.

Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant conveys orders in the 2018 Canadian Bowl.

    In the Canadian Bowl held in 2018 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Hilltops hammered the Rams 58-21 with Sargeant serving as the offensive coordinator.

    In the Canadian Bowl held in 2017 in Windsor, Ont., the Hilltops dismantled the Windsor AKO Fratmen 56-11 with Sargeant calling the offensive plays.

    Reading what you have to do on that particular day to win is one of the many factors that makes “Sarge” an all-time coaching great.

    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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Hermann will always cherish year as Hilltops starter

Club celebrates 2019 CJFL title season with ring day

Tyler Hermann, left, shows his championship ring to his father, Craig. 

    Tyler Hermann’s one campaign as the Saskatoon Hilltops starting quarterback turned into a dream season.
    After being a reserve quarterback for four years, Hermann was tabbed with taking the controls of the Hilltops offence for his fifth and final campaign with the club. While there were growing pains in the first four weeks of the season, Hermann signal called the Hilltops to a perfect 12-0 record to capture the Canadian Bowl and become CJFL champions for a sixth straight year.

    The Hilltops downed the host Langley Rams 11-6 last November in the CJFL title game to win a 22^nd national title.

    Hermann had a good personal campaign too in 2019 completing 123-of-192 passes for 1,908 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions appearing in all of his club’s eight regular season games.

Tyler Hermann, left, receives his championship ring.

    “It was awesome,” said Hermann, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 205 pounds. “That is something I will have for the rest of my life.

    “It is one of those priceless memories that I will look back, and I will just cherish every moment of it. I remember at the end of the season I was almost sad thinking back. I should have been happy.

    “I remembered that this was the end of something that was such a big part of my life and all friendships I made along the way. This was a spectacular year.”

    On Saturday on the practice field outside the Hilltops clubhouse, Hermann received his championship ring at the team’s ring ceremony.

Tyler Hermann, left, and Jesse McNabb show off their rings.

    Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Hilltops ring ceremony was a modified one.

    Usually, the Hilltops ring ceremony is a social event that brings together their CJFL championship team from the previous season as part of a reunion night.

    With government regulations currently in place to combat COVID-19, the Hilltops ultimately did a ring ceremony to give a nod to their 2019 season with a group of six players, who were in their final campaign with the team in 2019.

    The graduating players that made it out included Hermann, Connor Graham, Tristan Hering, Logan Kelsey-Stern, Ryder Klisowsky and Jesse McNabb.

    Team officials will distribute the rest of the championship rings to the 2019 title winning team.

    With that noted, Hermann was happy with the reunion that did happen considering the circumstances that surround the current day.

Jesse McNabb, left, gets his championship ring.

    “We usually do it right after May camp too, so there is a little buzz around the new season,” said Hermann, who recently turned 23-years-old. “Everyone is kind of chatting.

    “It is definitely different. I like the way they did it having the fifth year guys here. Those are the guys we traveled our whole five years together with, and we shared such similar experiences kind of starting as that rookie and then finishing the way we did.

    “That is good enough for me. That is really all you can expect in times like this is something like that.”

Jesse McNabb checks out his championship ring.

    McNabb’s eyes got really big, when he opened his ring box and saw his championship ring. The star defensive tackle, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 245 pounds, said a big part of the 2019 campaign was gutting out a 4-0 start.

    The Hilltops had a huge turnover in their starting ranks, and many players were adjusting to new roles.

    The venerable CJFL club opened the season with three straight road victories. The Hilltops took their home opener 28-21 over their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder thanks to a touchdown with under a minute to play.

    The home win over the Thunder and a 24-22 win in Week 3 over the Huskies in Edmonton required fourth-quarter comebacks.

    “It was big, because it really showed the character of the team,” said McNabb, who recorded 26.5 total tackles and three sacks for the Hilltops in the 2019 regular season. “We weren’t just rolling through everyone like some teams in the past have.

Jesse McNabb shows off his championship rings.

    “It was more hard fought games. It was really good for the group morale to see that we could get through the tough times together. As the season went on, things developed better, and it was good.”

    On Aug. 25, 2019 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Hilltops legendary head coach Tom Sargeant picked up his 200^th career victory in a 34-16 win over the host Thunder.

    Sargeant later moved past retired Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal to become the all-time leader in head coaching victories in Canada’s amateur post-secondary football ranks.

    After the Hilltops won their sixth straight CJFL championship, Sargeant’s career record sat a 210-30-2 including action in the CJFL regular season and post-season.

Ryder Klisowsky shows off his five championship rings.

    McCrystal had a 208-104-2 record in the regular season and post-season in both the CJFL and U Sports. He was the head coach of the Regina Rams from 1984 to 2014, and they played 15 seasons in the CJFL and 16 campaigns in U Sports over that time as the University of Regina Rams.

    McNabb said helping Sargeant get those milestones was a sweet part of the campaign.

    “It was great just to be able to do that for him and get things done right and then be able to lift him up in B.C. at the end of the year and give him the trophy,” said the 22-year-old McNabb.

    Hilltops linebacker Jadyn Pingue was named the CJFL defensive player of the year for his efforts during the 2019 season.
    The Hilltops have also captured the Canadian Bowl in nine out of the last 10 seasons to become CJFL champions.

Ryder Klisowsky, left, and Logan Kelsey-Stern enjoy ring day.

    The 12-0 campaign in 2019 followed up the Hilltops posting an 11-0 overall mark in their 2018 CJFL title winning season.

    The Hilltops 2019 CJFL championship rings have the initials “J.F.” written on the side to honour late former star Hilltops linebacker Justin Filteau. Filteau, who played for the Hilltops from 2010 to 2014, passed away in a plane crash on June 1, 2019.

    The 2019 rings, which were designed by the Hilltops graduating players, contain 22 sapphires symbolizing the club’s 22 CJFL championships. The word “trust” is written on the underside of the ring to recognize the trust the Hilltops players had in their teammates over the course of the season.

    There are six Canadian Bowl trophies on the side and six sapphires on the top of the ring to symbolize the Hilltops sixth consecutive Canadian Bowl championship win.

    “Obviously, it is beautiful, and it is something to be proud of,” said Hermann. “When I look at it, I just kind of think of the comradery of the team.”

Soyko takes her talents to the Pandas, other notes

@PandasHockey is proud to announce that @abbysoyko_10 has committed and will be wearing green and gold in 2020/21. Welcome to the PHamily Abby! pic.twitter.com/1IP4dlwTTe

— UofA Pandas Hockey (@PandasHockey) May 28, 2020

    Abby Soyko has found a new hockey home with the most storied women’s program in the history of U Sports.

    On Thursday, the University of Alberta Pandas, who have won the most U Sports national women’s hockey championships at eight, announced Soyko has committed to joining the Edmonton-based squad for the start of the 2020-21 campaign.
    The Prince Albert, Sask., product originally committed to joining the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s hockey team in January along with her sister Alli. Abby and Alli are two parts of triplet siblings.

Abby Soyko in action with the Bears in October of 2018.

    On April 20, the University of Lethbridge cut both the men’s and women’s Pronghorns hockey teams citing a lack of provincial government funding.

    Due to that development, the two 18-year-olds became free agents with the ability to join any other post-secondary team of their choosing.

    On Thursday, it became official that Abby was going to be a member of the Pandas.

Alli found a new hockey home too. On Thursday, the Red Deer College Queens women’s hockey team, who play out of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association ranks, announced Alli had committed to joining their program.

    Both Abby and Alli played major roles in helping the Prince Albert Northern Bears win the Saskatchewan Female Under-18 AAA Hockey League championship in 2016-17 and win a Western Regional playdown series to advance to the Esso Cup national championship tournament.

    Abby would be viewed as the big catch due to her scoring prowess. She is the quintessential power forward.

    She played for the Bears for five seasons from 2014 to 2019 appearing in 136 regular season games piling up 65 goals and 63 assists for 128 points. She is the ninth all-time leading scorer in the history of the SFU18AAAHL and the Bears all-time leader in goals and points.

    Abby is tied for the Bears all-time regular season record in career assists with Kaitlin Willoughby, who went on to star and become the second all-time leading scorer for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team in the U Sports ranks.

    Abby was also the Bears captain in her final season with that team.

Queens Hockey is proud to introduce our newest member: @allisoykoo of @NAXHockey. Alli joins us from Prince Albert, Sask. We are excited to see you wear the Crown to start your college hockey career! Welcome to the family @rdcathletics! #mykingsmyqueens

— 🏒 RDC Queens Hockey (@rdcqueenshockey) May 29, 2020

    Last season, Abby and Alli played for the Northern Alberta Xtreme Female Prep team in Devon, Alta.

    Due to their late October birthday, they had exhausted their under-18 AAA eligibility, but still needed to finish their Grade 12 studies in high school.

    Abby was the leading scorer for the Xtreme this past season posting 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 23 games.

Alli Soyko in action for the Bears in November of 2018.

    She will be a big addition to the Pandas, who won the Canada West title last season. The Pandas didn’t get a chance to play a game at the U Sports national championship tournament in Charlottetown, P.E.I., which was called off after two games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Alli will be a strong addition to a team at the Canadian college level, and she also has all the physical tools to play at the university level possibly one day.

    In her final season with the Bears in 2018-19, Alli recorded career highs in all offensive categories with four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 26 regular season games.

    She had another solid campaign this past season with the Xtreme posting five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 23 games.

    Last season, the Queens fell 3-2 in double overtime in a series deciding Game 3 to the NAIT Ooks in an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference semifinal series.

    Both Abby and Alli will be great additions to their respective teams.

• On Thursday, the Boston Marathon, which was scheduled for Sept. 14, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has originally been slated for April 20 before being pushed back to Sept. 14. This will mark the first time in history the Boston Marathon has been cancelled after running for 124 consecutive years.
• On Friday, the DUBNetwork, which is a website platform dedicated to covering the WHL, announced it was taking a step back and stopping coverage due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Run by chief executive officer Paul Figler, the DUBNetwork has been in operation since 2015.
• On Friday, long time Medicine Hat, Alta., radio broadcaster Jim Duce announced he will be retiring. Duce has been on the radio waves for 47 years. He currently works for CHAT 94.5, and his final day on air will be Friday, June 26.

    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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    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.