Sander set to soak in season as Hilltops starting QB

Saskatoon guns for 25^th CJFL title in 2026

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Griffin Sander is set to be the Hilltops starting QB this season.

Griffin Sander found his tackle football life was in limbo until an unexpected opportunity came up.

In August of last year, Sander was engaged in training camp activities with University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team. He was going into his fourth season with the Huskies, but he didn’t know where he stood within a talented quarterback room.

Anton Amundrud was a lock as the starter, and the Huskies coaches were optimistic on Jake Farrell, who was in his second season with the team. Sander was wondering if it might be best for him to focus on his kinesiology studies.

One day after a Huskies practice, Sander was walking to his car, and he listened to a voicemail left by Tom Sargeant, who is the legendary head coach of the CJFL’s Saskatoon Hilltops. 

The Hilltops were a week into their CJFL campaign and were dealing with a host of injuries at the quarterback position. Sargeant said the Hilltops needed to add a quarterback, and he wanted to talk to Sander.

“I was like this could be a really good opportunity for me,” said Sander. “Then, I thought about it for a couple of days and talked to my parents and everything.

“I gave Sarge a call back, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made so far in my life.”

Sander joined the Hilltops in Week 2 of their CJFL campaign. After getting used to the team’s system, he would find himself as the backup to fifth-year starter Brexton Elias, when Elias returned for the squad’s fourth regular season contest.

During the Hilltops fifth regular season contest, Sander saw his first game action with the team in a 51-3 romp over the Calgary Colts. As Elias would finish the post-season playing with an injury, Sander came off the bench and saw sizable action in a 30-27 comeback overtime victory over the Thunder at Mosaic Stadium in Regina in the PFC final on October 26, 2025.

He would come off the bench late in the first quarter again in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl. Sander would play almost all of the rest of that contest as the Hilltops won a classic 21-18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field over the Okanagan Sun from Kelowna, B.C., to claim a 24^th CJFL title.

Griffin Sander fires a pass downfield with authority.

When Sander played last season, he was definitive with his throws. He made quick reads and threw the ball with authority and on target. It was visible that he received good coaching with the Huskies.

Sander said Sargeant played a big role in helping him do well. The signal caller also said that Huskies head coach Scott Flory and the two Huskies offensive coordinators he worked with in Jeremy Long and Mason Nyhus were huge in his football story to becoming a quarterback that could make razor-sharp reads.

“I feel like football is really an important game between the ears,” said Sander, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds. “I owe it all to “Sarge,” (Scott) Flory, my coaches Jeremy Long and Mason Nyhus.

“They’ve formed me into the player and the man I am today. I owe it all to them, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those four men really leading me to where I am today.”

Playing for the Hilltops, Sander was able to reunite with Donnie Davidsen, who was his high school head coach with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints Football Team. Davidsen is the Hilltops longtime offensive line coach.

Sander and Davidsen reconnected and picked up right where they left off from their time together with the Saints. Davidsen is also a huge part in Sander’s biggest big-play memory with the Hilltops.

In the PFC final, the Thunder had the first drive of overtime played under shootout rules and came away with a field goal to go up 27-24. On the Hilltops ensuing possession, Sander hit receiver Isaiah Vallderruten with a 24-yard game-winning touchdown pass that resulted in the Saskatoon side prevailing 30-27. The score also allowed the Hilltops to complete a comeback in a contest where they trailed 24-9 with 10:51 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“That is probably one of the coolest moments I’ve ever had playing football,” said Sander about his winning touchdown pass in the PFC final. “I remember I threw the pass, and I couldn’t actually really see if “Zay” caught it or not.

“I just heard kind of the crowd erupt, and then, I looked at the sidelines. Speaking of Donnie (Davidsen), Donnie was running full speed at me, and he jumped into my arms. That was probably one of the best moments I’ve had in football.

“That was incredible.”

Griffin Sander came up clutch for the Hilltops in the 2025 post-season.

Sargeant said Sander’s addition was massive for his storied CJFL team. The sideline boss said the veteran pivot allowed the Hilltops passing game to come to life in both the PFC final and the CJFL title game.

“Every opportunity that we gave him, he just took off and ran with it,” said Sargeant. “We certainly were very thankful that he made the decision to commit to the Saskatoon Hilltops.

“He has given the whole team and the coaching staff great optimism for this year. We’re excited to see where it takes us, because now we’ve got a full year. We’ve got a whole off-season.

“He has embraced every challenge that has come his way. He is a captain. As I said, big expectations on the blue and gold and big expectations on Griffin.”

Sargeant added that Sander came to the Hilltops having developed a solid base to play from his time as a reserve quarterback with the Huskies.

“Any time you come from the Huskie program, you know they’re going to be well coached, and they’re going to be a top recruit,” said Sargeant. “Griffin’s game, he has certainly got a good head on his shoulders.

“He has got arm talent, and it fits in perfectly with what we want to do this year. We’re excited to bring these receivers up. We love our receiver room, and we feel the combination of those two coming together is going to make a great passing package that is going to be tough to defend.

“All the training he has had in the past has certainly helped him to what his future is going to be.”

In the Canadian Bowl, the Hilltops were tied with the Sun 2-2 after the first quarter. Sander provided the steady hand in a surge that saw the Hilltops go up 16-2 and hold a 16-4 advantage at halftime.

The Sun ultimately would even the score at 18-18 with a touchdown with 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter. Sander proceeded to guide the Hilltops on a drive that resulted in a 37-yard game-winning field goal from kicker Ryden Gratton with 28.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Okanagan’s final desperate drive was snuffed out with an interception by Hilltops strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor.

Griffin Sander dumps the ball off to Charles Sawi.

“We scored a touchdown I think either on my first or second drive that I went in,” said Sander. “Then, we just had quite a few two and outs and then just kind of stalled out.

“That gave Okanagan a lot of motivation. They had everything on their side, and they were just pounding. We couldn’t stop them.

“They ended up tying it up, and then, we put a good drive together. We had a lot of good runs by (running back) D.C. (David Collins). Gratz (Ryden Gratton) kicked the game winner, and then, that was it.”

Going into this season, Sander will be playing out his final campaign of CJFL eligibility. He will enter the season as the Hilltops starting quarterback. Sander has enjoyed having a whole off-season getting to train with the team’s offensive unit and receiving corps.

“Last season, I came in Week 2,” said Sander, who is 22-years-old. “I knew a couple of the guys through like academy and kind of spring ball and fall ball in high school.

“I knew a couple of guys, but I was never throwing to these guys. It was a little bit of a jump trying to get to know the playbook and get to know the guys and how they run their routes. It has been really, really amazing just to have a whole off-season with these guys and just throwing with them every week and just kind of see how they run their routes and what kind of depth they’re running.

“It is really helpful to be on the same page.”

The Hilltops opened their regular season on August 9 downing the Rifles in Winnipeg 38-13. Saskatoon’s home opener is slated for Sunday, August 16 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field against the Edmonton Wildcats.

Sander said the goal is to win a second straight CJFL title. With this being his final CJFL campaign, Sander said he wants to be in the moment as much as possible and soak in the journey the season will provide.

“I mean everybody wants to play in the game at the end of the year,” said Sander. “I feel like especially in your fifth year you don’t want to get there too quickly.

Griffin Sander wants to relish all parts of the 2026 season.

“I just take it day by day and don’t take anything for granted and just kind of just have lots of fun with my guys for my last year.”

For more information of the Saskatoon Hilltops including their tickets and game schedule, feel free to check out their website at www.saskatoonhilltops.com. 

WCBL All-Star Weekend takes photo roundup centre stage spotlight

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The East All-Star Team celebrates a Carter Roth home run.

A WCBL first took place at Cairns Field, which was a big highlight on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

On July 18 and 19, the circuit hosted its first ever WCBL All-Star Weekend. In past years, the WCBL hosted an All-Star Game with a Home Run Derby on the same day. When the Saskatoon Berries were named as hosts for this year’s All-Star Game, they elected to extend the festivities to a two-day event to create the WCBL All-Star Weekend.

For Saturday, July 18, a Bunt Competition and a Home Run Derby for WCBL players was held along with a Junior Home Run Derby featuring minor baseball players from Saskatoon and area. 

The day’s fun concluded with a concert put on by country singer Jordyn Pollard. The All-Star Game itself followed on Sunday, July 19.

Lucas Holowachuk competes in the Junior Home Run Derby.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup comes from the All-Star Game on July 19. It shows a trio of players from the East All-Star Team celebrating a two-run home run from Medicine Hat Mavericks infielder Carter Roth, who is wearing number one. Roth was 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI in pacing the East All-Star Team to a 9-2 victory over the West All-Star team.

The second shot comes from the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18. It shows Lucas Holowachuk watching one of his hits go yard during the Junior Home Run Derby. Holowachuk, who plays for the Saskatoon Sturgeon 13U AAA squad, won the Junior Home Run Derby with eight homers.

The third photo came from a between innings break during the All-Star Game on July 19. 

The ZOOperstars! were a hit with fans at Cairns Field.

It shows Nomar Garciaparrot, left, and Harry Canary taking part in a performance by the ZOOperstars! touring inflatable act.

Along with the pictures from the WCBL All-Star Weekend, this photo roundup is loaded with images from the continuing summer season that season baseball and softball hitting post-season play. 

The photo roundup is loaded with pictures from the Complex’s original staple sports in baseball, football and softball. 

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 24 shots we hope you enjoy.

Homebound

A base runner for the Watrous Royals U13B Teams heads for home during a game at Joe Gallagher Field on July 12 that was part of Softball Saskatchewan’s U13B and U15B Girls North Provincial Championship Tournaments. Royals ultimately won the U13B title, while the Maidstone Lakers claimed the U15B crown.

Beck returns to “Berry Patch”

Saskatoon Berries alumnus Carter Beck returned to Cairns Field to see his old WCBL team play on July 15. Before the game, Beck threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Beck officially became a Berries alum when he was selected in the first round and 26^th overall by the Atlanta Braves on July 11 in the MLB Draft. On August 4, Beck officially signed his MLB contract with the Braves.

Corralling a high one

A Saskatoon Cubs catcher Jake Hofmann prevents a high pitch from going to the backstop during a doubleheader against the Swift Current Argue Law 57’s in 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League action on July 14 at Leakos Field. The Cubs took both contests by identical 8-7 scores.

Picture perfect bunt

Saskatoon Berries second baseman Gael Salinas executes a bunt perfectly during the Bunt Competition on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Salinas, who is a fan favourite, would claim victory in the event.

Frozen rope is out of here

Energy City Cactus Rats hitter David Simmons drives a line shot out of the park during the Home Run Derby on the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field. Simmons prevailed as the winner of this event. The Cactus Rats are located in Spruce Grove, Alta.

Showtime for Pollard

Country singer title Jordyn Pollard concludes the first day of the WCBL All-Star Weekend on July 18 at Cairns Field putting on a concert. Pollard, who is from the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, ensured the fans went home in an upbeat mood.

Memories that live forever

The Traveling Mobile Exhibit for the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is at the WCBL All-Star Weekend at Cairns Field. This photo taken from inside the traveling exhibit on July 18 shows pictures of some of Hall of Fame inductees including Saskatoon product Catriona Le May Doan.

Focus at the plate

Saskatoon Berries right-fielder Ethan Murdoch sets for an incoming pitch during action at the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. Murdoch would finish the 2026 regular season leading the Berries with 14 home runs.

Giraffey Jr. on the loose

Ken Giraffey Jr. from the ZOOperstars! touring inflatable act gives a youngster a ride in a stroller during the WCBL All-Star Game on July 19 at Cairns Field. The ZOOperstars! brought out a tonne of laughs with their antics from those in attendance.

Super Sunday for Merchants

The Saskatoon Merchants pose for the customary team picture after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Men’s A Provincial Championship Tournament at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 19. That day turned into a magical Sunday for the Merchants. First, they blanked the Earl Grey Rockets 4-0 in a semifinal earlier in the day. In the gold medal final, the Merchants scored three runs in the top of the eighth to down the Saskatoon Jacks 5-2 to capture the provincial title.

Pitching debut for Colborn

Best known for working behind the plate, catcher Braeden Colborn made his pitching debut at the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League 18U AAA level with the Saskatoon Giants on July 20 at Cairns Field. Playing his final career regular season game with the Giants, Colborn threw one inning in relief picking up a strikeout and inducing a double-play ball. With that effort, Colborn ensured he would give up no runs and have a 0.00 ERA for his SPBL 18U AAA career in regular season play. Colborn, who trains with the Going Yard Baseball Academy, will join the Williston State College Tetons Baseball Team in the fall in Williston, North Dakota.

Senior Eclipse capture Women’s Open title

The Saskatoon Senior Eclipse pose for the customary team photo after winning the Softball Saskatchewan Women’s Open Provincial Championship tournament on July 26 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Eclipse downed the Ceylon Devils in 15-2 in the championship game and posted a 5-0 record at the tourney.

Hitting the brakes

An Esterhazy Cyclones base runner makes a power stop after rounding third base during the title game of Baseball Saskatchewan’s 18U AA Tier 4 Provincial Championship Tournament on July 26 at Cairns Field. In a contest that was a slugfest, the Cyclones prevailed over the Tisdale Rangers 15-11.

Incoming

Saskatoon Berries pitcher Zachary Landreville unloads a toss during a WCBL regular season contest on July 28 at Cairns Field. Landreville struck out six batters and exited the contest after five innings with his squad holding a 5-3 lead against the visiting Medicine Hat Mavericks. The Mavericks prevailed 9-7 after 10 innings.

Slick side step

BGees receiver Marci Halseth slips past a Blitz defender to score a touchdown during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Blitz ultimately prevailed in this contest 26-17.

Rolling out of pressure

Blitz quarterback Nicole Braun rolls away from pressure during a Saskatoon Touch Football League regular season contest on July 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Braun threw three touchdown passes and ran for another major in a 26-17 win over the BGees.

Grand entrance

A flag bearer and a piper lead a parade of athletes, coaches, umpires and officials on to Cairns Field during the opening ceremonies for Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on July 30. The ceremonies created a lifelong memory for all who took part in them.

Tracking the ball in

Team Saskatchewan catcher Andie Marshall follows the ball into her glove during a preliminary round game against Newfoundland at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 1 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan would claim an 11-2 victory in that encounter.

The celebration is on for Quebec

Players from Team Quebec celebrate winning Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field after receiving the championship banner. Quebec completed the tournament having outscored their foes 76-18 going undefeated in six games.

Bronze for Saskatchewan

Team Saskatchewan poses for a team photo after receiving their bronze medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Saskatchewan finished the tourney with a 4-1 overall record.

Silver for Ontario

Team Ontario poses for a team photo after receiving their silver medals at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Ontario finished the tourney with a 3-3 overall record, and all three of Ontario’s losses came against tournament champion Team Quebec.

Gold for Quebec

Team Quebec poses for a team photo after winning gold at Baseball Canada’s Women’s 19U National Championship tournament on August 2 at Cairns Field. Quebec finished the tourney posting a 6-0 overall record.

Off to the races

Receiver Ricki Obed returns a punt for Team Saskatchewan during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field.

Textbook block to open a seam

All-time great linebacker Emmarae Dale makes key block to create a lane for a Team Saskatchewan punt returner Ricki Obed (not in the photo) to run through during a semifinal of Football Canada’s Canadian Women’s Tackle National Championship against Team Atlantic on August 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Team Saskatchewan would win this game 56-0 and would later win the championship final over Team Quebec 24-3 on August 8 at SMF Field. Dale was named the defensive player of the tournament and returned two interceptions for touchdowns from 70 and 114 yards out in the championship game win.

Major brothers pumped for home nationals with Jacks

Duo has fond memories hosting Canadians with Pride in 2023

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Will Major sets to make a throw to first for the Jacks.

Brothers Will and Max Major hope to recreate and exceed the softball excitement that was on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds in 2023.

Back in 2023, the products of Delisle, a town located about 43 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon, suited up with the Delisle Pride at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held on the Complex grounds mainly at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The event wrapped up in early August of that year, and the Pride were the host team for that tourney.

At that tournament, the Pride went on a run to the championship game, where they fell 11-1 to the Tavistock Merchants. As the Pride went on their run and piled up the wins, they drew larger and larger crowds for their games at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

Now playing for the Saskatoon Jacks, the Majors want to make similar and better memories when the Complex hosts the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship this coming August 26 to 30. The Jacks are the host squad for the Men’s side of that event.

Max, who is the younger brother at age 22, is still playing for the Pride U23 team as well. Right before the Men’s and Master Men’s event, he will suit up for the Pride at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship that runs at the Complex this coming August 22 to 26.

Max Major sets to make a throw to second base for the Jacks.

Both Majors have fond memories of the big crowds that came out to see their Pride team in 2023 and would love to see a repeat of those big crowds this year.

“That was awesome,” said Will, who is a 24-year-old second baseman. “It was probably the most (fans) I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play in front of.

“It was a great turnout. We’re really hoping to get something similar to that this year being back at home. Yeah, that was a special one.

“That is one I wish I could relive again for sure.”

“It felt like each game we kept getting more people and more people and more people were buying in,” said Max, who is a catcher.  “We actually had awesome crowds, and it kind of makes the game so easy when you’ve got a few hundred or a few thousand people some nights actually cheering on your back.

“I know in softball we don’t get that a lot anymore. It is kind of a small-town, local game now. It is so enjoyable, and we’re so pumped to have it (nationals) at home, because we know that we’re going to have good crowds and a ton of support.”

The Majors started playing with the Jacks in 2024 and suited up for the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship that ran at the Complex from August 28 to September 1 of that year. The Jacks went 3-3 in the preliminary round of the Men’s side of the event and lost their first game in the playoff round to be eliminated from the tourney.

Will Major sets for an at bat with the Jacks.

The 2025 campaign would be a much different season for the Jacks and the Majors. They returned to the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held from August 27 to 31 of that year in Kitchener, Ontario.

At that tourney, the Jacks looked poised to prevent the defending Canadian Men’s champion in the Galway Hitmen from St. John’s, Newfoundland, from extending their dynasty. Saskatoon posted victories of 3-2 and 5-1 against the St. John’s side in their first two meetings.

The Jacks made the championship final only to drop a 2-1 heartbreaker to the Hitmen. With the win, the Hitmen would lay claim to winning 10 out of the last 12 Canadian Men’s titles, which included the squad being named the 3 Cheer Pub for their first three victories.

Following that event, the Majors would play for Softball Canada’s U23 Men’s National Team at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americans U23 Men’s Pan American Championship that ran in September of 2025 in Santa Rosa (La Pampa), Argentina. They are both currently part of the Athlete Pool for Softball Canada’s Men’s National Team.

The experience of 2025 and the silver medal finish at nationals with the Jacks has increased the anticipation for the upcoming Men’s nationals this year at home.

Max Major rounds the bases for the Jacks.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” said Will, who stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 160 pounds. “We were on a different level that week.

“We were playing some of the best ball I think we’ve ever played as a team collectively. We did get them (the Hitmen) twice, but at the end of the day, they got us when it mattered. It is unfortunate, but hopefully, we’ll see them again this year.

“They’re a great team. That is one that a lot of us wish we could have back for sure. They are a true dynasty those guys though.”

“We obviously know that (the Hitmen) is one of the best teams around for a reason,” said Max, who stands 6-feet and weighs 165 pounds. “They’re always in those final three or usually winning it.

“To get them twice was a huge boost for our team, but we knew going into that final that team wasn’t going to go away. All three games were close. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Hopefully, we get to play them again this year and can have another good run in with them.”

The Majors have had the chance to play together on the same team for the last seven years. Both said a big highlight in their careers was playing together for Canada’s U23 squad and winning a silver medal at the WBSC Americans Pan American Championship that ran September of last year.

Will Major fields a ground ball at second for the Jacks.

The one thing that has eluded the Majors in their career playing together is a national title. Along with silver medal finishes with the Pride in 2023 and the Jacks in 2025, the Majors also played for the Pride in 2024 at the U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship held that year in Kitchener. In the title game played on August 4 of that year, the Pride fell 6-3 to the Murno Mariners, who are also from Newfoundland.

While Max will play for the Pride at U23 Canadians once again, both brothers would love to win that elusive national title gold medal together at the upcoming Men’s Canadians on their home stomping grounds.

“It is incredibly exciting,” said Will. “If there was ever a time to get one, this would be awfully special.

“I think we’ve got a great team going into it this year, so hopefully, things go our way. It is going to be really exciting. Hopefully, we get great turnouts to all the games.

“It is a big tourney this year. I think there are quite a few teams in it this year compared to years past, so hopefully, it all works out.”

Max Major will play in two softball nationals in August.

“I think, obviously, the boys are hoping to have a very similar year to last year, and I don’t see why we can’t,” said Max. “Our whole team is just going to have to bear down for that week again.

“Our expectation is to, obviously, be playing Sunday afternoon (for the championship). That is what every team’s expectation is going there, but I think we’re one of the few teams that has a realistic opportunity.”

Valkyries 11th WWCFL title win highlights photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Valkyries celebrate winning the WWCFL title on June 27.

WWCFL championship wins for the Saskatoon Valkyries are always special, but it is a bonus when they can occur at home.

On Saturday, June 27, the Valkyries hosted the Edmonton Arctic Pride in the WWCFL Championship Game at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Arctic Pride hit the scoreboard first when quarterback Bianka Suzuki connected with receiver Emily McMillan on a long touchdown pass to go ahead 7-0.

The Valkyries responded scoring 40 unanswered points to romp to a 40-7 victory. With the win, the Valkyries have won the WWCFL title 11 times since first taking the field in 2011, and they have emerged victorious in the last six consecutive WWCFL Championship Games. Saskatoon finished out the 2026 campaign with a perfect 6-0 record to go along with a 45 game overall winning streak.

Emmarae Dale makes a tackle for the Valkyries.

While the Valkyries have piled up 11 WWCFL title wins, the majority of those triumphs have come away from “The Bridge City.” Since making the Gordie Howe Sports Complex their regular home stomping grounds in 2015, the Valkyries have only won the WWCFL title twice at SMF Field including 2022 and the most recent triumph on June 27.

The Valkyries claimed the 2023 WWCFL title playing at Griffiths Stadium on the University of Saskatchewan campus due to SMF Field being booked up that year. They also won WWCFL title games when they called Griffiths their main home field in 2012 and 2014.

Our lead picture of this photo roundup shows the Valkyries captains raising the WWCFL Championship Trophy following their latest WWCFL title win on June 27. The second shot sees Valkyries star middle linebacker Emmarae Dale taking down an Arctic Pride ball carrier.

Drew Lundquist ran for 126 yards in the WWCFL title game.

The third photo shows veteran star Valkyries running back Drew Lundquist running the ball. Lundquist was named the Valkyries game MVP having run the ball 22 times for 126 yards. The Valkyries as a team piled up 277 yards rushing.

Along with the pictures from the Valkyries WWCFL title win, this photo roundup is loaded with images from the continuing outdoor spring and summer season. The photo roundup has pictures from the Complex’s staple sports in baseball, football, softball and track and field.              

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 22 shots we hope you enjoy.

Bound for the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame

Dean Bertoia and Kent Kowalski, right, shake hands at a news conference to announce the 2026 class for the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame on June 11 at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. Bertoia is heading to the Hall as an athlete for his exploits in athletics. Kowalski is heading to the Hall as an athlete for his exploits in soccer. The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Prairieland Park.

Out at second

Saskatoon Berries second baseman Gael Salinas, left, places a tag on Swift Current 57s base runner Adam Rowland at Cairns Field. The Berries claimed this WCBL regular season clash 9-5.

Making a plate block look easy

A Saskatoon Phantoms catcher comes up with a plate block during a game at the Murphy’s U11 Tournament on June 14 at Glenn Reeve Field #4. The Murphy’s tournament has become an annual season highlight for young softball squads.

Catch in traffic

While it is supposed to be non-contact, flag football can have its moments of physicality. During action at Football Saskatchewan’s Girls High School Flag Football Provincial Championships on June 14 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Holy Cross High School receiver Addison Frey gets hammered making a catch over the middle. Frey hung on to the ball, got up, shrugged off the contact and continued to play. Frey is also a defender with the Saskatoon Stars Female Under-18 AAA hockey team.

Slick escape

St. Joseph High School quarterback Adley Tomlenovich eludes pressure and fires a pass downfield during Football Saskatchewan’s Girls High School Flag Football Provincial Championships on June 14 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Tomlenovich’s squad would win the senior provincial title.

Taking flight

An athlete from the Running Wild Athletics Club takes to the air on June 14 at the Track and Field Track. On that day, the Track and Field Track was the site for Saskatchewan Athletics U12, U14 and Master Provincials along with the U16 and U18 trials for the Western Canada Team Challenge squads for that meet set for July 17 to 19 in Regina.

Hitting stride

A group of five runners rounds the corner during a U18 female 800-metre race at the Track and Field Track on June 14. The runners were taking part in Saskatchewan Athletics U12, U14 and Master Provincials along with the U16 and U18 trials for the Western Canada Team Challenge squads for that meet set for July 17 to 19 in Regina.

Sweet special teams TD

Saskatoon Valkyries defensive lineman Grace Farthing (#50) soaks in reaching the end zone for a special teams touchdown on June 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the fourth quarter facing the Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless in the WWCFL Prairie Conference Final, Farthing blocked a punt and proceeded to scoop up the loose ball and run it in for a major. Farthing’s effort powered the Valkyries to a 17-7 victory.

Showtime

A dancer with the “Circle of 5ths Crew” from The Spot Arts Community puts on a move you need to see to believe on June 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. A total of six members from the “Circle of 5ths Crews” performed at halftime of the WWCFL Prairie Conference Final won by the Saskatoon Valkyries.

Obed for six

Saskatoon Valkyries receiver Ricki Obed, left, celebrates hauling in an eight-yard touchdown reception with fellow veteran receiver Rachelle Smith in the WWCFL Championship Game on June 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Obed’s score put the Valkyries up 14-7 in the second quarter, and they cruised to a 40-7 victory over the Edmonton Arctic Pride.

O’Neill boots four

Saskatoon Valkyries kicker Kaylin O’Neill had a memorable outing in her team’s 40-7 in the WWCFL Championship Game over the Edmonton Arctic Pride on June 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. O’Neill connected on four field goals coming from 32, 22, 22 and 30 yards to help power the Saskatoon side to victory.

Running with purpose

Saskatoon Valkyries running back Teagan Craig jets her way upfield in her team’s WWCFL Championship Game victory over the Edmonton Arctic Pride on June 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Craig is part of the Valkyries running back foursome that made big plays for the squad all season.

Arctic Pride game MVP goes to McMillan

Edmonton Arctic Pride receiver and defensive back Emily McMillan had a huge outing in her team’s WWCFL Championship Game loss to the Saskatoon Valkyries on June 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. McMillan was named the Arctic Pride game MVP for her efforts on both offence and defence. On offence, McMillan caught five passes for 65 yards and one touchdown. On defence, she recorded four solo tackles, five tackle assists and a pass knockdown.

A championship forever memory

Saskatoon Valkyries defensive back Lexi Beuker is pictured holding the WWCFL championship trophy standing with a quartet of her biggest supporters on June 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Following their victory in the WWCFL Championship Game, the Valkyries players and coaches spent time post-game getting photos taken on the field with their family and friends.

Going to the house

A receiver from Seaman’s Squad jets to the end zone in a Saskatoon Touch Football League contest against Ocho Stinko on June 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Seaman’s Squad prevailed in a clash that was all about offence 40-34.

Special delivery

Saskatoon Berries pitcher Carter Kopp fires a throw to home plate during his team’s WCBL regular season clash against the Brooks Bombers on July 1 at Cairns Field. Kopp, who is an alum of the Saskatoon Giants 18U AAA team, keeps opposing batters off balance throwing a fastball, sinker, curveball and changeup. On this day, Kopp threw two innings coming out of the bullpen as the Berries fell 7-5.

Flip for an out

Saskatoon Berries shortstop Brock Laird flips a ball to second baseman Gael Salinas for an out during WCBL regular season contest against the Brooks Bombers on July 1 at Cairns Field. While the Berries made good defensive plays in the field, the Bombers prevailed on this night 7-5.

A five for Barry

A youngster gives a five to Saskatoon Berries mascot Barry the Bear on July 1 at Cairns Field. Following the Berries WCBL contest on that day, the young fans continued a team tradition by running the bases post-game, and Barry met the fans at home plate.

Here comes the heat

A Saskatoon Raiders Rebels pitcher sets to unload a toss in the Softball Saskatchewan U11 A North Girls Provincial Championship tournament title game on July 5 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. In an all-time classic, the Raiders Rebels edged the Saskatoon Phantoms 2-1.

Got it

A Saskatoon Selects McDonald infielder playing first base makes a stretch backward catch for an out in the title game of the Softball Saskatchewan U17 A Girls Provincial Championship tournament on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Selects McDonald outgunned the Regina Saints 12-11.

Fun in the stands

Members of a Twin City Angels team share some laughs while watching the title game of the Softball Saskatchewan U17 A Girls Provincial Championship tournament on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Even if you are not playing, it is always better to see Softball Saskatchewan’s provincial championship tournaments from the stands. Eventually, the smiles will come out.

Jack brings the power

Saskatoon Jacks infielder Brant Wiebe drives a shot over the fence at Joe Gallagher Field for a home run in a Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association contest on July 7. Wiebe’s drive allowed the Jacks to down the Delisle Pride U23 squad 11-1.