Olympics reality still settling in for Lipinski

Ignite Co-Owner going to Summer Games as flag football DC

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Joel Lipinski hugs Marc-Antoine Dequoy (#24).

Joel Lipinski still has times it stuns him that it is an actual thing he will be going to the Olympics with football.

On August 16 at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag World Championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, Lipinski served as the Defensive Coordinator for Team Canada, who were taking part in the bronze medal game against Mexico. Canada claimed a 34-26 victory in overtime, where the win was sealed by an interception from defensive back Guillaume Beland. Canada claimed the bronze medal and locked up a berth at the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will run July 14 to 30 of that year in Los Angeles, Calif.

Flag football will make its debut as a sport at the 2028 Olympics. For Lipinski, he still has moments where he can’t believe going to the Olympics will be an actual thing for him.

“I still don’t know if it feels completely real,” said Lipinski, who is a Co-owner and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of Ignite Athletics located on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. “For so long, the Olympics were this massive thing you watched every few years and you saw athletes representing Canada on the biggest sporting stage in the world.

“I never really pictured myself being part of that. Now, there’s actually an Olympic Games on the calendar that we are preparing for. We qualified. Canada is going.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to represent our country there as a coach. When I actually stop and think about it that way, it’s pretty wild. I think there will probably be a few moments over the next two years where it becomes more and more real.”

Long before becoming a coach in strength and conditioning, Lipinski had played football as a defensive back. In the tackle side of the game, he suited up for Regina’s Campbell Collegiate Tartans, the University of Regina Rams and Saint Mary’s University Huskies in U Sports, the Vancouver Island Raiders in the CJFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks in the CFL and Football Canada’s Men’s National Team in both tackle and flag. During those years, Lipinski never thought about going to the Olympics as football was not part of that multi-sport event and celebration.

In his childhood days growing up in Regina, Lipinski admitted he did have dreams of being part of the Olympics when either the Summer Games or Winter Games were on TV.

Joel Lipinski, centre, offers tips at an Ignite Athletics training session.

“I think every kid watches the Olympics and imagines what it would be like to represent Canada,” said Lipinski, who is the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team. “You watch Canadians win medals and see the flag go up and you understand, even as a kid, that there is something different about representing your country at the Olympics.

“I just never imagined football would eventually be the sport that gave me that opportunity. That’s probably what makes this whole thing even more special.”

While Lipinski is best known for his work as a strength and conditioning coach, the 41-year-old has worked as a football coach over numerous years in his life and has been a head coach at the high school level and has coached defensive backs at the university level. He has been involved with Team Canada on the flag football side for over a decade.

When Football Canada hired famed CFL coach Paul LaPolice to be the head coach of the National Men’s Flag Team on May 8, 2025, he interviewed Lipinski for the Defensive Coordinator position. 

Lipinski was officially brought on as the team’s Defensive Coordinator on May 20, 2025. He has enjoyed working with LaPolice.

“It’s been awesome,” said Lipinski. “Paul has coached football at an incredibly high level for a long time, and I would be lying if I said I haven’t tried to absorb as much as I possibly can from being around him.

“One thing I really appreciate about Paul is that he allows his coaches to coach. He challenges you, asks questions and makes you defend what you believe, but he also gives you ownership. That has made me a better coach.”

Joel Lipinski enjoys coaching with Football Canada.

At the Flag Football Worlds, Canada suffered heartbreak dropping a 41-36 decision in a semifinal against Italy on August 15. Lipinski was proud of how the Canadian team was able to rebound to win the bronze game in overtime the next day over Mexico. The highlight was seeing the win get sealed by Beland’s interception.

“That might be one of the greatest moments I’ve ever experienced in football,” said Lipinski, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighed 195 pounds in his playing days. “There is so much that goes into preparing for those moments that nobody sees (in) the meetings, film, conversations, adjustments and all the reps with the players.

“Then you get into overtime against an unbelievable Mexico team, with an Olympic berth and a World Championship medal essentially hanging in the balance and Guillaume makes the play. On a team full of great players, he was our defensive captain and was completely selfless in any game play that we put together. He is someone I have leaned on throughout the years I have known him for his IQ and pulse of the team, and I could not be happier for him that he was the one to make that play.

“The second he caught it, I think every emotion from the entire tournament came out at once.”

After Beland made his interception, Lipinski took part in the celebrations making a mad dash down the field with Beland and a host of Canadian players that finished with a group hug in an end zone. At that moment, you wouldn’t have known Lipinski was still recovering from tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in one of his knees.

“That is probably the most impressive athletic performance of my entire World Championship,” said Lipinski with a chuckle. “I was five months out from ACL surgery and apparently completely forgot that for about 30 seconds.

“I saw Guillaume pick the ball off and all rehab protocols immediately went out the window. Looking back at the video, there were definitely a couple of moments where I thought, “That probably wasn’t in the return-to-sport plan.” Luckily, the knee survived.”

Joel Lipinski, left, is pictured with Canadian players at Worlds.

While Lipinski is proud of what the Canadian team accomplished, he said the focus is already shifting towards preparing for the Olympics and making good use of the two years preparation time leading up to it.

“Now, the real work starts,” said Lipinski, who has received congratulations pretty much everywhere he has gone in Saskatoon since returning home. “Qualifying was obviously a massive accomplishment, but we’re not going to spend two years celebrating the fact that we qualified.

“The question becomes: how good can we become between now and Los Angeles? We have two years to evaluate our systems, evaluate ourselves as coaches, continue developing players, identify new players and keep learning where international flag football is going. The sport is evolving incredibly quickly.

“For me personally, I want to look back two years from now and know that I used every opportunity between Worlds and the Olympics to become a better defensive coordinator. There are probably 100 things we can do better, and now we have two years to go find them.”

He added the belief is high that Canada can win a medal at the Olympics in 2028.

“We absolutely want to win a medal, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that,” said Lipinski. “Canada just finished third in the world.

“We know how good the best teams in the world are, we know how small the margins are between winning and losing at that level, and we also know that we can compete with them. At the same time, nobody is giving us anything, because we won a bronze medal at Worlds. There are two years of work between now and Los Angeles.

Joel Lipinski and Team Canada pose for a team photo.

“The dream is obviously standing on an Olympic podium with a Canadian flag and a medal around our necks (even though coaches do not get medals). If we’re going all the way to the Olympics, we’re certainly not going there just to say we were there. We want to see how good we can become and take a real shot at winning the thing.”

For more information about Ignite Athletics, feel free to check out Ignite’s website at igniteathletics.com. All photos of Joel Lipinski with Football Canada are courtesy of Joel Lipinski.

Schnitzler’s football journey settles into coaching stage

Crusaders HC enjoyed playing CJFL, U Sports and CFL

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

HC Tom Schnitzler addresses his Crusaders after a game last season.

Tom Schnitzler’s football life has been a full circle Saskatoon story.

After playing high school football with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints winning provincial titles in 2011 and 2012, Schnitzler moved on to play five seasons in the CJFL with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops from 2013 to 2017 winning four straight CJFL championships with the club from 2014 to 2017. Following his time with the Hilltops, the star defensive lineman and standout long snapper moved on to play for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Football Team in 2018 and 2019.

He went on to be selected in the eighth round and 72^nd overall in the 2020 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tigers-Cats. Schnitzler played the 2021 campaign with the Tiger-Cats as they moved on and fell 33-25 in overtime to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at home in the Grey Cup. Following the 2021 campaign, Schnitzler suited up for the Calgary Stampeders in 2022 moving over to play full back on offence.

His time in the CFL concluded after the 2022 campaign. Schnitzler got on to the staff at Holy Cross High School and became the offensive coordinator for the Crusaders Football Team in 2023. When the team’s head coach and all-time coaching great in Scott Hundseth retired from teaching, Schnitzler took on the role of Crusaders head coach, while Hundseth remained to be the squad’s defensive coordinator.

After guiding the Crusaders to their seventh provincial title last season, Schnitzler settled into the start of his third campaign as the team’s head coach.

“I loved playing the game,” said Schnitzler. “Playing high school at BGM (Bishop James Mahoney High School) was a lot of fun.

“Playing high school football and seeing all the time and effort that the coaches put in and gave to us really meant a lot. It just kind of made me want to get back into coaching and kind of give back to the kids. Playing Hilltops and UBC and a few years in the CFL, I feel like I have a lot to give back, and I want to repay what those coaches gave me.

“I guess in a way it is full circle. I really enjoy doing it. It is fun to still be involved with the game.”

On top of being part of the football scene in Saskatoon, Schnitzler’s football life keeps bringing him back to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. 

He played high school and CJFL games at SMF Field. On the coaching front, Schnitzler has coached high school and with Saskatoon Minor Football programs like academy league teams at SMF Field.

Tom Schnitzler scores a TD for the Hilltops on August 29, 2015.

While it has only been four years since he dressed for the Stampeders, Schnitzler is starting to feel the distance from his playing days, especially his days in high school and the CJFL. He chuckled at the memory of scoring a touchdown on a fumble return for the Hilltops in a 65-9 regular season win over the Winnipeg Rifles at SMF Field on August 30, 2015 noting that happened 11 years ago.

“You know what, it is crazy to think about,” said Schnitzler, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighed 235 pounds in his playing days. “There are kids in Grade 9 now, and they’re born in, you know, 2012 or whatever.

“I played Hilltops in 2013. It is kind of crazy to think about it. It didn’t seem that long ago, and then you know when you look back, I guess it is quite some time ago.

“(There are) lots of great memories. I met a lot of my best friends playing there and had good experiences. A touchdown, I got pretty fortunate with a few plays there for sure.”

Schnitzler said it was always in the back of his mind that he would coach football once his playing days were done. He said that idea took root after playing for the Saints with Kirby Frey serving as the team’s head coach.

“He (Frey) did an awesome job,” said Schnitzler. “They had a great staff there.

“It was a lot of fun. I’ve just seen the work they put in for us, but not only that, how much fun they had as a staff. It really made us all want to give back.

“I think a lot of the people on that team, my high school, ended up coaching at some point after. They (the Saints coaches) just set a really good example for us.”

With the Hilltops, Schnitzler played under that team’s iconic head coach in Tom Sargeant. Sargeant entered the 2026 CJFL campaign with 254 career wins combined from CJFL regular season and post-season play. Including play in the CJFL, U Sports football and the CFL, the only person with more career head coaching wins than Sargeant is Wally Buono with 305 victories combined in the CFL regular season and post-season.

“Obviously Sergeant, you can look at his accolades,” said Schnitzler. “He is the best junior coach that has ever done it.

HC Tom Schnitzler, left, gives instructions to his players.

“You pick up a tonne just routine, discipline and togetherness as a team. He is hard on us, but he has got our backs. If we work hard for him, he is going to battle for us.”

When he suited up for the Thunderbirds, Schnitzler played for head coach Blake Nill, who built a legendary career in U Sports. Nill guided the Thunderbirds to a U Sports championship in 2015 and the Saint Mary’s University Huskies Football Team to U Sports title wins in 2001 and 2002.

“He (Nill) is going to tell you what to do and how to do it right,” said Schnitzler. “The expectations are there.

“I guess it is no different for me now. I take that here is the standard and here are the expectations. That is how I want the kids to perform.”

Schnitzler added he learned from both Sargeant and Nill to lean on his team’s leaders. The Holy Cross sideline boss looks for his Grade 12 seniors and high-end Grade 11 players to lead the way.

One spot where Schnitzler was really proud of his players came after the Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A Championship Game on November 7, 2025 at SMF Field. After receiving the championship trophy, the Crusaders captains gave it to Hundseth to allow him to be the first to raise it.

Before that championship win, the Crusaders had lost their previous 10 straight appearances in a provincial final with a number of those setbacks coming in heartbreaking style. Hundseth was the Crusaders head coach of the last nine of those 10 straight losses.

“Coach Hundseth is arguably the best high school football coach Saskatchewan has seen in recent history,” said Schnitzler. “He has been here for 16-to-17 years as the head coach, and he has built this program to what it is today, set the standard high and kept it high.

“I kind of walked into a program that was already ready to roll. I didn’t have to do a whole lot as far as build it. It is already there.

“I think we just had the right mix of players and coaches working together. It (the provincial title win) was for him, so it is really good to see the kids do that. It is well deserved for him.”

Looking towards the future, Schnitzler plans to be coaching the Crusaders for the long term. When players graduate from his team, Schnitzler hopes they become better all-around persons.

“Just the programs I’ve been at with my experience with Hilltops under Tom Sargeant and playing some U Sports, I feel like I can give the kids some guidance as far as expectations and the level and standard we set at this program,” said Schnitzler. “I feel like it will serve them well in the future whether they’re playing football after their Grade 12 year or not.

Tom Schnitzler, right of trophy, enjoys a provincial title win.

“We’re trying to build character and build hard-working young men. It is fun to see those guys move on. It is awesome that a lot of those guys are staying home and playing Hilltops or even (University of Saskatchewan) Huskies.

“We want to keep sending more kids there. It is fun to see.”

To see the 2026 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

Berries WCBL title win was highlight of summer - tops photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Berries celebrate winning the WCBL championship.

The Saskatoon Berries created the best night in recent memory at Cairns Field.

On Sunday, August 16, the Berries added to the storied lore of Saskatoon’s famed baseball park. Hosting Game 2 of the WCBL Championship Series, the Berries downed the visiting Sylvan Lake Gulls 11-1 before a record crowd of 2,579 spectators. With the win, the Berries swept the best-of-three series 2-0 to become WCBL champions for the first time in just their third season of existence.

The series-clinching contest started out as a tight one with the Berries taking a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning. First baseman Josh Henson nailed a three-run home run to spark the Saskatoon side to five-run inning that surged the Berries advantage to 8-1. At that point, the party was on as the Berries cruised to victory from there.

Merek Yeager sets to unload a pitch to home plate.

After finishing fourth overall in the WCBL regular season standings with a 38-18 record, the Berries went 6-1 in the post-season closing the WCBL playoffs riding a five-game winning streak. They were 4-0 at home and 2-1 on the road.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows the Berries celebrating as veteran right-fielder Ethan Murdoch raised the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy that is awarded to the WCBL champions. Murdock was 1-for-2 at the plate with a pair of walks and a run scored in his final game for the Berries and his WCBL career.

The second shot sees Berries starting right-handed pitcher and Muenster, Sask., product Merek Yeager unloading a hurl to home plate during that WCBL title clinching victory. Yeager was stellar picking up the win striking out four batters and scattering seven hits and a walk over six innings.

The Berries enjoy falling confetti while posing for a team photo.

The third photo was a close up of the customary team photo the Berries took after winning the WCBL title. The Berries celebrations went long into the night with family and friends on the Cairns Field turf after that team photo.

Along with the pictures from the Berries WCBL title win, this photo roundup contains images from softball nationals including the Saskatoon Brewers making an ultimate memory. It also has shots of Saskatoon Hilltops and high school football hitting stride.

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 23 shots we hope you enjoy.

Salinas guns to first for the double-play

Saskatoon Berries second baseman and fan favourite Gael Salinas completes a double-play by firing the ball to first base after getting a force out at second base on August 12 at Cairns Field. Salinas’s key defensive play came in the third inning of Game 2 of the WCBL East Division Championship Series against the Moose Jaw Miller Express. The Berries would win that contest 7-4 to sweep the best-of-three set 2-0.

Youngsters jet for home

After the Saskatoon Berries swept the best-of-three WCBL East Division Championship Series 2-0 with a 7-4 victory in Game 2 over the Moose Jaw Miller Express on August 12 at Cairns Field, the young fans and those young at heart ran the bases at the park in what has become a regular tradition at Berries home games. This was the last time in the 2026 campaign the running the bases tradition took place as the WCBL championship celebrations would occur four days later for the Berries at Cairns Field.

Wildcats take down Hilltops

A pair of Edmonton Wildcats defenders corral Saskatoon Hilltops electrifying running back Charles Sawi during the Hilltops CJFL regular season home opener on August 16 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Wildcats pulled off a major upset prevailing 28-22.

Meeting of the minds

Sylvan Lake Gulls head coach Matt Hape and Saskatoon Berries head coach Joe Carnahan meet an umpire crew at home plate before Game 2 of the WCBL Championship Series on August 16 at Cairns Field. After exchanging lineup cards, the Berries would go on to win the contest 11-1 to claim their first WCBL title in just their third season of existence.

Berries enjoy two in the second

Saskatoon Berries first baseman Josh Henson, right, gets set to celebrate scoring a run in the bottom of the second inning that put the Berries up 3-0 at that point in time in Game 2 of the WCBL Championship Series on August 16 at Cairns Field. In the 11-1 victory that allowed the Berries to win the WCBL title, Henson was 2-for-5 at the plate with one home run and three RBI.

Kilshaw makes mark with Berries

Saskatoon Berries catcher Aiden Kilshaw sets to make a throw to second base during Game 2 of the WCBL Championship Series on August 16 at Cairns Field. The Berries would win that contest 11-1 to claim their first WCBL title. Kilshaw was an associate player who joined the Berries on a full-time basis after his final season with the Saskatoon Cubs 18U AAA team ended in late July. During the Berries WCBL playoff run where they posted a 6-1 record, Kilshaw went 9-of-27 at the plate for a .333 batting average, two home runs and 10 RBI. Kilshaw wouldn’t turn 18 until September 4.

Jam Fam backs Berries with record crowd

A record crowd 2,579 spectators turned out to support the Saskatoon Berries in Game 2 of the WCBL Championship Series that was held on August 16 at Cairns Field. They saw the Berries post an 11-1 victory to win the WCBL championship. Part of that gathering is shown here saluting the Berries after their win.

Lazaruk chats with MVP Shackelford

Saskatoon Berries play-by-play voice Les Lazaruk, left, interviews right-handed relief pitcher Wesley Shackelford after the Berries won the WCBL title on August 16 at Cairns Field. In four games of work in the WCBL post-season, Shackelford threw nine scoreless innings striking out 14 batters, while giving up one hit and one walk. In those four outings, Shackelford picked up one pitching win and three saves as the Berries went 6-1 in the post-season.

Swift Current reunion with Berries

Following the Saskatoon Berries WCBL title winning victory on August 16 at Cairns Field, head coach Joe Carnahan, left, catcher Aiden Kilshaw, centre, and right-fielder Ethan Murdoch pose for a picture with the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy. Before being hired by the Berries in July of 2023, Carnahan coached baseball in Swift Current, which included serving as the head coach of Swift Current’s WCBL franchise for a number of years. He first worked with Kilshaw and Murdoch as they came up through Swift Current’s minor baseball system. Kilshaw and his family have since relocated to Saskatoon, while Murdoch still calls Swift Current home.

Going one-on-one at home

Delisle Pride base runner Kaden Burgess comes face-to-face with a New Hamburg Mustangs catcher with the ball guarding home plate on August 22 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Pride and Ontario-based Mustangs were going head-to-head during the opening day of Softball Canada’s U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. The Mustangs won this encounter 6-2.

Kopp brings WCBL trophy to Hilltops game

Saskatoon Berries right-handed pitcher Carter Kopp brought the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy to the Saskatoon Hilltops CJFL regular season home game on August 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Kopp had the trophy set up in the entrance to the football stadium for about an hour before the contest to allow fans to see the WCBL championship trophy and have their photos taken with it. Kopp also got to take part in the coin toss and a pre-game recognition for the Berries WCBL title win.

Hilltops charge to the field

The Saskatoon Hilltops make their customary entrance for their CJFL regular season home game on August 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field emerging out of the smoke at the opening gate of the field. The Hilltops prevailed 36-26 over the Calgary Colts on this day.

Take down

Saskatoon Hilltops outside linebacker Carson Holcomb puts the wraps on elusive Calgary Colts running back Zion Dogbe-Brown during a CJFL regular season contest on August 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Holcomb made five solo defensive tackles and one defensive tackle assist in the Hilltops 36-26 victory.

Batmen celebrate Canadian title win

The celebration was on for the Toronto Jr. Batmen on August 26 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. They downed the Nova Scotia Marshall Workplace Law Selects 5-1 in the title game of Softball Canada’s U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship to take the tournament title for a second straight year.

Batmen enjoy the perks of victory

The Toronto Jr. Batmen pose for the customary team photo on August 26 at Bob Van Impe Stadium after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s U23 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. The Batmen finished the tourney with an 8-1 overall record.

Schaan set to do first pitch honours

Collin Schaan, who is the President and CEO of Schaan Healthcare Products Ltd., gets set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the opening ceremonies for Softball Canada’s Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments on August 26 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Collin got to throw the pitch to son Spencer Schaan, who is a veteran of the Saskatoon Merchants. The Schaan family have been stellar supporters of softball in Saskatoon. They played a big part in funding improvements to the lighting, sound system and entrance to Bob Van Impe Stadium that were completed this summer.

Special delivery

Saskatoon Brewers pitcher Greg Hill lets loose with an off-speed pitch during the championship game of Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 29 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Brewers came away with a tight 2-0 victory over the Cobourg Force. The Ontario-based Force entered the tournament as the three-time defending champions.

Off to the races

Saskatoon Brewers right-fielder Ryan Olde jets down the first base line during the championship game of Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 29 at Joe Gallagher Field. Olde showed speed and base path smarts to score his team’s first run in a 2-0 win over the Cobourg Force.

Championship good times for Brewers

The Saskatoon Brewers posed for the customary team photo after winning the championship game of Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 29 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Brewers took the national title posting a 6-0 record.

Falcons fly high

Running back Thane Kooy sets to spike the ball after scoring a touchdown for the Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons on September 3 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Falcons were taking part in the opening game of the high school football season at SMF Field, and they would blank the Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers 36-0.

Saints’ Kohlman with the pick

Ashton Kohlman, who is a defensive back with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints, makes an interception during a game against the Centennial Collegiate Chargers on September 3 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Saints prevailed in this contest 30-7.

Duval on fire for Stars

Running back Roman Duval takes off on a jaunt for the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars in a high school football clash against the Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls on September 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Stars held a 22-14 lead at halftime and rolled to a 44-22 victory after a big second half. Duval piled up over 200 yards rushing for the Stars.

Navigating traffic

Caleb Ukrainetz, who is a receiver for the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears, jets through a swarm of players during a run in a high school football contest against the Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders on September 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The “Friday Night Lights” game would be best remembered by the light show put on by adverse weather. This game was called with 1:42 remaining in the second quarter with the Bears leading 35-7.

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.