By Gordie
Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
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| A young hitter drives a ball into the net at a Christmas break camp. |
Over the
past 30 days, we’ve had days that have been frigid. Still, the majority of the
days over that time have been pleasant for this time of year.
As has
become the custom during the winter months, the Indoor Training Centre is a hub
for activity. Various baseball and softball groups continue to train for the
upcoming spring season. The Indoor Training Centre continues to host league
action for groups like the Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League.
While the
schools across Saskatoon were off for a Christmas break, the Going Yard
Training Centre held its annual Christmas Break Camps. The camps helped
introduce the game to really young players and gave players participating in
various other sports a baseball fix.
Our lead
photo of our photo roundup sees a young hitter at one of the Christmas Break
Camp sessions held by Going Yard drive a ball into a net during a hitting drill
on January 4, 2023.
This past
December 15, the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval opened for the current
winter season, and it became another big hub for activity. The skaters from the
Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club have been out taking part in focused
practice periods to prepare to hit new heights for the competitive season.
Visitors have
come to the Oval in droves to enjoy public skating sessions and enjoy the
outdoors. Mother Nature has provided moments that have been picturesque and helped
create a magical aura at the Oval.
The
activity that happens on our grounds continues to provide great material for
our continuing photo roundups.
These photos
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 13 shots we hope you enjoy.
Let it rip
An infielder fires a ball to home plate during a Going Yard Training Centre practice session on December 15, 2022 at the Indoor Training Centre. The infielders were getting practice fielding ground balls and making throws to home.
Opening day joys for the Oval
A pair of skaters enjoy the front straightaway of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on its opening day on December 15, 2022. The cold during the opening day for the Oval had a bit of a bite to it, but these two were part of a healthy contingent of skaters that came out to enjoy that night.
Infield reps rock at guys 222’s
session
The 222’s have been hosting winter training sessions containing a mix of players from the boys under-11 to under-17 age groups at the Indoor Training Centre. During this session on December 15, 2022, an infielder slings a ball to first base during a drill that was executed at a rapid pace.
Battling for the catch
Two players go up to battle for the football on a contested catch in a Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League contest between the BGees and Wolfpack on December 20, 2022 at the Indoor Training Centre. The BGees would down the Wolfpack in this encounter.
Focus on the throw
A pitcher concentrates on the specifics of making a pitch during a 222’s Pitching Factory session on December 22, 2022 at the Indoor Training Centre. The 222’s Pitching Factory contains pitchers from various age groups with a focus on the details of pitching mechanics and form.
Coach passes on tips
Lead instructor Dean Holoien, left, gives a young pitcher tips regarding footwork during a 222’s Pitching Factory session on December 22, 2022 at the Indoor Training Centre. Holoien enjoys passing on his vast knowledge of the sport of softball to the younger generation.
Coming around the bend
A quartet of skaters build up speed heading into the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval’s back straightaway during a Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club practice on December 29, 2022. The Lions got in some key practice time over the holiday season to prepare for some big competitions at the start of 2023.
Smile prominent during holiday
season skates
Smiles were a fixture during a daytime public skating session during a pleasant weather day on January 3, 2023 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval as most were still enjoying time off during the holiday season. The trio of skaters pictured here enjoyed having fun at the Oval.
Running snag in the outfield
An outfielder chases down and successfully lunges for a fly ball during a Going Yard Training Centre Christmas Break Camp session on January 4, 2023 at the Indoor Training Centre. Going Yard uses the Christmas Break Camps to introduce baseball to young players and give players participating in various other sports a baseball fix during the holiday season.
Skating out of the fog
A number of skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club seemingly skate out of the fog during a practice session on January 5, 2023 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The night was perfect to be at the Oval skating, and the fog created some cool looking scenes.
Picture perfect postcard from the
Oval
Two Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club coaches glide away from a bank of trees in the south corner of the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on January 5, 2023. A fog hung around the Gordie Howe Sports Complex all day that day producing scenes that were postcard perfect.
Ski trail enjoyment
A pair of skiers enjoy doing some classic skiing on the Nordic ski trails that are set up on the Complex grounds on January 8, 2023. The ski trails on the Complex grounds provide an ideal place for young skiers to learn and practice Nordic skiing.
Ski community gathering
A sizeable group of people gather at the ski shed on the Complex grounds on January 8, 2023. The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club was hosting a session to teach young skiers the sport.
