Prokopchuk shares love for 222’s for opening doors in softball

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Olivia Prokopchuk is one of Saskatoon’s best power hitters.

Olivia Prokopchuk will be part of the 222’s Fastpitch program for life.

The 17-year-old power hitter and first base infielder credits the fall and winter season travel team program for creating unique opportunities for her in the sport of softball. She always loved softball from an early age after her father, Steve Prokopchuk, convinced her to give the sport a try, and the 222’s would come into her life a handful of years later.

“Honesty, I think my dad just kind of was like, “Oh, do you want to try T-ball one day?’” said Prokopchuk reflecting on her start. “I was like, ‘Yeah, for sure.’

“I kind of just started, and I instantly liked it. I got to the point where I quit all my other sports and started to become more competitive in softball. I started out as a pitcher for the 222’s.

“I kind of just discovered that I liked hitting and kind of passed on the pitching aspect. Here I am now, and I’m a hitter and an infielder.”

Prokopchuk used to play hockey, soccer and did some horseback along with softball while growing up. At around age 11 turning 12, Prokopchuk focused on softball as her lone sport, and she joined up with the 222’s program.

“I like getting to meet new people and having new teammates,” said Prokopchuk, who stands 5-foot-7. “I think for me the 222’s brought a lot of friendships that I wouldn’t have had now.

“The coaches and everyone that I got to meet to help me further my career were really nice.”

Olivia Prokopchuk drives a ball into the net.

Back in November of 2024, Prokopchuk signed on with the University of South Carolina-Union Bantams Women’s Softball team located in Union, South Carolina. They play in the National Junior College Athletic Association in the United States.

She is also slated to play for Team Saskatchewan at the 2025 Canada Summer Games that run this coming August 8 to 25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Prokopchuk said the 222’s, who are based out of the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds, had a big impact on her in being able to get the chance to play softball at the post-secondary level and play in the Canada Summer games.

“I definitely learned a lot with them,” said Prokopchuk. “They definitely were one of the biggest reasons as to why I am where I am now.”

Prokopchuk credits longtime 222’s coaches in Ryan Ray and Keith Mackintosh on being the biggest influences in helping her out in the sport. She said Ray was important in helping her with the mental side of hitting.

“He (Ray) just helps me understand the game and for me to not get in my head when something doesn’t go my way, which is definitely a bit part of the game,” said Prokopchuk, who is slated to graduate from Bishop James Mahoney High School this coming June. “Softball is a mental game.

“It can definitely take over, but he (Ryan Ray) has definitely helped me understand and realize that it is OK.”

Prokopchuk said Mackintosh was huge in helping her improve in a couple of areas of her game.

Olivia Prokopchuk makes a throw from first base.

“He has helped me with hitting and has spent countless hours working me through my swing,” said Prokopchuk. “He was also the start of helping me with my first base skills.”

With the work she put in with the 222’s, Prokopchuk was able to sign with the Bantams. She said it was fun setting up and getting the pictures done for the social media posts of her signing announcement.

“It was like having everyone there that has been there for you the whole time and knowing that you accomplished what you’ve worked so hard for over the past however many years has finally come true,” said Prokopchuk. “It was pretty nice.”

She elected to join the Bantams for a variety of reasons.

“I knew I wanted to go far (away), and I knew that if I wanted to go far, I might as well go somewhere in the sun,” said Prokopchuk. “The coaches were really good with me.

“They were good with my parents. They were just well-oriented down there I feel. When I went down, everyone was good with the players.

“The players had a close relationship with them, which was definitely a big thing for me.”

Prokopchuk said there was a natural comfort vibe feeling between herself and the South Carolina program.

Olivia Prokopchuk was a pitcher at first before focusing on hitting.

“I had an offer there before I went down there,” said Prokopchuk. “It was just a matter of me going down there and deciding if I liked the school.

“I did fall in love with it when I went down there, so it was a very quick and easy call and decision to make.”

While Prokopchuk has experienced her share of highs, she encountered a new challenge with a major injury. 

During a training session in late 2024, Prokopchuk tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.

She is focused on her road to recovery, which will allow her to play in the upcoming Canada Summer Games and the 2025-26 campaign with the Bantams. Still, Prokopchuk said she was a bit nervous at first when it came to starting out on the comeback trail.

“I was definitely shaky at the start, because I wasn’t expecting it,” said Prokopchuk. “I had never gotten hurt before, so this was a big thing for me, but I kind of just came to the realization that it has to happen to everyone.

“If it didn’t happen now, it was going to happen at some point. I am just focusing on rehab and getting back and pushing myself to get back in time for what I want to more so accomplish down the road. That is the good thing is that straight out of rehab I get to do something that I wanted to do and that I’ve worked hard for.”

In the future, Prokopchuk still wants to be part of Softball Canada’s national team system at some point in time. When her playing days are complete, Prokopchuk wants to embark on a career that will help her stay around the sport.

Olivia Prokopchuk drives a ball into the outfield.

“I do want to come home, and I want to become a physiotherapist,” said Prokopchuk. “That has been a dream of mine for a long time, so that is the plan as of right now.”

Overall, she has appreciated the support of Saskatoon’s softball community during her journey in the sport. Prokopchuk said that support has also helped her realize her dreams in the sport.

“The softball community here is so nice and welcoming,” said Prokopchuk. “Everyone is here for a purpose and wants to be here, which is really encouraging to us and the little ones below us.

“I enjoy it.”

Valkyries Winter Camp hits high gear in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Kennedy Mann, right, uses proper form to make a tackle.

For one day, the Saskatoon Valkyries of the present and potentially the future came together.

The storied Western Women’s Canadian Football League team hosted its annual winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The camp was for any female player who were at least 16-years-old and no former football experience was required.

A large number of Valkyries veterans take part in this camp along with a sizable amount of high school players and players who graduated from high school the previous June. Those who graduated the previous June could potentially join the Valkyries for the upcoming 2025 campaign, while those still in high school gained a valuable introduction to the squad with the hopes of becoming part of the team in the future.

Julia Smith throws a pass for the Valkyries.

Ultimately, over 70 athletes from across the province took part in this camp.

Our lead picture in this photo roundup sees linebacker Kennedy Mann, right, showing off her wrap up form during a tackling drill.

Mann has been a member of the Valkyries last three straight WWCFL championship teams.

The second photo shows young quarterback Julia Smith working on her technique as she throws the ball to a teammate. Smith was in her first season with the team in 2024.

Receiver Jada Duchene is shown in the third photo making a catch after running a pattern. Duchene is looking to play in her first season with the team.

Jada Duchene makes a catch for the Valkyries.

Along with the pictures from the Saskatoon Valkyries Winter Camp, this photo roundup includes other scenes from the Indoor Training Centre and images from the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Baseball, rugby and softball teams are hitting stride preparing for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Ultimate disc continues with regular season play and the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club prepare for various meets.

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

Without further ado, here is a selection of 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Contact

A player from the Saskatoon Royals female baseball program nails a grounder during a practice session on January 12 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitter was taking part in one of four skill building stations the Royals had set up on this day.

Finesse throw

Emma Frisky, who has played for Softball Canada’s Under-18 Women’s National Team, unloads an off-speed pitch to the plate during an individual session in the pitching lanes on January 12. Frisky enjoys putting in extra work at her craft, which makes her one of the country’s top players in her age group.

Slick toss

A player makes a smart toss up the field past a defender during Saskatoon Ultimate Sport-Disc Society action on January 17 at the Indoor Training Centre. The ultimate disc athletes enjoying taking part in competitive action in a very upbeat atmosphere.

They’re off

A group of young skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club jet down the back straightaway at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on January 22. The young skaters of the Lions love it when they get to jet down the track.

Push race fun

The “push race” has become the team and family building activity for the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club. The “push race” involved all members of the club with skaters separated at different intervals along a straightaway. After the first skaters start, they get up to and push the next skater and then the next skater until you are pushing a line of skaters. These races result in all sorts of smiles and laughs even if one line of skaters wipes out. It is a fun part of Lions practices like this one on January 22 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval.

Coach chatter

Head coach Pat Barry address his Saskatoon Valkyries before the morning practice session of their winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Barry will put the Valkyries players into an upbeat spirit heading into drills for that session.

Group shuffle

Saskatoon Valkyries go through a slide shuffle drill during warmups at their winter camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries go through a number of warmup routines before heading on to the main part of a training session.

All about technique

An offensive line group goes through blocking technique repetitions during the Saskatoon Valkyries Winter Camp on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries coaches know that hand technique skills play a big part in getting the job done on the offensive line.

Here comes the “boom”

A couple of members of the Saskatoon Badgers Rugby Club take part in a contact drill during a practice on January 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Badgers practice focused on executing the contact aspects of the sports safely and correctly.

Little things matter

Saskatoon Giants head coach Trent Marien, centre, talks to his players following a practice on January 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants just finished off a session with a big focus working on pitcher pick off moves, and Marien was talking about how little things like getting outs off pick offs will add up in a game.

Locked down on first

A first baseman tracks a ball into his glove during a Going Yard Baseball Academy training session on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. This out was recorded during a session that focused on infield defence and base running.

Picture perfect skating night

The skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club went through their repetitions under a scenic sky on February 4 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. This was a time nature presented a special gift.

Making it look easy

An infielder plays a ground ball in textbook fashion during a Saskatoon Phantoms Under-11 squad practice on February 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Phantoms coaches were also doing evaluations to make plans for the rest of the off-season and the upcoming spring and summer campaign.

Setting for a throw

An infielder sets his feet to make a throw to first base during a simulated game session put on by the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy on February 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. The simulated contest made players adjust to the unplanned variables that come up in game situations.

Final preps

Pitcher Garrett Hawkins goes through the mechanics of delivering a pitch on February 7 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawkins will depart soon for Spring Training with the MLB’s San Diego Padres. He is on the comeback trail after missing all of the 2024 campaign having Tommy John surgery part way through 2023. We wish Hawkins the best of luck on his journey. He was outstanding with helping the young pitchers at the Complex with the Going Yard Baseball Academy.

Community drives Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society

Organization aims to create positive experience for all

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A smart pass is made in SUDS action at the Indoor Training Centre.

Dani Bouvier’s lifelong passion for the sport of ultimate frisbee came from a simple beginning that brought a special community of people into her life.

Back in 2010, Bouvier started out playing the sport as a substitute player on a friends’ team. Her friend knew Bouvier enjoyed running and figured ultimate frisbee would be a great sport for her to try.

“I showed up, and I ran around,” said Bouvier. “I played five or six games that first summer season, and I was hooked.”

From that beginning, Bouvier started her journey playing in the sport’s competitive scene and eventually becoming the Vice-President of the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society (SUDS), which is the organization that oversees the sport of ultimate frisbee for Saskatoon and area. 

After playing in SUDS run leagues for over 10 years, Bouvier decided it was time for her to give back to the sport. She said the people she has met and became friends with in the sport have been really good to her over the years.

“The thing I love most about ultimate frisbee is the community and not only the community here in Saskatoon but across the country,” said Bouvier. “Everyone involved in the sport is so welcoming and friendly.

“I love meeting new people and going on new adventures, while playing a sport I love.”

While ultimate frisbee was created in the late 1960s, SUDS had its origin in 1994 as an ultimate club with the original name of “Chocolate Starfish.” A year later, club changed its name to “Sun & Moon,” and in 1999, the club became a league called the “Sun & Moon Ultimate League.” In 2002, the “Sun & Moon Ultimate League” became incorporated as a non-profit organization and took on its current moniker.

Post-game high fives are part of the upbeat atmosphere at SUDS games.

In the current day, SUDS offers leagues, events and development opportunities all year long. The leagues have a variety of formats including mixed and single-gender offerings, four-versus-four, five-versus-five and seven-versus-seven games, indoor turf and outdoor grass locations and recreational and competitive options.

The organization offers coaching to players under 18 years of age, collaborates with the City of Saskatoon for sport clinics and helps facilitate new player clinics to introduce newcomers to the game.

The events SUDS oversees include tournaments - indoors on turf and outdoors on grass - as well as a fundraising event that is led by Ultimate Canada. SUDS also collaborates with their provincial sport organization in the Saskatchewan Ultimate Players Association for provincials.

“Ultimate has gained worldwide recognition as a fast-paced, low-cost sport that emphasizes sportsmanship through Spirit of the Game,” said Anna-Lise Hodgins, who is the General Manager for SUDS. “It’s easy to learn, requires little equipment and can easily be played in any open space.

“The basic skills of the game – throwing, catching, running and jumping – make for an easy transition for athletes from other sports, both team and individual. New participants often indicate that the strong sense of community at all levels of play make for a rewarding experience on and off the field.”

SUDS has regularly used the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds pretty much since it opened in 2019. It is impossible to miss the upbeat atmosphere that is present during SUDS activities on the indoor turf field.

SUDS has a variety of leagues in order to gain a broad appeal.

“The good vibe comes from the community, and the fact that this sport is a co-ed non-contact sport,” said Bouvier. “Everyone comes with an amazing attitude and a readiness to have fun.

“This sport is a great way to meet new people, get moving and it is probably the most cost-effective sport available to both adults and youth.”

Hodgins said the positive vibes felt at SUDS events at the Indoor Training Centre result from the players truly respecting the Spirit of the Game.

“Ultimate frisbee is unique in that it is self-officiated with players responsible for resolving any disputes that arise on the field,” said Hodgins. “Spirit of the Game governs the sport in terms of athlete conduct and score evaluation.

“The sport emphasizes fair play, sportsmanship and athleticism making it a popular choice for those looking for a fun and competitive way to stay active.”

Over the years, Bouvier said the sport of ultimate frisbee has a vast number of great memories. Some of her best memories have come in more recent times.

“My biggest highlight has probably been this past season where I played in 18 different tournaments in 11 different cities in three different countries,” said Bouvier. “I played in three national divisions in senior, masters and grandmasters.

“For masters, our team placed fifth, which was our best placement yet. I played at the World Beach Ultimate Club Championships in Portimão, Portugal. That was my first-time playing beach ultimate, and I had a great time.”

SUDS action has been a regular site at the Indoor Training Centre.

Her busy schedule includes some unforgettable times in the United States and in Canada.

“I also played in USAU (USA Ultimate) regionals with a team based out of Houston,” said Bouvier. “Regionals were hosted in Oklahoma City.

“I have also participated in the Ultimate Canada Conference that is held each November in different locations around the country. I gained so much knowledge and experience playing in so many different environments with many different people, and I think this has been the highlight in the ultimate world, so far.”

The familiar refrain with ultimate frisbee is the great people in the game makes participants want to stay in the sport. Hodgins first experienced that in 2004, when she was introduced to ultimate frisbee as a multi-sport athlete at age 16. She was introduced to the sport by her cousin from Vancouver, who moved in with her family at that time to get her degree at the University of Saskatchewan.

Hodgins said ultimate frisbee was her cousin’s primary sport growing up in Vancouver, and at the time, she played on different national teams and even won worlds. Following that introduction to the game, Hodgins said the people in the game have kept her in the sport.

“The local, provincial, national and international community of ultimate players are unique athletes who value inclusion and equity and perform beautifully with a flying disc,” said Hodgins. “It has a magnetic energy that has kept me in the game for 20 years already.”

Looking to the future, Hodgins said SUDS envisions growth and focus on supporting youth and marginalized athlete to help them find and experience with ultimate at their school or in their community. For a second straight year, SUDS will be participating in the YXE Urban Games, which is a summer event in Saskatoon that blends competitive sports and cultural exhibitions.

SUDS players respect the Spirit of the Game.

Bouvier believes the sport’s best years in Saskatoon are still to come.

“With the passion of the ultimate community as strong as it is, I believe ultimate frisbee in Saskatoon is going to excel above and beyond where we have seen it in the past,” she said.

For more information about the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society and the programs they offer, feel free to check out website at Saskatoonultimate.org.

Photo roundup features first women’s cricket festival for Saskatchewan

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The women’s cricket festival created fun for female players.

It never gets old when it comes to experiencing a first on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

During the Christmas holiday season, it has become common for the Indoor Training Centre to host various sports camps that last one to potentially three days where the focus is to make the sport fun for participants as well as help develop or polish up skills. On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Indoor Training Centre hosted the CRIIIO Women’s Cricket Festival, which was something new for the Complex grounds.

Cricket Saskatoon and the Saskatchewan Cricket Association combined to host this event with the hopes of helping female players have a good experience with the sport so they elect to pursue it further. The women’s cricket festival was a first for Saskatchewan as a province.

A young cricket player makes a run to score a point.

Registrations were capped at 60 players, and the coaches, volunteers and umpires (referees) helped the athletes take part in a number of skill building and game simulation drills. Our lead photo for this photo roundup shows a bowler having delivered a ball that is getting closer to a prepared hitter standing beside a set of wickets.

The second photo shows a hitter completing a run to score a point for her team. The third photo shows a young player getting pictured with a medal and an organizer after the completion of the festival. 

The event organizers ensured everyone who participated in the festival received a medal as a memento of their participation in the festival.

A young cricket player, right, gets pictured with her medal.

Along with the pictures of the women’s cricket festival, this photo roundup includes other action from the Indoor Training Centre as various baseball and softball groups are engaged in off-season training, while other groups like the Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League are taking part in regular season competition. There are also images from skating from the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and skiing from the trails on the Glenn Reeve Fields.

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 19 shots we hope you enjoy.

Smart slap bunt

A player from the Twin City Angels sends a slap bunt down the third base line during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on December 12, 2024. The Angels were working on executing regular and slap bunts during this session.

Perfecting a swing

A member of the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy program was working on the fundamentals of his swing at the Indoor Training Centre on December 13, 2024. The Berries Academy is one of the various academy programs that utilize the Indoor Training Centre during the winter months.

Eye on the ball

A member of the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy watches the ball into his glove during a rapid-fire infield defensive drill at the Indoor Training Centre on December 13, 2024. These types of drills help infielders get repetitions so they can execute plays like they are second nature.

Sweet moments on the ski trails

A couple of recreational skiers enjoy their time on the ski trails that cover Glenn Reeve Fields on December 15, 2024. While the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club uses these trails to teach young and junior aged skiers, the trails are open to be used by all. Recreational skiers will hit these trails after work during the week and on the weekends.

Feeling the thrill of speed

A member of the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club jets down the back straightaway at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on December 17, 2024. Established in 1942, the Lions have been a staple at the Oval for as long as anyone can remember.

Off to the races

A receiver, left, blasts downfield past a defender during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League action at the Indoor Training Centre on December 17, 2024. The league includes numerous players who have been members of the CJFL’s Saskatoon Hilltops, U Sports’ University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the WWCFL’s Saskatoon Valkyries.

Let it rip

A skilled bowler fires the ball down the pitch during action at the CRIIIO Women’s Cricket Festival held at the Indoor Training Centre on December 21, 2024. The event was held to allow female players to gain a good experience with the sport of cricket as well as developing and polishing skills for the sport.

Sweet end to a great cricket day

Players, coaches, volunteers and umpires (referees) pose for a group photo showing off the medals following the CRIIIO Women’s Cricket Festival held at the Indoor Training Centre on December 21, 2024. Everyone who participated in this event received a medal as a memento. This was the first women’s cricket festival held in the province of Saskatchewan.

Turning on the jets for home

A player turns on the afterburners racing to home plate during Softball Canada’s female U15 Identification Camp held at the Indoor Training Centre on December 22, 2024. These camps were held across Canada in preparation for a pair of upcoming future international events.

Smiles are the norm at the Oval

A quartet of skaters enjoys taking a casual skate the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on December 29, 2024. Public skating sessions, especially during the Christmas holiday season, have been popular at the Oval for the last half decade.

Making it look easy

An infielder plays a ground ball in textbook fashion during the Frosty Fundamentals camp run by 222’s Fastpitch that concluded at the Indoor Training Centre on December 29, 2024. The Frosty Fundamentals annual two-day event allows players to get around the sport of softball during the Christmas holiday season.

Bringing the heat

A left-handed pitcher fires a toss to the plate during the Frosty Fundamentals camp run by 222’s Fastpitch that concluded at the Indoor Training Centre on December 29, 2024. The Frosty Fundamentals two-day event has become an annual tradition during the Christmas holiday season.

Climbing the ladder

A young first baseman corrals a high throw during a Going Yard Baseball Academy session on January 2, 2025. The crew at going yard were working with some of their younger players in this period.

Let it rip

A young pitcher fires a pitch to home plate during a Going Yard Baseball Academy session on January 2, 2025. The crew at Going Yard puts a lot of focus on fun and fundamentals with their younger players.

Navigating a downhill slalom

The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club likes to introduce youngsters to all aspects of skiing. On January 5, 2025, a couple of young skiers learn how to weave through a mini slalom course set up on one of the hills on the trails located at the Glenn Reeve Fields.

An all-out blast

Members of the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club closed a practice session on January 5, 2025 playing a version of ultimate frisbee on skis using a soccer ball called “dunk slam.” Laughter filled the air on the Glenn Reeve Fields ski trails here.

Caught from behind

University of Saskatchewan defender Rachel Boyenko gets a grip on the flag of Honey Badgers receiver Kelsey Murphy during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League action at the Indoor Training Centre on January 5, 2025. The players in the league play with a high level of skill and speed.

Inbounds doublecheck

BGees receiver Julene Hillis checks to see if she came down with a toe tap inbounds during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League action at the Indoor Training Centre on January 5, 2025. Hillis did indeed come down with a back of the end zone catch for a touchdown.

Rounding the corner for stretch run

A trio of skaters from the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating club rounds the fourth corner at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval building up speed to jet down the front straightaway on January 8, 2025. The Lions will be hosting the Western Canadian Outdoor Classic on January 18 and 19, 2025 at the Oval.