By Gordie
Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
 |
| Devon McCullough checks a signal from the pitching circle. |
The 34-year-old
veteran pitcher and local product suited up for Canada’s National Men’s Team to
play in the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup from July
3 to 5 on the familiar ground of Bob Van Impe Stadium. Growing up in Montgomery
Place, McCullough is extremely familiar with the storied facility located at
the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.
On July 3,
McCullough had a perfect game going after five complete innings in Canada’s
opening contest of the 4 Nations Cup against Japan. He was pulled with Canada
holding a 3-0 advantage for closer Justin Schofield. Schofield closed out the
final two innings allowing Canada to post a 3-1 victory.
 |
| Devon McCullough sets in his wind up playing for Canada. |
During the 4 Nations Cup, McCullough’s play brought back
memories of the 2015 International Softball Federation Men’s World Championship
Tournament held on the Complex grounds. In the championship game played on July
5th of that year, McCullough, who was the youngest player on
Canada’s roster at age 24, threw the final four-and-two-third innings for the
Canadian side striking out eight batters, while scattering one hit and five
walks. His performance allowed Canada to rally from a 5-0 deficit to post a
10-5 victory.
Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows McCullough in
the pitching circle in the 4 Nations Cup final this past July 5 getting a sign
before he delivers a pitch. The second photo displays McCullough in a wind up
during the 4 Nations Cup title contest. The third photo sees McCullough unloading
a rocket throw to home plate in Canada’s tournament opening game against Japan
on July 3.
 |
| Devon McCullough unloads a heater to home plate. |
Along with the pictures of McCullough, this photo roundup
includes more shots from the 4 Nations Cup. The photo roundup also includes
other scenes from 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 16 shots we hope you enjoy.
Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame
bound
Larry Pavloff, left, and Sherry Anderson shake hands at a news conference to announce the 2025 class for the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame held on June 11 at Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. Pavloff is heading to the Hall as an athlete for his exploits in softball. Anderson is going to the Hall as the skip of her senior curling teams from 2016 to 2023 that won five Canadian titles and three world championships. Her foursome included Patty Hersikorn at third, Brenda Goertzen at second and Anita Silvernagle at lead. The official induction dinner will take place on Saturday, November 1 at Prairieland Park.
Up and over
A trio of athletes leap over their respective hurdles in the women’s 100-metre hurdles final that was part of the Canada Summer Games Trials held on June 15 at the Track and Field Track. The Canada Summer Games Trials and the U12, U14 and Masters Provincial Track and Field Championships run by Saskatchewan Athletics took part over two days concluding on that June 15th day.
Run with power
Saskatoon Valkyries star running back Sarah Wright rumbles her way past a trio of tacklers from the Regina Riot in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference Final playing on June 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a contest that was played mainly in a downpour, Wright scored the game’s only touchdown as the Valkyries blanked the Riot 9-0.
Valkyries team photo time
The Saskatoon Valkyries pose for the customary team photo after blanking the Regina Riot 9-0 in the WWCFL’s Prairie Conference Final on June 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Valkyries would move on to win their 10th WWCFL championship prevailing in the league’s championship game 28-0 over the host Edmonton Arctic Pride on June 28 at Commonwealth Stadium.
Eyeing up the coverage
Blitz quarterback Nicole Braun eyes up the downfield coverage during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on June 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Blitz came away with a 39-9 victory over Can’t Catch This during this contest as Braun threw five touchdown passes.
Sliding in safe
A Saskatoon Raiders base runner slides in safely at second base in a game against the Saskatoon Hustlers in action in the League Championships for the Saskatoon Minor Softball League played on June 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. Due to heavy rains that fell the previous day, the younger age groups continued their League Championships at the Indoor Training Centre due to the outdoor diamonds at the Complex being waterlogged.
Set to deliver
Tanner Hosick kicks the leg up to deliver a pitch for the Saskatoon Berries in a WCBL regular season clash against the Regina Red Sox on June 30 at Cairns Field. Hosick threw the final two innings of that game for the Berries and picked up the save in a 12-10 victory played before 2,058 spectators.
Running for fun
A trio of youngsters run the bases at Cairns Field after the Saskatoon Berries down the Regina Red Sox 12-10 in a WCBL regular season contest on June 30. Since the Berries first took the field in 2024, it has become tradition for youngsters to run the bases for a good time following the team’s home games.
Sutherland returns to home track
Star track and field athlete Savannah Sutherland returned to train at the Track and Field Track on July 2 following the conclusion of her NCAA career with the University of Michigan Wolverines Women’s Track and Field Team. The Borden product, who competed for Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, ended her time in the NCAA in impressive fashion. At the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship on June 14 in Eugene, Oregon, Sutherland won the 400-metre women’s hurdles championship race in a time of 52.46 seconds. Sutherland’s time was a new Canadian record, a new NCAA record and the ninth fastest time ever recorded in the 400-metre women’s hurdles. A catch up story with Sutherland can be found on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex website by clicking right here.
Happy homer
Koki Sato, who is the left-fielder for Team Japan, was all smiles after hitting a solo shot home run for his squad in a game against Canada played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 3 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Japan ultimately dropped a tightly contested contest 3-1.
Eye on the ball
Team Canada first baseman Colin Walsh catches a foul ball for an out against New Zealand in a contest played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Canada would prevail 4-2 in that encounter over New Zealand.
Tracking the ball in
Team New Zealand catcher Cam Watts tracked a ball into his glove in a game against Canada that was played at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 4 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. New Zealand ultimately fell in that clash 4-2.
Fist bumps for the win
United States third baseman Blaine Milheim and catcher Tyler Damon do a fist bump after their squad slips past Japan 2-1 in the third-place game of the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The United States completed the event with a 2-2 record, while Japan had a 1-3 mark.
Trophy time
Team Canada captain Shane Boland, left, receives the championship trophy from Bryan Kosteroski, who is the President of the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association, after Canada took the Championship Game of the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup held on July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Canada finished the 4 Nations Cup with a 4-0 record.
Team Canada thanks the fans
Following their Championship Game win at the Super 8 International Men’s Fast Pitch 4 Nations Cup on July 5, members from Team Canada salute the fans at Bob Van Impe Stadium. After the tournament win, Canada departed to Prince Albert to compete in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup that was set to run July 8 to 13.
Top level snag
Saskatoon Berries right-fielder Evan Janner makes a challenging catch in a WCBL regular season contest on July 8 at Cairns Field. The Berries fell just short dropping a 9-8 decision that day to the Moose Jaw Miller Express, but Saskatoon still sat first overall in the WCBL with a 27-5 record.
