Thursday, October 9, 2025

Bond has strong football bonds at Bedford Road

Grade 12 athlete excels in multiple roles with Redhawks

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Parker Bond calls out signals from his middle linebacker position.
Parker Bond is finding out time really does fly when you are having fun.

The 17-year-old Grade 12 student is playing out his final campaign with the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks Football Team and has been a starter on the squad since his Grade 10 year. As the high school football season ventures into its final weeks, Bond said it didn’t seem that long ago when he started to suit up for the Bedford Road side.

“It feels like just yesterday I was getting ready for my first spring camp back in Grade 9,” said Bond. “It is weird now to be the oldest on the team and to be out there as one of the main leaders of the team.

“It is awesome. I’ve had a good senior season so far.”

Bond has been playing the sport for a lengthy stretch. At age six he started playing flag football out in Martensville after his mom got him registered with the program there. The Martensville teams participate in the leagues overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

As soon as Bond could start playing tackle football, he joined the Martenville squads that play out of the Kinsmen Football League. He remained in the KFL until he was able to join the Redhawks.

Bond has done his whole football journey while living out in Langham with his family helping him commute into Martensville and Saskatoon over the years.

Those past experiences have been valuable to Bond with the Redhawks. His natural position is at middle linebacker on defence.

In 2025, Bond has also played on every special teams unit, and at fullback, running back and receiver on offence. He also had to take on the role of starting quarterback, when Redhawks starter Gabriel Goyer went down with an injury.

Parker Bond (#44) makes lots of tackles as the Redhawks MLB.
Though his Grade 12 season, Bond is soaking in and enjoying every aspect of his final campaign with the Redhawks.

“I’ve been playing for a while,” said Bond. “This year is probably so far one of the most fun years of football I’ve had just playing and having fun and everything.”

Bond’s presence on the team has been big for Redhawks head coach Dylan Andreychuk. With the Redhawks program, Andreychuk usually ends up coaching a sizable number of players who are gaining their first experience with the sport. The sideline boss said that having players like Bond on the team who have had previous experience with the sport are a huge help.

“Coaching at Bedford Road, it is a grind sometimes,” said Andreychuk. “We’ve got to do a lot of like square one teaching.

“But a kid like Parker, he has right from day one in Grade 10 he joined us and he already had experience playing minor football. It is just a nice luxury for us at our school to have a guy with some knowledge of the game and experience to bring into the team as a youngster. To have him three years as a starter, it is just huge for us from a leadership standpoint and being able to mentor and lead some of the other players on our team.

“Just in his progression as a player and as a leader and all the work that he puts in during the off-season, he is just a great role model for the rest of the guys on the team.”

Both on and off the field, Andreychuk said Bond has been and continues to be a respectful young man, and he is a great student in the classroom.

“Everything that we hear from his teachers and everybody else in the building is very positive,” said Andreychuk. “We’re just very proud to have him as part of our team.

Due to injuries, Parker Bond took on the role of Redhawks starting QB.
“He is a leader on our football team, but also in the hallways and doing all the good things that we like to hear.”

Right from his start in the sport up to and including the current day, Bond enjoys the emotions and atmosphere of being out on the field with his teammates.

“I just love getting out there and getting hyped up with the teammates a lot and making big plays and getting tackles and getting turnovers,” said Bond. “Defence is always my favourite.”

Since Grade 8, Bond has also been playing with Saskatoon Minor Football’s North Sask Academy program in the spring. During his Grade 11 school year, Bond enrolled in the Institute of Saskatchewan Football for the inaugural year the program was operated by Saskatoon Minor Football. Bond said those experiences have been valuable in his journey through the sport.

“They’ve helped me so much,” said Bond. “I’ve played football year-round almost for the past few years.

“To get coaching from a bunch of different people for a bunch of different things, it is always really good, and I’ve had some really good coaches in the past few years that have really helped me get better.”

Bond said playing for the Redhawks has been one of the great joys he has had in the sport. He has enjoyed being on the field all of the time playing multiple roles.

Along with that, Bond has had a blast with his teammate over the years. He said some of his most special memories come from seeing all the school’s teachers and students turnout big with lots of school spirit during the team’s Welcome Week game. The team has a tradition of making the walk from Bedford Road Collegiate to Saskatoon Minor Football Field for that contest in a jaunt that is dubbed “The Red Mile.”

“It has been a lot of fun,” said Bond. “I got to start in Grade 10, and all since then, it felt like the team has really been behind me and rallying behind me.

Parker Bond has displayed great versatility with the Redhawks.
“I’ve been able to be a good leader on the team, and I’ve been able to develop a lot of leadership skills and football skills in the time I’ve been here. It is a really good experience.”

Bond has been thankful for all the coaches he has had over the years, but he credits one defensive coach for being his biggest influence in helping him out on that side of the ball and overall loving the game.

“I’ve had a lot of really good coaches throughout the years,” said Bond. “Probably the best coach I feel like I’ve had was when I was in Grade 8 through Grade 11 in Devon Gilkinson.

“He was my D-coordinator for a few teams that I played for in academy, and he was at Bedford Road for a couple of years, and he really helped me develop.”

While Bond’s high school football days are in their final weeks, Andreychuk believes his young star can have a longer future in the game due to his yes-coach attitude and his versatility.

“I think just because of his attitude and how he immerses himself in the game and the way he approaches practice and film study and nutrition, all the other things that it takes to get that edge and to make it at the next level, he is already doing,” said Andreychuk. “He has got those good habits.

“I’m very confident that he could find a football team that he can contribute to after high school.”

Bond said if all his football dreams could come true he would like to play in the CFL and NFL one day. With that noted, those are the dream goals.

For the moment, Bond would like to find a place to play next season in the CJFL or the U Sports ranks so he could continue to enjoy playing and being part of the sport of football.

Parker Bond (#44) aims to enjoy his final weeks with the Redhawks.
“That is the goal,” said Bond. “I think I can do it.

“I’ve been told I can do it. I’ll just go wherever I feel like I’m wanted. I’m going to be getting my film out there and sending some messages around throughout the season.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a spot somewhere, hopefully close to home.”

To see the 2025 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

High school football excitement energizes photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Guardians fans cheer on their team on September 12 at SMF Field.
The onset of the fall mouths brings a special energy specific to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

Starting in September and rolling through October, the high school football action on every Thursday and Friday becomes the highlight of the week at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. High school football game nights have been a fall tradition at the facility dating back to September 30, 1960, when the football stadium first opened and was known as the Holiday Park Bowl and later becoming the Gordie Howe Bowl.

Ben Blackburn makes a big game for the Bears on Sept. 12.
The “Welcome Week” games bring in some of the best atmosphere of the year as large representations of the student body at each Saskatoon high school comes to check out those contests. The athletes come away with a great experience as the players are a mix of those who have played the sport for a lengthy stretch usually through Saskatoon Minor Football and those who are gaining their initial experience in the sport.

The lead picture of our photo roundup shows the students from St. Joseph High School going all out to support their Guardians Football Team during a “Welcome Week” game on September 12. The second shot shows Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears Football Team star Ben Blackburn zipping through the Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders defence during another contest from September 12.

The third photo shows Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons star receiver Ben Wheeler during another “Welcome Week” game on September 12. Wheeler had a big highlight on this day. 

Ben Wheeler had a memorable moment at SMF Field on Sept. 12.
With no time left in the fourth quarter, he hauled in a touchdown pass that covered about 40 yards out to allow his Falcons to pull out a 21-15 victory over the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School Barons.

Along with the pictures from high school football, this photo roundup includes more shots from football as well as pictures from baseball, softball and track and field. The images come from various things on our grounds including training sessions for the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field program to game action from the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops, Toon Squad flag football and University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, most 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.

Touch throw

Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls quarterback Rogan Pasher slips a pass past the outstretched hand of an E.D. Feehan High School Trojans defender during high school football action on September 11. Pasher and the Souls would claim victory in this “Welcome Week” clash.

Boxed in

Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars running back Xavier Conley gets trapped up trying to find a crease to run through in the Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers during a high school football game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Conley’s Stars would prevail in the “Welcome Week” battle against their neighbouring school.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Holy Cross High School students bring out a number of signs to support their Crusaders Football Team in a “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The students would head home happy as the Crusaders won their second straight game on this day.

Redhawks meet their fans

A trio of Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks players meet their supporters who are hanging along the fence line at Saskatoon Minor Football Field following a “Welcome Week” win on September 12. Meetings like this took place all over the football facility between the Redhawks and their fans after this contest.

Slick throw

Shortstop Abby Lorenz fires a ball off to first base to get an out for the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during a game on September 13 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The contest was part of a schedule of Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season contests hosted by the U of S.

Big drive

Taryn Moehler drives a shot into the outfield for a hit for the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team on September 14 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Moehler helped the U of S side claim a pair of Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season victories over the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns on that day.

Launch time

A member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Track and Field Team is all set to release a shot while working on his technique in the shot put discipline of the sport at the Track and Field Track on September 15. The September practice sessions mark some of the first times the Huskies men’s and women’s Track and Field Team get together as a group for the 2025-26 campaign.

All in the start

A runner from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Track and Field Team starts to hit high gear jetting away from the start line during a practice on September 15 at the Track and Field Track. The Huskies coaches were timing how fast their athletes ran for about the first 40 metres down the back straightaway.

Focus on technique

A member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team works on her technique leading to the launching a hammer in the hammer throw at the Track and Field Track on September 15. The Huskies coaches are good at helping athletes break down skills in order to help them get better at their various individual events.

Let it fly

Fever quarterback Adley Tomlenovich releases a deep pass downfield during a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest on September 22 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Tomlenovich has built a reputation as being an elite-level passer.

Catch in traffic

A receiver from the Aces makes a tough catch while being contacted by a defender in a game against the Mystics in a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest on September 22 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Mystics would ultimately prevail in this contest.

Special delivery

Pitcher Emma Maurice of the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team sends an off-speed pitch to home plate during Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season play on September 27 at Joe Gallagher Field. The U of S squad played their final set of home games for the 2025 campaign on September 27 and 28.

Roughrider alum Johnson holds court

Evan Johnson, who is an alum of the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, speaks at the Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner on September 27 at the Main Hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. Johnson spoke about his football life as part of an annual event that raises money for scholarships for the Hilltops players.

Can’t catch me

Saskatoon Hilltops receiver Khyler Kok, left, slips past a Regina Thunder defensive back during a CJFL regular season contest on September 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Thunder would edge the Hilltops 24-21 in an entertaining contest.

Going up

Saskatoon Hilltops running back Corbin Ebben leaps up to secure a catch for his squad during a CJFL regular season contest on September 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Ebben and his teammates were trying to make a comeback at this point in the fourth quarter against the Regina Thunder and came up just short in a 24-21 setback.

Get that out of here

A hitter from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy drives a ball into the outfield during a training session at Cairns Field on October 1. The players with the Berries Academy enjoy being able to use the full dimensions of Cairns Field for outdoor practices as they know colder weather is coming, which will force them indoors.

Rocket throw to first

A second baseman from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy fires a throw to first base during a defensive drill at a training session on October 1 at Cairns Field. The players from the Berries Academy go through a number of repetitions in order that making defensive plays in the infield is second nature.

Wrapped up

Holy Cross High School Crusaders running back Raph Mutongolo gets taken down by a pair of Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears defenders on October 3 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Mutongolo’s Crusaders would post a fifth straight victory playing under the “Friday Night Lights” on this night.

Feel the power

Two athletes show off their strength lifting weighted bags at the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival held on October 4 to 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The YXE First Responders Fitness Festival has been held for four straight years at the Indoor Training Centre. A big thanks goes to the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival for this photo.

Team Air Transport claim championship

Team Air Transport poses for the customary team photo after taking top spot at the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival, which concluded on October 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. This year marked the first time Team Air Transport took part in the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival. A great time was had by all who took part in this event. A big thanks goes to the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival for this photo.

We are family

All the teams that took part in the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival posed for a big group photo after the event concluded on October 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The event raises funds for OSI-CAN and KidSport, and about $50,000 was raised for those organizations this year. A big thanks goes to the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival for this photo.

Off to the races

A receiver from the Wings gains some big yardage after the catch in a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest against the Mercury on October 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The wings would prevail in this encounter. The players in the Toon Squad Female Flag Football League display intensity, passion and athleticism, and you can tell they just like being able to go out and play the game.

In for six

A receiver for the Fever crosses the goal-line in a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest against the Aces on October 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Fever would prevail in this clash. The entire Toon Squad Female Flag Football League goes on a bye for the Thanksgiving Day weekend before returning to action on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The league’s first two playoff games will follow that same day at 7:30 p.m.