Klein charting her own journey in flag football

Making 17U national team highlight for high school senior

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Olivia Klein in a Football Canada photo. (Photo courtesy Olivia Klein)

For Olivia Klein, the reality was bigger than the dream when it came to making Football Canada’s 17U National Women’s Flag Team.

On May 17, Klein attended the selection camp for the 17U National Women’s Flag Team in Kingston, Ontario, attempting to make the squad as a defensive back. She wasn’t sure at first how that opportunity was going to pan out.

“The tryout was super intense,” said Klein. “There were a lot of girls, and I was like really nervous.

“I didn’t know what to expect. The coach was from Quebec. I didn’t know him very well, and the tryout was super nerve-racking.”

Shortly after that tryout, Klein got the call that she made the team, which was also the inaugural edition for the 17U National Women’s squad. Having played the sport since she was seven-years-old, Klein was pretty pumped about that development.

“I was overwhelmed,” said Klein, who turned 17-years-old on October 24. “My mom (Crystal Klein) and me were both crying.

“My dad (Kelly Klein) was so happy for me. It was just a really exciting feeling, and I just felt so accomplished with myself. I was just proud, and I just kind of was like thinking back like everything that I’ve put into this sport kind of led up to that moment.

“Finding out that I made that team was super awesome. Getting to go down to L.A. and train in Chula Vista alongside all the national women’s team, the national men’s team was a super cool opportunity. It was just so fun, so competitive playing against U.S. girls, just an awesome opportunity for me and so cool to be there.”

Klein took part in a training camp in Chula Vista, California, from June 13 to 17. She then played in the Junior International Cup that ran June 19 to 21 in Los Angeles. At that event, Klein helped Canada post a 4-2 overall record, which included finishing out winning the bronze medal contest 38-6 over Panama.

Olivia Klein (#70) jets downfield after a catch for the Mystics.

Those experiences were fulfilling for Klein considering the fact that for most of her life growing up hockey was her main sport. She played hockey through the winter season and geared up playing through Saskatoon Minor Football’s flag football programs through the warmer times in the spring, summer and fall.

In the current day, Klein is still playing both sports. She is a defender with the Saskatoon Comet Legends under-17 AA team. She just finished playing for the Mystics in the Varsity Division of the Toon Squad League overseen by SMF.

Klein, who is a Grade 12 student at Aden Bowman Collegiate, has played for various flag teams operated through SMF during her high school days as a two-way player. During her Grade 11 school year, Klein took a big step in making flag football her main sport enrolling to be part of the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, which runs in the second semester of each school year on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

“I started that last year, and that was something very new to me, but it was very exciting,” said Klein, who stands 5-foot-8. “It was a great year.

“It was lots of hard work. I had great coaches alongside me, and we got to go to Florida with our ISF team. That was a cool opportunity, and then, of course, the Europe trip was super cool too.”

Klein built a tonne of great memories playing with and against the female players in her generation she has grown up with. She said a couple of her best friends include Cameron Scott, who was her quarterback on the Mystics, and Molly Freeman, who is a receiver who also took part in the selection camp for the 17U National Women’s Flag Team.

“I’ve just grown up playing this sport with them,” said Klein, who has played games regularly at Saskatoon Minor Football Field over the years. “You get really close with all the girls and create awesome friendships.”

Olivia Klein lines up on defensive in Toon Squad league play.

Mystics coach Sarah Wright has gotten to coach Klein about three or four times through SMF programs. Wright said Klein is super motivated and it is always a pleasure to coach her. The sideline boss has enjoyed seeing the young athlete grow into a star player that makes an impact on both sides of the ball.

“The way that she has been training with ISF (the Institute of Saskatchewan Football) and everything like that too, they’ve just made sure that both sides of the ball are worked,” said Wright, who is a star running back with the WWCFL’s Saskatoon Valkyries and has playing in Football Canada’s national team system. “She (Klein) has got amazing hands on both sides of the ball.

“I think being a good defensive player makes her a good offensive player and vice versa, so we’re super excited to see her on both sides of the ball.”

Wright believes Klein has a bright future in the game. Back in 2016, Wright graduated from high school and joined the Valkyries for her rookie season one year later.

The Mystics coach said the football landscape when she graduated from high school is much different compared to now and when Klein is set to graduate in June of 2027. Flag football will be part of the Summer Olympics in 2028 and there are NCAA and U Sports programs to join that weren’t around in 2016. Noting those changes, Wright thinks Klein can be in the sport for some time.

“It is so different,” said Wright. “There is so, so, so, so many more opportunities for girls in flag football, which is great, especially with it being in the Olympics now.

“I’m super excited to see where she (Klein) continues to grow from here. She has not even hit her prime yet, so the only way is up.”

Olivia Klein is a stellar two-way player in flag football.

Klein said one of the biggest learning experiences for her being part of 17U National Women’s Flag Team was just focusing on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive back after always being a two-way player.

“It was definitely different,” said Klein. “Lots of girls that I played with were from Quebec, so there is a language barrier there.

“I had to learn some French but not very much. The defence, it was definitely different. It was super intense.

“We had an aggressive defence, which I loved. It was just a lot of the stuff that I’m used to. Obviously, all the defences have bits and pieces of things that I’ve learned and defences that I’ve played before.”

Overall, Klein said her experience with the 17U National Women’s Flag Team has added to her confidence when it comes to playing the game.

“Every single game that I have now, I’m kind of just trying to channel all the things that I learned from that,” said Klein. “I definitely have taken all of the experience from that with me to my game.”

On November 2, Klein helped the Mystics claim a 34-13 win over the Wings in the championship game for the Toon Squad Varsity League. The Mystics finished the season with a 10-2 overall record.

Looking towards the future, Klein said she hasn’t yet committed to joining a post-secondary team in the NCAA or U Sports ranks. She has been focused on living in the moment but admits she plans to continue playing the sport in the foreseeable future.

“I’m definitely hoping to commit to a school whether that is here in Canada, in the States or wherever it may be,” said Klein. “I definitely want to play competitive flag next year in university.

Olivia Klein and the Mystics won the Toon Squad Varsity League title.

“Obviously, 2032 is coming. That is my kind of year to get into the Olympics, so hopefully, that is something for me. Hopefully, there is an opportunity for there.

“I’m just super excited for all of that coming up. I’ll get to watch the Olympics here soon, so that will be exciting to watch them.”

For more information on the flag and other programs offered by Saskatoon Minor Football, feel free to check out their website at saskatoonminorfootball.com/smf/.

Saints/Bears give photo roundup game of the year

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Ashton Houmphanh plunges in for a Saints touchdown.

During this high school football season, there had to be folks in Saskatoon wishing the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints and the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears could go at it every week.

Their games are barnburners.

On October 1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, those two squads met for the first time in the 2026 campaign. On the final play off the game, a trio of Saints defenders had to hustle back and deflect away a pass to Bears receiver Harrison Shirkey in the Saints end zone to preserve a 24-21 victory for Bishop James Mahoney.

That turned out to be a prelude to their meeting in the SSSAD’s 5A City Final on October 30 at SMF Field. In that encounter, the Saints took a 14-13 lead into halftime before Bears star receiver Ben Blackburn scored on a run and a point from a missed field goal gave Aden Bowman a 21-14 advantage.

It looked like the Bears were going to run out the clock, but Saints defensive back Ashton Kohlman caused a fumble to allow his squad to take possession of the ball about 60 yards away from the Bears end zone with 75 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Ben Blackburn (#4) leads the Bears in a handshake line with the Saints.

The Saints promptly drove downfield, and star running back Ashton Houmphanh plunged in from a yard out for a touchdown with 27.6 seconds remaining in the frame. After the Bears were given a penalty for hitting the Saints centre on the conversion attempt, the Saints elected to go for a two-point conversion from the Bears one-yard line. Houmphanh plunged in again from a yard out to give the Saints a 22-21 victory and their third straight city title.

Our lead picture of this photo roundup shows Houmphanh going for the touchdown that cut the Bears lead to 21-20 before the ground gainer tacked on the winning two-point convert. The second shot sees Blackburn leading the handshake line for the Bears as the two valiant squads paid respects for each other’s effort. The third photo shows the Saints raising the SSSAD 5A Championship Trophy for claiming the city title.

Following that contest, the Saints hit the road to Prince Albert for an SHSAA 5A Provincial Semifinal. In that game, they slipped past the Carlton Comprehensive High School Crusaders 14-12 at Max Clunie Field on November 7.

The Saints will host the SHSAA’s 5A Provincial Final on Saturday, November 14 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field against the Central Collegiate Cyclones from Moose Jaw. The Cyclones enter the contest looking to repeat as provincial champions.

The Saints celebrate winning their SSSAD 5A City title.

Along with the pictures of the Saints downing the Bears in an all-time classic in the SSSAD’s 5A City Final, this photo roundup contains lots of images from football’s post-season trail along with check ins from baseball and 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 25 shots we hope you enjoy.

Ebben on one of his final Hilltops runs

Star fifth-year running back Corbin Ebben jets up field for the Saskatoon Hilltops in a PFC semifinal against the Edmonton Wildcats on October 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Ebben helped the Hilltops post a 44-16 victory. His CJFL career came to an end a week later with the Hilltops losing to the Thunder in Regina in the PFC Final. The Thunder would go on to win the CJFL title.

Hilltops’ Sawi searches for a seam

Saskatoon Hilltops fifth-year star receiver and kick returner Charles Sawi looks for a lane to run upfield in during his team’s 44-16 victory in a PFC semifinal against the Edmonton Wildcats on October 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sawi has created a number of thrills at SMF Field during his high school and Hilltops days. His CJFL career came to an end a week later with the Hilltops losing to the Thunder in Regina in the PFC Final. The Thunder would go on to win the CJFL title.

Hilltops offensive linemen are all here

The Saskatoon Hilltops offensive linemen pose for a group photo following their team’s 44-16 victory in a PFC semifinal against the Edmonton Wildcats on October 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The heart of the Hilltops often comes from their offensive linemen. The Hilltops season came to an end a week later with a loss in the PFC Final against the Thunder in Regina. The Thunder would go on to win the CJFL title.

Lipinski awards go to Penrod and Britz

It was a big afternoon in the main hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on October 22 as two Darren Lipinski Memorial Awards were handed out. They are presented by the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association to individuals for their outstanding contribution to softball in Saskatoon. Brooks Penrod and Drew Britz were the recipients of this year’s awards. Penrod started out as a player and served in many roles as a coach and executive over the years including sitting on Softball Canada’s Board of Directors and serving as Team Manager of the Saskatoon Jacks in the current day. Britz began playing softball in 1979 and has held roles as a coach, executive and umpire in the sport running to the current day. Pictured, from left, are Mark Loehndorf, who is a long time SASA executive, Penrod, Britz and Noreen Murphy, who is all-time softball great in playing and coaching.

Cloney gives Mustangs horsepower

Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs running back Ty Cloney charges upfield against the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks in the Rusholme Road Bowl Final on October 29 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Cloney also played on defence in this contest for the Mustangs and they grinded out a 10-0 win.

Mount Royal in good hands with Currie

Receiver and defensive back Parker Currie might have the best hands for a Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs player since current CFL official Troy Semenchuk played for the team in the early 1990s. Currie hauls in a pass while facing double coverage against the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks in the Rusholme Road Bowl Final on October 29 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. While making big catches on offence, Currie also makes big interceptions on defence. He helped the Mustangs grind out a 10-0 win on this day.

Mustangs soak in Rusholme Road Bowl win

The Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs pose for the customary team photo after winning the Rusholme Road Bowl Final on October 29 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Mustangs blanked the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks 10-0. This was arguably the Mustangs biggest win in the last 15 years.

Bears sack attack

While they came up on the wrong end of an all-time classic in the SSSAD’s 5A City Final on October 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the defence of the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears made their share of plays in what was a 22-21 loss. Early on in the game, Bears defensive linemen Steeg Loucks (#45) and Burton Johnson (#65) team up to sack Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints quarterback Alex Hill.

Saints’ Hill calm under pressure

Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints quarterback Alex Hill accurately slings a pass downfield under pressure inside the final 75 seconds of SSSAD’s 5A City Final on October 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field against the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears. Hill expertly guided a two-minute drill drive that resulted in a winning rushing touchdown and two-point convert by running back Ashton Houmphanh. Those scores gave the Saints a 22-21 victory.

Pollack with big catch and run for Saints

Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints running back Kristjan Pollack works his way upfield after making a catch on a crossing route against the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears inside the final 75 seconds of SSSAD’s 5A City Final on October 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field against the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears. Pollack’s catch and run for the Saints proved to be a key chunk play in their two-minute drill drive to win the contest 22-21.

Saints singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

In what has become a team tradition for about the last five to six years, the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Road” following their 22-21 victory over the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears in the SSSAD’s 5A City Final on October 30 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Saints sang the song here during the customary team photo with the championship trophy.

Textbook out in the outfield

An outfielder settles up to make a catch on a fly ball during a 222’s Fastpitch training session on November 1 at the FUNN Performance Centre. The FUNN Performance Centre has been home to the 222’s Fastpitch program since the building opened in March of 2019.

222’s player sneak in the fun

The players with the 222’s Fastpitch program like to get some fun in during their training sessions. A couple of players here pose for a picture for the camera during a break between drills during a training session on November 1 at the FUNN Performance Centre.

Defence comes up big for Vortex

A defensive back from the Vortex breaks up a pass intended for a Frost receiver during the Toon Squad Junior Flag League title game on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Thanks to those types of plays, the Vortex would hold on to down the Frost 12-7 in a tight defensive battle.

Scott on target for Mystics

Quarterback Cameron Scott fires a pass downfield for the Mystics during the Toon Squad Varsity League championship game against the Wings on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Scott had a big night as the Mystics downed the Wings 34-13.

Vortex claim first Toon Squad Varsity League title

The Vortex pose for the customary team photo after capturing the Toon Squad Junior Flag League championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. They took a tight 12-7 defensive battle against the Frost in the title game.

Mystics all smiles taking Toon Squad Varsity League crown

The Mystics show off their smiles posing for the customary team photo after winning the Toon Squad Varsity League championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. They downed the Wings 34-13 in the Toon Squad Varsity League. The Mystics finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and were 2-0 in the post-season.

Friends and champions

Mystics player Jacine Stroh, left, and Vortex player Jasmine Bosovich share a moment together enjoying the respective championship trophies their teams won on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. It was obvious Stroh and Bosovich have a good friendship. The Mystics captured the title in the Toon Squad Varsity League, and the Vortex claimed the championships in the Toon Squad Junior Flag League.

Set for the pitch

A pitcher with the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy focuses on his setup to unload a pitch during a training session on November 3 at the FUNN Performance Centre. The Berries Academy holds sessions every day during weekdays at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex during the baseball off-season.

Working on getting stronger

A player with the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy works on resistance training exercises during a training session on November 3 at the FUNN Performance Centre. Along with working on the skills of the game, Berries players also work on getting stronger and faster.

Wiggins could go all the way

Holy Cross High School Crusaders defensive back Traven Wiggins returns an interception for a touchdown during the SSSAD’s 6A City Final on November 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Crusaders repeated as city champs by downing the St. Joseph High School Guardians 40-7.

Dukart makes splash play in open field

Holy Cross High School Crusaders receiver Jack Dukart motors downfield after making a big catch and run play during the SSSAD’s 6A City Final on November 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Dukart helped the Crusaders post a 40-7 win over the St. Joseph High School Guardians to repeat as city champs.

Crusaders enjoy spoils of city title

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders pose for the customary team photo after claiming the SSSAD’s 6A City Final for a second straight year on November 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. They will now try to repeat as provincial champions. The Crusaders head on the road on Saturday, November 14 to face the Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders in the SHSAA’s 6A Provincial Final set for 1 p.m. at Leibel Field in Regina.

Falcons fly high in KFL’s Hilltops Division

The Arns Falcons celebrate winning the championship game for the KFL’s Hilltops Division on November 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. After downing the Ledingham Steelers, the Falcons raised the Kinsmen Football League Kelly Bowers Trophy to the air. A big thanks goes out to Vic Pankratz and Saskatoon Minor Football for this photo.

Titans top KFL’s Huskies Division

The Schoenhals Titans were all pumped up after winning the championship game of the KFL’s Huskies Division on November 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. After downing the Ledingham Steelers, the Titans enjoyed some video making time with the Bruce Steeves Kinsmen Football League Trophy.