FSIN Adult Fastball Championships bring the fun in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A centre-fielder from Muskowpetung settles under a catch for an out.

If you have never been to an FSIN Adult Fastball Championships, you are missing out.

From August 29 to 31, that event ran on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds at Bob Van Impe Stadium, Joe Gallagher Field and Glenn Reeve Fields #3 and #4. The FSIN Adult Fastball Championships have an unmistakable fun vibe to them. The teams on the field are competitive, but it seems like the players have an easy to see joy when it comes to being on the diamond.

The Men’s Championship Game played on August 31 at Bob Van Impe Stadium provided a perfect capper for the weekend. To avoid going to extra innings, Ochapowace scored a walk-off run in their final at bat to pull out a 3-2 thriller over Muskowpetung.

A YTC pitcher unloads a finesse throw in Women’s Masters play.

The Women’s Championship Game played on August 31 at Glenn Reeve Field #3 saw the Cote First Nation get past Piapot Nation 10-3. STC claimed the Men’s Masters title, while YTC captured the Women’s Masters crown.

The lead picture for our photo roundup sees a centre-fielder from Muskowpetung settling under a catch in the Men’s Championship Game. This centre-fielder ran down about four blasts into the outfield that could have been base hits in the title game.

The second shot of the photo roundup shows a YTC pitcher throwing an off-speed pitch to home during a Women’s Masters contest on August 30 at Glenn Reeve Field #4.

The third picture of the photo roundup sees the celebration begin for the Ochapowace team after winning the Men’s Championship Game.

Ochapowace players celebrate their Men’s Division title win.

Along with the pictures from the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships, this photo roundup includes more shots from Berries baseball, University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball and football. The arrival of Saskatoon Hilltops CJFL games and high school football means the summer season has come to an end and the fall season is hitting high gear.

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 17 shots we hope you enjoy.

Automatic out

Saskatoon Berries shortstop Nathan Houston fires the ball to first base to get an out during Game 1 of the WCBL East Division Championship Series on August 10 at Cairns Field. The Berries dropped an 8-7 heartbreaker in 11 innings in this contest to the Regina Red Sox.

Record crowd

On August 12, the Saskatoon Berries fell 6-2 to the Regina Red Sox in a series-deciding Game 3 of the WCBL East Division Championship Series at Cairns Field. While the Berries weren’t able to prevail and advance to the WCBL final, they attracted a record sellout crowd of 2,306 spectators to Cairns Field.

Final handshakes

Members of the Saskatoon Berries and the Regina Red Sox shake hands following a series-deciding Game 3 of the WCBL East Division Championship Series at Cairns Field. The Red Sox prevailed in this contest 6-2 and would advance on to win the WCBL Championship Series.

Breakout star

Saskatoon Hilltops running back David Collins, who is a newcomer to the club, carried the ball 33 times for 262 yards and two touchdowns powering his squad to a 42-15 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles on August 24 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Collins, who is from St. Michael, Minnesota, has carried the ball 73 times for 562 yards and six touchdowns over four games. After losing their first game, the Hilltops have won three straight games to sit at 3-1.

Incoming

A hitter from the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team drives a ball into the hitting net during a practice session at Joe Gallagher Field on August 26. The U of S squad was getting in a number of outdoor practices in preparation for their season.

Special delivery

A shortstop with the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team fires a ball to first base during an infield drill at a practice session on August 26 at Joe Gallagher Field. U of S will host a series of home games on September 13 and 14 at Bob Van Impe Stadium and will play another series of home contests on September 27 and 28 at Joe Gallagher Field.

Off to the races

A receiver from Seaman’s Squad jets away from a defender from the Chameleons during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on August 26 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Chameleons would slip past Seaman’s Squad in this contest 28-21.

Eye on the ball

A catcher from Gordon’s watches the ball into his glove in a game against Lac La Ronge on August 29 at Joe Gallagher Field. The contest, which Gordon’s won, was part of Men’s Division action at the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships.

Caught!

A catcher from Ochapowace puts the tag on a base runner from Standing Buffalo in Women’s Division action at the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships on August 30 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. Standing Buffalo would ultimately prevail in this contest.

Key drive

A Cote First Nation hitter line ground drives a hit into the outfield during the Women’s Championship Game of the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships played on August 31 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The hit helped drive in runs that locked down a 10-3 victory over the Piapot Nation.

Cote First Nation enjoys spoils of victory

The Cote First Nation team poses for the customary team photo after winning the Women’s Division of the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships on August 31 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The players were pretty pumped to win the tournament title.

I’m on my way home sweet home

An Ochapowace base runner strides down the third baseline to home plate to score the walk-off winning run of the Men’s Championship Game of the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships played on August 31 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Ochapowace got past Mushowpetung 3-2 in an outstanding contest.

Ochapowace team photo round 1

Ochapowace poses for the customary team photo after winning the Men’s Division of the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships on August 31 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Ochapowace posted a perfect 5-0 record at the championship tournament.

Ochapowace team photo round 2

Ochapowace created a memory that will live forever after winning the Men’s Division of the FSIN Adult Fastball Championships at Bob Van Impe Stadium on August 31. The Ochapowace squad was joined by family and friends for a big group picture after their title game win.

In honour of Lesa Springman

The Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons football family presented a seat to the Springman family at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds memorializing Lesa Springman at their season opening game on September 4. The scene provided a touching moment for the Springman family and the Falcons.

Suns players pour in

A number of players from Regina’s Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School Golden Suns gang up to take down Centennial Collegiate Chargers quarterback Riley Harrison on September 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Chargers would prevail 20-14 in this high school football contest.

LaFreniere jets into start of last high school dance

St. Joseph High School Guardians star running back Samuel LaFreniere blasts past defenders from Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders in a high school football contest on September 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. LaFreniere, who is one of Saskatoon’s most explosive high school aged players in recent years, is at the beginning of his Grade 12 swan song high school campaign. He powered the Guardians to a 37-25 victory in this “Friday Night Lights” game.

Right mix brings Steelers Canadian title three-peat

Combination of vets and youngsters power champs

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Steelers start celebrating a Canadian title win on August 3.

The veteran pros, young stars and the cast in between have turned the Carnduff Southeast Steelers into a dynasty.

On Sunday, August 3, at Bob Van Impe Stadium, the Steelers blanked Equipe Quebec 6-0 in the title game of Softball Canada’s Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship. The Steelers completed the event with a perfect 8-0 record as they captured gold at the Canadian women’s nationals for a third straight year.

The Carnduff side became the first Saskatchewan-based team to win three consecutive Canadian women’s titles. The only other squad from Saskatchewan to win the Canadian women’s title in back-to-back years was the Saskatoon Imperials back in 1969 and 1970.

The Steelers roster contains a collection of players from across Saskatchewan along with Abbotsford, B.C., product and pitcher Katie Korstrom, who has been part of Softball Canada’s national team system. The mix on the Steelers side is arguably shown in a pair of players in shortstop Lyndsay Koscielski and pitcher Jorde Chartrand, who also plays first base.

Koscielski is the ageless 37-year-old veteran who has six Softball Canada gold medals in her collection. Along with playing on all three Steelers championship teams, she was a key member helping her hometown Saskatoon Outlaws build a Canadian Junior Women’s Championship dynasty winning three titles in four years in 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Lyndsay Koscielski makes a defensive play in the infield.

Back in 2010, Koscielski celebrated a Canadian junior championship win with the Outlaws at Bob Van Impe Stadium. When she helped the Steelers win the Canadian women’s title on August 3, she did it with her partner Logan McKay, young daughter Charli McKay and young son Jax McKay in attendance among a sizable gathering of family and friends.

“It is very special to win at home when you have all your family and friends can come,” said Koscielski, who has played for the Steelers for the majority of the past 10 seasons. “It is always nice.”

“It is nice to have both of my kids here just to see me. She (Charli) has been asking for a trophy all week, so I had to get her one.”

Chartrand is the young 22-year-old who just finished her NCAA playing career with the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans and has seen frequent time in Softball Canada’s national team program. The Weyburn product has played for the Steelers for four seasons and was available to play for the Carnduff side at the past two Canadian women’s nationals.

At last year’s nationals played in Blackfalds, Alta., Chartrand was named an all-star at pitcher and the top player in the championship round as the Steelers won a second straight Canadian title. At the recently completed women’s nationals played at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, Chartrand captured awards as the top pitcher and top player in the championship round. She threw a complete game shutout win against Quebec in the championship final striking out 13 batters.

Jorde Chatrand delivers a pitch for the Steelers.

Before starting her NCAA playing career, Chartrand was a regular who came to the Gordie Howe Sports Complex to train. She had a contingent of family and friends in the stands to see her pitch a gem in the Steelers championship win over Quebec and has had a blast playing for the Carnduff squad.

“I’m just having fun with my team,” said Chartrand. “It is just a lot of fun playing with these girls.”

Chartrand said the comradery amongst her Steelers teammates has helped her play well.

“Honestly, I think something that is overlooked a lot is just having fun and throwing relaxed,” said Chartrand. “These girls make it really easy to be relaxed on the mound knowing I have eight good teammates around me.”

For Koscielski, there are times it doesn’t feel like the years have marched on as fast as they have. She noted that only one other player from her Outlaws teams is still active in the current day in Steelers centre-fielder Karmen (Coffey) Twordik. Twordik caught the final out in the August 3 title contest win over Quebec.

Koscielski said it was special that the chips in life fell into place where she was a member of both Outlaws and Steelers dynasty teams.

Lyndsay Koscielski (#22) is pictured with daughter Charli McKay.

“It is pretty cool,” said Koscielski. “I’ve been lucky in my life to play with some pretty good teams, so it is nice.”

While Chartrand has piled up a lengthy list of accomplishments in softball at her young age, she has enjoyed playing on a Steelers team that has players close to her age like Korstrom, and veterans like Koscielski and Twordik. During nationals, it was common to find Chartrand entertaining her elder teammates’ children.

“It is awesome,” said Chartrand. “It is really fun to hear everyone’s life stories.

“Everyone is in such a different part of life. A lot of the older girls have been where I am, so they kind of just take you under their wing and are here to have fun and teach you some things, have some laughs and win a championship.”

One of Koscielski’s biggest highlights came in the first versus second place page playoff game against Quebec on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. She hit a three-run home run to power the Steelers to a 6-1 victory that allowed them to advance to the tournament’s championship game. When Koscielski jumped on home plate, she did so with the excitement of a player in their junior aged years in the sport.

Jorde Chatrand (#24) is pictured with MacKenzie Roach.

“It felt good,” said Koscielski. “The beginning of the tournament it was not as good hitting-wise, so it felt good to finally put the bat on something and get some runs in.

“It was like I’ve never done it before, but I was pretty excited.”

Going into next season, the Steelers will be attempting to be the first team to win four consecutive Canadian women’s titles. A number of teams have won three consecutive national championships, but no team has captured four straight titles.

When asked about returning next season, Koscielski preferred to dodge that query for now electing to celebrate the accomplishment of three straight championship wins.

“It is hard to say,” said Koscielski. “I was retired before the year, but once the year goes on, there might be another one in me.

“We’ll see.”

With that said, Koscielski said this year’s title win will always be special to her.

“You know every time you win or just play in these championships, it is always fun,” said Koscielski. “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

As for Chartrand, her future goal is to crack the roster of Softball Canada’s Women’s Team that will be part of the Summer Olympics to be played July 14 to 30, 2028 in Los Angeles, California. She is still expecting to rejoin the Steelers during the summer months.

The Steelers pose for a team photo after their Canadian title win.

“I go to Florida Gulf Coast (University) this fall,” said Chartrand. “I’m going to take a master’s and help coach down there and keep training, and 2028 is the goal.

“I will just keep my arm going in a circle until then and try and get better every day. These girls make it easy. I have a place to play when I come home, so I know that I’ll always be playing ball somewhere.”

McCullough rolls for Canada in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Devon McCullough checks a signal from the pitching circle.

Devon McCullough was tuned up in peak form like a 1969 Dodge Charger on a drag strip.

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.

McCullough’s next action would come when he got the start in the Championship Game of the 4 Nations Cup on July 5. He threw six complete innings giving up just one run as Canada held a slim 2-1 advantage over New Zealand before giving way for Schofield to pitch the seventh. Schofield closed out the 2-1 win with three consecutive strikeouts as Canada claimed the 4 Nations Cup.

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 5^th 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.

Following the 4 Nations Cup victory that saw Canada post a 4-0 record, the Canadian side traveled to Prince Albert to take part in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup that started on July 8 and is slated to run through to July 13 at Prime Ministers’ Park. New Zealand also heads to the World Cup after posting a 1-3 mark at the 4 Nations Cup.

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 15^th 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 10^th 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.

Nationals bid farewell to summer, fall picks up in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Jacks celebrate a win on August 30.

It seemed fitting Softball Canada’s Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments offered the perfect farewell to the summer season on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

Saskatoon has a storied history for host Softball Canada nationals, and the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments offered one last big taste on the diamond until attention turned more fully to the activities of fall. A total of 10 men’s teams and six master men’s teams were out to display their skill from this past August 28 to September 1.

While the Galway Hitmen from Newfoundland took the men’s title and Cobourg Force from Ontario claimed the master men’s crown, athletes and teams from Saskatchewan carved out some highlights. Our lead photo shows the Saskatoon Jacks celebrating a win over the Bear Creek Express from Ontario on August 30 at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

Catcher Ryan Ray makes a plate block on August 31.

The Jacks finished the preliminary round with a 3-3 mark before falling in their first playoff game to the Saskatoon Angels. The Angels would win one more playoff game before bowing out of the event.

The second photo comes from Joe Gallagher Field on August 31, and it shows Melfort 222’s catcher Ryan Ray coming up with a plate block. Ray is famous on the Complex grounds for helping with facility maintenance and coaching softball players and teams of seemingly all levels of experience.

The third photo shows Saskatoon Jacks shortstop Brant Wiebe firing a rocket to get an out at first base in his team’s August 30 win over the Express.

Along with images from the Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship, August’s photo roundup checks in with pictures from baseball, football and softball. Of course, the high school football season has started so we have a couple of check ins there. 

Brant Wiebe fires a ball to first base to get an out on August 30.

On our social media lines, our high school football posts are by far our most viewed posts, so it shows there is a strong attachment to that brand of the game.

We also have cool photos from the defending CJFL champion Saskatoon Hilltops and the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team.

The pictures in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, the majority of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke along with a check in from another sweet source.

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

Douglas on a tear

Star receiver Drake Douglas was on fire in the Saskatoon Hilltops 38-13 regular season opener against the Edmonton Huskies on August 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Douglas finished the contest hauling seven passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned six punts for 113 yards. After three regular season games, Douglas has caught 17 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns. He has also returned 18 punts for 229 yards.

Beck gets triple for the cycle

In one of the most memorable moments of the Saskatoon Berries inaugural WCBL season, centre-fielder Carter Beck hit for the cycle in his team’s 14-1 victory over the Moose Jaw Miller Express in Game 1 of the WCBL’s best-of-three East Division Championship Series at Cairns Field on August 11. This photo shows Beck getting a triple in the bottom of the seventh to complete the cycle. Beck went 4-for-5 at the plate driving in three runs with a single, a double, a triple and a home run.

Berries final salute for 2024

The Saskatoon Berries salute the 1,811 spectators that came out to Cairns Field on August 13 as they fell 5-3 in a series deciding Game 3 of the WCBL’s East Division Championship Series. The Berries great inaugural season came up one win short of the WCBL final.

On target throw

Julia Smith of the Night Fever is set to release an accurate throw during Saskatoon Adult Flag Football League playoff action on August 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Smith’s Night Fever blanked the Honey Badgers 39-0.

Lipinski Memorial Award special night

The Darren Lipinski Memorial Award 50^th Award Banquet was held on August 27 in the main hall of the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building. For the 50^th anniversary of the award, 12 individuals were honoured for their outstanding contribution to softball in Saskatoon including Peggy Bonin, Susan Burns, Gord Cook, Bob Dybvig, Elyse Hamel, Brent Klassen, Debbie Krawchuk, John Michaluk, Larry Oleksuk, Gary Phillips, Gavin Russell and Nancy Scott.

Cool gift from Tree Canada

The Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation would like to thank “Tree Canada” for a $10,000 grant provided to plant 81 trees and shrubs on our 66 Acres. The trees include Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Larches, Lilacs and Foerster Grass.

We would also like to thank the Saskatoon Hilltops for coming through for us again to assist us with another project. The Hilltops planted trees for us for two days on their bye week. We are very proud of our association with the Hilltops Football Club, and we appreciate everything these young men do for us.

MVP for Ethier

Trevor Ethier sends an off-speed pitch to the plate for the Melfort 222’s on August 31 at Joe Gallagher Field during action at Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Ethier still keeps adding accolades to his decorated athletic career in both softball and hockey. He would be named the MVP of the master men’s nationals posting a .400 batting average, a .538 on base percentage and three runs batted in at the plate. He also posted a .460 earned run average in 15 innings pitched.

222’s pack the park

A big crowd turned out to see the Melfort 222’s play at Joe Gallagher Field on August 31 as part of game action at Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. The 222’s would post a 7-4 victory over the Alberta Pirates.

Force Master Men’s Canadian champs

The Cobourg Force from Ontario pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s Master Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on September 1 at Joe Gallagher Field. They beat the Melfort 222’s 5-3 in the gold medal contest. This photo comes courtesy Softball Canada.

Hitmen claim Men’s Canadian title

The Galway Hitmen from Newfoundland pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of Softball Canada’s Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on September 1 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. They downed the Toronto Batmen 9-8 in eight innings in the gold medal contest. This photo comes courtesy Softball Canada.

Running with power

Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears running back Elijah Doleman powers his way downfield in an SSSAD high school football game on September 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Doleman and the Bears blanked the Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers 14-0.

Open field magic

St. Joseph High School Guardians running back Samuel Lafreniere weaves his way through the Centennial Collegiate Chargers defence in an SSSAD high school football game on September 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Lafreniere and the Guardians downed the Chargers 44-16.

Let it rip

Mary Lee McNeil fires a pitch to home plate for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 6 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The U of S sided downed the Mount Royal University Cougars 10-1.

Big effort in the outfield

Thea Friesen makes a running catch in left field for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 8 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The U of S posted a 9-2 victory over the U of Regina Cougars to complete a series of six games at home over three days posting a record of four wins and two ties.

Stretching to secure an out

Emma Maurice makes an impressive effort to stretch to catch a ball and keep her foot on first base to secure an out for the U of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team during Western Collegiate Softball Association game action on September 8 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. Maurice had many big defensive efforts helping the U of S take a 9-2 victory over the U of Regina Cougars to complete a series of six games at home over three days posting a record of four wins and two ties.