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.

Cubs claim seventh SPBL title in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Cubs celebrate their 18U AAA SPBL championship win.

The Saskatoon Cubs got hot at the right time.

Back on July 10, the Cubs dropped a 1-0 decision to the White Butte Broncos in White City. Having lost six out of their last seven games at that time, the Cubs saw their record fall to 14-13.

While the Cubs were still looking solid to earn a spot in the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament, it was uncertain how they would look once they got to that event, which would be held from July 24 to 27 at Cairns Field and Leakos Field.

The Cubs proceeded to close the regular season with five straight wins to improve to 19-13 and sit fifth in the SPBL’s 18U AAA standings. They kept rolling at provincials posting a 3-1 record in preliminary round play to top Pool A.

Reese Brons fires a pitch to the plate for the Cubs.

On playoff round Sunday on July 27, the Cubs had their best day of the 2025 campaign to date. They blanked the Regina Athletics 10-0 in a semifinal contest with Tyson Dale pitching a complete game victory and hitting a three-run home run. 

In the championship final, the Cubs blew past the Regina White Sox 12-2 with Reese Brons throwing a complete game victory, while driving in five runs on two hits.

All of a sudden, the Cubs are 10-1 in their last 11 games, and they captured their seventh 18U AAA SPBL title in the process. They will take part in Baseball Canada’s 18U National Championship tournament to be played August 14 to 17 in Fort McMurray, Alta.

Our photo roundup for August 2025 is anchored by the exploits of the Cubs. Our lead photo shows the Cubs celebrating with the provincial championship plaque after winning the 18U AAA SPBL title game.

Reid Wandler (#18) has fun after the Cubs 18U AAA SPBL title win.

The second photo sees Brons tossing a pitch to home plate during the championship contest. The third picture shows Reid Wandler having fun during the post-game celebrations jumping into the arms of one of his teammates.

Along with the pictures of Cubs provincial title win, this photo roundup includes more shots from 18U AAA SPBL provincials. 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 18 shots we hope you enjoy.

Update complete

The sign featuring the championship win totals of the Saskatoon Valkyries and Saskatoon Hilltops sits in the north end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field. It was recently updated to note the Valkyries have won 10 WWCFL titles after taking the league championship on June 28 against the host Edmonton Arctic Pride at Commonwealth Stadium. The Hilltops have won an impressive and seemingly unbelievable 23 CJFL championships.

Off to the races

Receiver Dylan Borstmayer jets into the open field after making a catch for the Gryphons during Saskatoon Touch Football League action on July 22 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Gryphons prevailed over the Wolves 47-28.

Pass under pressure

A quarterback from the Mario Bros unloads a pass downfield under the pressure of a rush by a Midwest Sportswear Untouchables pass rusher. The Untouchables got past the Mario Bros 22-11.

Safe!

Saskatoon Diamondbacks base runner Kaden Prosofsky slides in safely at third base during his team’s opening game at the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 24 at Leakos Field. The Diamondbacks prevailed over the Saskatoon Giants 5-4 in this contest that required two extra innings.

Home sweet home

Saskatoon Giants base runner Emmett Goetz crosses home plate during his team’s final preliminary round game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 26 at Leakos Field. The Giants fell 4-2 in this contest to the Swift Current 57s. The two squads met in a standings tiebreaker game, which the Giants claimed 14-9. The Giants proceeded to fall in a provincial semifinal 5-4 to the Regina White Sox.

Berries home game fun

A trio of youngsters take part in a fun promotional race at a Saskatoon Berries WCBL regular season game on July 26 at Cairns Field. Part of the reason the Berries attract big crowds to their games is because the hold creative and fun promotions throughout their contests.

Perfect bunt

Saskatoon Cubs hitter Kaden Dimen lays down a textbook bunt during the title game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 27 at Cairns Field. Dimen and the Cubs rolled past the Regina White Sox 12-2 for the win.

Cubs are the champs

The Saskatoon Cubs pose for the customary team photo after winning the title game of the 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament on July 27 at Cairns Field. This was the first provincial championship win for the Cubs since 2022 and their seventh in team history.

Opening ceremonies salute for Moore

Dave Moore, front left, received a wall mount from Softball Canada to recognize his contribution by umpiring in the sport for 50 years. Moore received the recognition during the opening ceremonies for the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship and the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournaments held at Bob Van Impe Stadium on July 30.

Hard line drive

Saskatoon Selects hitter Rayn Ray drives a hit through the infield during a preliminary round contest at the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament the evening of July 30 at Joe Gallagher Field. The Selects would drop a 10-1 decision to Equipe Quebec.

Eye on the ball

Catcher Abby Burgess of the Saskatoon Prairie Pirates tracks the ball into her glove during action at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 1 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Pirates downed the Saskatoon Tigers 11-6 for a third win that was part of a four-game winning streak.

Going yard

Hitter Lyndsay Koscielski of the Carnduff Southeast Steelers nails a three-run home run during a first versus second place page playoff game on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Koscielski’s homer powered the Steelers to a 6-1 win over Equipe Quebec and earn a berth in the event’s championship game.

Happy home arrival

Hitter Lyndsay Koscielski of the Carnduff Southeast Steelers jumps on home plate to complete a jaunt around the bases after hitting a three-run home run in a first versus second place page playoff game on August 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium at the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament. Koscielski’s teammates were waiting to celebrate the round tripper for the veteran shortstop.

Special delivery

Chatsworth Longhorns pitcher Joseph Weiler unloads an off-speed pitch to home plate during the title game of the U20 Men’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 3 at Joe Gallagher Field. In a battle of Ontario, the Longhorns downed the Plattsville Lightning 6-4 to take the tournament championship.

Stealth snag bronze

The Saskatoon Stealth pose for a customary team photo after being awarded their bronze medals following the conclusion of the Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship tournament on August 3 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Stealth finished the tournament with a 6-3 record.

Let it rip for record win 45

Saskatoon Berries pitcher Klevert Martina goes through his delivery to send a pitch to home plate during a WCBL regular season contest on August 3 at Cairns Field. The Berries downed the Medicine Hat Mavericks 14-10 after 10 innings in this contest for their 45th win, which is a new record for the most wins in one WCBL regular season. The Berries would top the final WCBL regular season standings with a 46-9 mark.

Ready for launch

A local area track and field athlete launches a shot put during a practice session on August 7 at the Track and Field Track. The practice session was for athletes who will take part in the Canada Summer Games that started August 8 and runs through to August 25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The athletics competition is set for the second week of the event.

Perfecting all points of a throw

A local area track and field athlete works on all skill aspects of throwing a javelin during a practice session on August 7 at the Track and Field Track. The javelin thrower is a member of Saskatchewan’s Track and Field Team who will compete at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

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.